On October 5, 2026, Professor Paul Kwong-Hang Tam, Vice President of Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), and Dr. Bo Li, Assistant Professor at the Precision Regenerative Medicine Research Centre (PRMRC), represented MUST at the international medical seminar "Global Medical Frontiers: Innovation, Resilience and Sharing" in Astana, Kazakhstan. The seminar was jointly organized by GX Foundation, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Nazarbayev University (NU). During the event, MUST and NU formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), opening new opportunities for collaboration in medical education, scientific research, and talent development.
The seminar brought together medical experts and healthcare professionals from Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Kazakhstan, and other countries and regions. Discussions focused on clinical innovation, healthcare systems management, public health, medical education, and international cooperation. The event was attended by Mr. Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Chairman of GX Foundation, alongside representatives from government agencies, universities, and healthcare institutions.
Signing MoU to Expand International Academic Partnerships
During the seminar, MUST and Nazarbayev University held a formal MoU signing ceremony. Professor Paul Kwong-Hang Tam, Vice President of MUST, and Professor Ng Huck-Hui, Vice President for Medicine and Dean of the School of Medicine at Nazarbayev University, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective institutions.
Under the MoU, the two universities will strengthen cooperation in education, scientific research, and academic and cultural exchanges. The agreement provides a framework for exploring joint research initiatives, faculty and researcher exchanges, and collaborative talent development, laying the foundation for a long-term institutional partnership.
Memorandum of Understanding Signing ceremony between Macau University of Science and Technology and Nazarbayev University
Paul Tam Kwong-Hang, Vice President of MUST (left) and Ng Huck-Hui, Vice President for Medicine and Dean of the School of Medicine at Nazarbayev University (Left) signed on the Memorandum of Understanding.
The event was witnessed by: Leung Chun-ying (left), Waqar Ahmad (right)
This agreement represents an important step in expanding MUST's academic partnerships with leading research universities in Central Asia and creates new opportunities for deeper collaboration in medical education and research innovation.
Professor Paul Tam Delivers Two Presentations on Medical Innovation and Education
Professor Tam delivered two presentations at the seminar, addressing advances in pediatric minimally invasive surgery and regenerative medicine, as well as medical education and talent development.
During the morning session on clinical technologies, Professor Tam presented "Minimally Invasive Surgery and Regenerative Medicine for Infants and Children." He highlighted research advances and clinical applications in these fields, emphasizing the potential of minimally invasive surgical techniques and regenerative medicine to improve the treatment and care of infants and children.
Professor Paul Kwong-Hang Tam, Vice President of MUST, delivers a presentation on "Minimally Invasive Surgery and Regenerative Medicine for Infants and Children."
In the afternoon session on medical education and workforce development, Professor Tam delivered a presentation entitled "Building a Medical and Health Education System with Limited Resources." He shared MUST's experiences and achievements in medical education, talent development, and medical research, while exchanging perspectives with international colleagues on future directions and opportunities for collaboration in medical education.
Professor Paul Tam delivers a presentation entitled "Building a Medical and Health Education System with Limited Resources."
Professor Tam has extensive experience in pediatric surgery, regenerative medicine, and medical education. His two invited presentations highlighted MUST's active engagement in international academic exchange and its commitment to advancing clinical medicine, basic research, and medical education.
Visit to Nazarbayev University's School of Medicine and Research Facilities to Explore Scientific Collaboration
During the visit, the MUST delegation also toured Nazarbayev University's School of Medicine and its laboratory animal research facility (Vivarium), gaining insights into the university's medical research activities, experimental animal facilities, and research infrastructure.
Dr. Bo Li, Assistant Professor at MUST's Centre for Precision and Regenerative Medicine Research, engaged in academic discussions with faculty members and researchers at Nazarbayev University. The exchanges covered basic medical research, disease mechanisms, regenerative medicine, and research infrastructure development. Both sides also explored potential opportunities for future collaboration in joint research projects, technical exchanges, and the training of early-career researchers.
MUST's Centre for Precision and Regenerative Medicine Research is committed to advancing precision medicine, regenerative medicine, and interdisciplinary biomedical research. Its research activities encompass pediatric diseases, intestinal regeneration, stem cell and organoid technologies, and multi-omics approaches. The visit helped strengthen mutual understanding between researchers from the two universities and laid the groundwork for potential collaborative research initiatives.
Strengthening Medical Research Partnerships under the Belt and Road Initiative
Kazakhstan is an important partner in the Belt and Road Initiative. In 2013, President Xi Jinping first proposed the joint development of the Silk Road Economic Belt during a visit to Nazarbayev University, marking a significant milestone in cooperation between China and Central Asian countries.
The signing of the MoU between MUST and Nazarbayev University further strengthens academic ties between the two institutions and creates new opportunities for universities in Macao to participate in international research and educational cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Looking ahead, MUST will continue to leverage Macao's unique position as a bridge connecting mainland China and the international community. Through research platforms such as the Centre for Precision and Regenerative Medicine Research, MUST will actively expand partnerships with leading universities and research institutions worldwide, promote innovation in medical education, scientific research, talent development, and research translation, and contribute to the development of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area as an international science and technology innovation hub.
(From Left) Prof. Chan Ying Yang. Prof. Paul Kwong-Hang Tam, Dr. Leung Chun-ying, Prof. Ng Huck-Hui, Assistant Professor Bo Li
