To honor outstanding local Macao students in Portuguese, the Casa de Portugal em Macau (The Home of Portugal in Macao) held an award ceremony at the Glass House at Tap Seac Square on Portugal’s Republic Day. Mok Man Sam, a student from the Bachelor’s degree programme in Chinese-Portuguese/Portuguese-Chinese Translation and Interpretation at the Macao Polytechnic University Faculty of Languages and Translation, received the Best Student of Portuguese Award.

The award was personally presented by the president of Casa de Portugal em Macau, Amélia António, who expressed her delight at the increasing number of students receiving recognition this year. This trend showcases the proactive efforts of various schools in cultivating Portuguese talent and serves as an affirmation for the students. The Best Student of Portuguese Award, established 15 years ago, aims to promote the development of Portuguese language and culture in Macao while commending individuals who have achieved outstanding results in Portuguese learning and cultural exchange. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of Macao’s unique cultural values and characteristics, enabling the region to play a more active role in the development of the Greater Bay Area.

During an interview, Mok Man Sam expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Macao Polytechnic University and his teachers for providing him with invaluable opportunities. These opportunities allowed him to engage in research projects, internships and volunteer efforts, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. He views this prestigious award as a testament to his dedication and perseverance in learning Portuguese and draws inspiration from it to confront future challenges as he continues to master the language. Mok also shared his aspirations of pursuing further education in the Master’s programme of Chinese-Portuguese Translation and Interpreting at the University, believing that this path will deepen his understanding and equip him to excel as a professional translator.

Over the years, Macao Polytechnic University has remained committed to providing high-quality education and nurturing a multitude of exceptional talents in the field of language and translation. This commitment has not only supported the development of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government but also contributed to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Bachelor’s degree programme in Chinese-Portuguese/Portuguese-Chinese Translation and Interpretation, offered by the Faculty of Languages and Translation, stands as the only undergraduate programme of its kind in the Macao region, garnering widespread acclaim and popularity among students and various sectors of society.