To assist new students in integrating into the faculty community and to familiarize them with various aspects of campus life, Faculty of Finance hosted a new student welcome day for undergraduate freshmen on August 22. The event featured the participation of Dean Adrian Cheung, Assistant Professor Deqin Lin, Course Coordinator of the Bachelor Program, Professor Markus Leibrecht, Course Coordinator of the Finance Elite Cohort Program along with several other faculty members from the Faculty of Finance.

First of all, Dean Cheung delivered a welcome speech to the new students, providing a brief overview of the development history of the Faculty of Finance, the teaching evaluations, and the distinctive research results. He also outlined the future development plans of the faculty. In recent years, the faculty has significantly enhanced its academic standards and teaching quality, gaining international recognition. Dean Cheung highlighted the collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney to launch the “4+1” program, as well as the partnership with Curtin University to offer the '3.5+1.5' Accelerated Master's Pathway program. These initiatives provide eligible students of City University of Macau with direct entry opportunities for overseas studies. He emphasized the faculty's commitment to continuously improving academic standards and teaching quality, aiming to provide students with the best possible learning environment and resources, and encouraged students to engage actively in the faculty’s ongoing development.

Next, Assistant Professor Deqin Lin, the Course Coordinator for the Bachelor Program, provided new students with a comprehensive overview of the undergraduate program, including course development, credits, teaching activities, and certifications. He highlighted that the Bachelor of Applied Economics program at the Faculty of Finance joined the CFA Institute's University Affiliation Program in 2022 and received the BGA Gold Award in 2024. This recognition signifies that the program has been validated by renowned international organizations. Furthermore, since the curriculum was revised in 2018, it has become increasingly attractive, resulting in a yearly increase in student enrollment. Professor Lin also shared the historical data on undergraduate students' progression to further studies and employment, noting that many graduates have successfully pursued advanced degrees at prestigious universities. He encouraged the new students to strive for academic excellence, actively participate in extracurricular activities, and enhance their professional skills to achieve outstanding results in their future careers.

Professor Markus Leibrecht, Course Coordinator of the Elite Cohort Program, introduced the characteristics of Finance Elite Cohort, including small-class English teaching, enriching activities, and so on. This will offer students more opportunities to visit a range of companies and financial institutions, facilitating meaningful interactions with management personnel. This exposure will help students gain insights into the practical workings of the industry. Furthermore, Professor Markus emphasized the mentorship program within the Elite Cohort, ensuring that students receive timely feedback and guidance when facing challenges in their studies. He encouraged students to actively participate in various activities and to feel free to ask questions, as this not only promotes their own learning but also fosters a spirit of collective growth and mutual support within the cohort. He also shared the future pathways and reflections of previous graduates, particularly highlighting that this year's graduating cohort achieved a 100% placement rate, with all students successfully progressing to their desired graduate schools or entering the finance-related workforce. This fully demonstrates the outstanding training outcomes of the Elite Cohort, and he used this as an encouragement for more new students to join the program.

Next, two outstanding senior students were invited to share their learning experiences and personal growth journeys with the new students. They were YUCHENG GONG, a third-year student, and ZHUOYAN JIA, a fourth-year student. Both students reflected on their time studying at the Faculty of Finance, recounting how they gradually accumulated professional knowledge and practical insights through classroom learning experiences. They encouraged the freshmen to seize every learning opportunity, to be courageous in trying new things, and not to fear making mistakes, as every challenge presents a chance for growth. Their sincere sharing not only boosted the new students' confidence in their upcoming university life but also inspired everyone to embrace the learning journey ahead with a positive attitude.

The orientation not only helped the new students gain a comprehensive understanding of the structure and operations of the Faculty of Finance but also strengthened the connection between faculty and students. The Faculty of Finance wishes the new students’ great success in their academic journey and encourages them to strive continuously in their studies.