A delegation led by Prof Liu Wenqing, rector of the Open University of Guangdong, visited the City University of Macau (CityU Macau) today (9). Prof Kong Fanqing, Vice-Rector of CityU Macau, warmly received the group and introduced the development and achievement of the University.

Vice-Rector Kong said that “to in line with the Macao SAR Government’s policy objective to enhancing social services, CityU Macau launched the first market-orientated master’s degree programme in social work with local characteristics of gerontology and management of ageing services to nurture high-end talents in social work to serve the city.”

Prof Kong also gave an overview of the International Training and Testing Center (ITTC) inaugurated last year. She introduced ITTC’s mission to develop high-quality teaching models, optimise programme design with market-orientated characteristics, and offer vocational training and certificate programmes that meet the community’s needs.

Rector Liu Wenqing said that the Open University of Guangdong integrates advanced information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to respond to the challenges brought by population ageing and offers comprehensive support services for the seniors. She said that the Open University of Guangdong is committed to improving the social services mechanism of the seniors, promoting intensive integration of geriatric education, geriatric social work, smart services for seniors and standardisation of elderly-related services.

Rector Liu Wenqing said the Open University of Guangdong is currently building the first national demonstration base to develop smart health and care services for seniors in the southern Chinese Guangdong Province. She expressed her hope to collaborate with CityU Macau to develop joint degree programmes, training and certificate courses related to gerontology to cultivate professionals to cater for social demand.