Macau University of Science and Technology Hosts Anniversary Special Lecture by 2026 Honorary Doctor Mr. George Yong-Boon YEO — Living with Discontinuity

From right: Vice-President Pang Chuan presented a souvenir to Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo

As part of the celebrations for the 26th anniversary of Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), the Anniversary Special Series – Session 3 was successfully held on the morning of 27 March 2026, at Block N N101 Hall. The distinguished lecture, entitled “Living with discontinuity”, was delivered by Professor George Yong-Boon Yeo, the Former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Republic of Singapore, Visiting Scholar of Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy of the National University of Singapore, Founding Patron of Asia Competitiveness Institute of the National University of Singapore, Distinguished Nonresident Fellow of Centre on Contemporary China and the World at the Hong Kong University, and a recipient of the 2026 Honorary Doctor of MUST.

The event was attended by Chen Xin Yu, Deputy Director of Department of Health Science, Technology and Education of National Health Commission of China; John Lee Chi-Kin, President of Education University of Hong Kong; Wang Lin, Vice-President of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Cheng Chun Mei, Vice-President of Zhuhai College of Science and Technology; Li Wei Dong, Director of International office of Ocean University of China; Lei Wai Kan, Dean of School of Education of Macau Millennium College; Yang Guo Zuo, Deputy Dean of Qiu Shi College of Taiyuan University of Technology; Shu Li, Director for Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Affairs of Office of Global Affairs of Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School; Chen Ji Min, Vice-Chairman and Secretary-General (Concurrent) of the University Council of MUST; Pang Chuan, Vice-President of MUST; Su Hsiang Mei and Lam Ka Vai Carlos, members of University Council of MUST; representatives from mainland and local universities, secondary schools, media, enterprises, institutions; as well as members of the University Advisory Committee, staff, faculty, students and MUST alumni.

Vice-President Pang Chuan delivering a speech

In his opening remarks, Professor Pang Chuan, Vice-President of MUST, extended a warm welcome to Mr. George Yeo and the distinguished guests in attendance. He emphasized Mr. Yeo’s contributions as former diplomat, academic and social activist, describing him as a world-renowned contributor of ideas and wisdom to the world, whose insights deepen understanding the current international situation marked by complex geopolitics and profound challenges, the clash of civilizations, and the growing polarization between the East and the West. Professor Pang Chuan stressed that in such a context it is imperative to embrace greater wisdom, drawing on Mr. Yeo’s global perspective, and he reaffirmed the University’s commitment to advancing both teaching and research, attracting talents from all fields, upholding the twin pillars of “quality” and “innovation,” and leveraging the advantages of a non-profit private university.

Mr. George Yong-Boon YEO delivered the anniversary academic lecture

Mr. George YEO pointed out geopolitical, geo-economic and social stresses are intensifying worldwide. The AI revolution, he observed, opens a new chapter in human history. Recent conflicts demonstrate that many once-unthinkable scenarios have become thinkable. Discontinuities must be expected, even though we often cannot predict where or when they will happen. These disruptions bring both dangers and opportunities. His lecture explored how countries, corporations and individuals might best respond to inevitable uncertainties.

Group Photo

Mr. George YEO is a Visiting Scholar at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, and Founding Patron of its Asia Competitiveness Institute. From 1988 to 2011, he held ministerial office in the Singapore Government, serving as Minister for Information and the Arts, Minister for Health, Minister for Trade and Industry, and Minister for Foreign Affairs. He began his career in the Singapore Armed Forces, rising to Brigadier-General as Chief-of-Staff of the Air Staff and Director of Joint Operations and Planning in the Ministry of Defense. He holds a BA in Engineering (Double First) from Cambridge University and an MBA (Baker Scholar) from Harvard University. Mr. Yeo has contributed extensively to international and academic institutions and serves on numerous boards and advisory councils.