[Interview Highlights with Honorary Doctor of MUST] Professor Qian Chengdan: Rooted in Macao’s Distinctive Character, Deepening Research in Historical Studies
Back[Interview Highlights with Honorary Doctor of MUST]
Professor Qian Chengdan: Rooted in Macao’s Distinctive Character, Deepening Research in Historical Studies
Professor Qian Chengdan
Distinguished Guest Professor, Institute for Social and Cultural Research of MUST
Distinguished Historian
2026 Honorary Doctor of Humanities of MUST
On the occasion of its 26th anniversary, Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) conferred honorary doctoral degrees upon seven distinguished individuals in 2026. Professor Qian Chengdan was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Humanities, becoming the first historian to receive this honor from the university.
Professor Qian Chengdan is one of the most influential scholars in the field of World History in China. His research spans British history, European history, modernization, great power issues, civilizational exchange and mutual learning, and regional and country studies. His achievements are outstanding and have won wide recognition.
[Understanding Chinese-Style Modernization Through the Lens of Civilizational Diversity]
“Diversity is a fundamental characteristic of civilization, and the paths to modernization are varied and multiple.” As a pioneer in modernization studies, Professor Qian first shared his views on civilization and modernity. He believes that although Western countries took the lead in modernization transformation, it is wrong to regard their experience as the “only correct way” under the lens of “Western-centrism.” “Every country and region should seek its own correct path to modernization based on the characteristics of its own civilization.” Taking China as an example, its modernization has undergone more than two hundred years of arduous exploration — from the Opium War, the Self-Strengthening Movement, the Hundred Days’ Reform, to the Xinhai Revolution. “Our modernization is Chinese-style modernization. This kind of modernization offers highly positive inspiration for changes in world modernization as a whole. However, China’s modernization is still in the process of transformation, and the Chinese people still shoulder the historical mission of advancing and completing modernization.”
[Macao’s Advantages in Regional and Country Studies]
As a leading figure in regional and country studies, Professor Qian believes that Macao possesses inherent advantages in this field. “Macao is one of the earliest regions where Chinese and Western cultures came into contact. During the Age of Discovery, Western navigators brought Western ideas, culture, religion, and ways of life. Western imports merged well with Chinese cultural traditions in Macao, giving the city its unique character.” Regrettably, even today, Macao’s position in world history has not been fully explored. “In the Age of Discovery, Portugal and Spain connected the existing commercial regions and trade routes across the world through their circumnavigations. Macao played an important role in this process, linking the new global maritime route with the ancient overland routes of the East Asian continent.” Professor Qian has documented these research findings in the book series “Global History and Macao Studies”, which he led and edited. He noted that there is still much to uncover in Macao’s history, and Chinese scholars should work harder to tell Macao’s story well and contribute their efforts.
[Public Dissemination of Historical Scholarship]
While focusing on academic research, Professor Qian has also devoted himself to the public dissemination of outstanding scholarly achievements. Over the years, he has served as academic advisor for the CCTV documentary “The Rise of Great Powers” and published accessible academic works such as “That Piece of Western Soil” and “Winds Rise and Clouds Fly”, which appeal to general readers. Professor Qian believes that a scholar with a sense of social responsibility should not only produce “highbrow” works at the academic forefront but also build connections between research outcomes and ordinary people, using more “down-to-earth” expressions so that excellent results can reach a wider audience.
[Message to MUST: Witnessing Yesterday’s Great Changes, Looking Forward to Tomorrow’s Glory]
Since 2002, Professor Qian has witnessed the development and transformation of Macau University of Science and Technology. He recalled: “When I first arrived, the university had only a few scattered buildings, surrounded by reed marshes and swamps. Now the entire campus is beautiful, and the range of disciplines has become very rich.”
After more than twenty years of development, MUST has grown into a well-known university with significant influence. On the occasion of the university’s 26th anniversary, Professor Qian extended his blessings to MUST and its students: “I look forward to MUST achieving even greater brilliance and perfection in the next 26 years! I hope all students will unite and work hard, striving diligently to contribute to the nation and society!”