EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW • 人物專訪 39 2024 UMAGAZINE 30 • 澳大新語 in teaching and curriculum internationalisation, and expanded partnerships with overseas universities, all with the aim to provide students with a learning platform that aligns with global standards. The recent visit to Macao was a crucial step in his internationalisation strategy to further strengthen cooperation between universities in China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Learning From UM’s Education Model and Management Practices Nearly two decades after graduating from UM, Guilherme Júnior returned to UM as UEM rector, leading a delegation of academic and administrative leaders. The delegation visited various units, including the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Business Administration, Moon Chun Memorial College, and Information and Communications Technology Office, to gain insights into UM’s international education model and management practices. Guilherme Júnior shares, ‘Since its relocation to Hengqin Island, UM has made remarkable progress. The current campus is equipped with state-of-the-art teaching facilities. Therefore, we came to UM to learn from its experiences, particularly its digital and modern management model. We also hope that UM can provide us with technical support.’ During his visit, Guilherme Júnior met with UM Rector Yonghua Song and Vice Rector Rui Martins. They discussed academic collaboration, as well as university management and development. In addition, a memorandum of understanding was signed to further strengthen collaboration and exchanges in academic research, talent cultivation and mutual visits between the two universities. He describes the visit as very encouraging, believing that deepening collaboration can enhance the international teaching standards of both universities. He says, ‘As a UM alumnus, I hope to see more students and academic staff choosing UM as a destination for further education. As rector of UEM, I believe that this visit is an important step in our strategy to expand our overseas network, which will ultimately contribute to the quality of higher education in Mozambique.’ Cultivating a Global Perspective in Students According to Guilherme Júnior, UM features a vibrant cross-cultural academic environment. He still has a vivid picture of the lively discussions among students trade disputes arising from economic globalisation were adjudicated through international laws. This research has also become a valuable reference source. Reflecting on this experience, he shares, ‘Prof Wei has taught me how to conduct research in legal studies and the importance of the spirit of scholarship as an academic. My studies at UM have proven very beneficial to my subsequent academic and professional development.’ Pursuing a Career in Higher Education in Mozambique After graduating from UM in 2008, Guilherme Júnior returned to his home country and joined UEM again—this time as a professor and researcher. He has since focused his academic research on international legal issues and has authored several articles, including Legal Protection of Mozambique Telecommunication Union and Multilateral Environmental Agreements and International Trade Facilitation. Some of his works have also been featured in Macau Law Review, a journal published by UM FLL. Moreover, he has published three books. Guilherme Júnior’s years of dedicated service at UEM were highly commended. In addition to his teaching position in the Faculty of Law at UEM, he also served as director of the University Centre for Regional Integration Law and director of the European Union Cooperation Office, making significant contributions to the university’s development. Furthermore, he held positions such as dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Zambeze University and coordinator of law courses of the Faculty of Economics and Management at the Catholic University of Mozambique. Through these roles, Guilherme Júnior has made notable contributions to enhancing the teaching standards in Mozambican universities. Despite these prestigious positions, he remained committed to his personal and professional growth. He pursued doctoral studies and successfully obtained a PhD in law from UEM in 2019. He believes that it is his civic responsibility to serve his country by utilising his knowledge and expertise. In 2022, Guilherme Júnior was appointed rector of UEM by the president of Mozambique, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi. As the university’s leader, he has actively implemented reforms, promoted innovation
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