As one of the most long-awaited celebratory activities of KWNC’s 90th anniversary, the Alumni Meeting was held at the College’s Lecture Theatre on 22 November 2013. The meeting, organized by the Alumni Association of Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau and the Hospital Kiang Wu Nursing and Midwifery School of Macau (Alumni Association of KWNC & KWNMS), aims at strengthening the ties of alumni and current students of different classes and giving a brief report on the College’s 10-year development plan, and most importantly at providing alumni with a platform to reminisce about the life at the College.

The meeting took place at 11am, joined by Ms. Li Xiuhua, Board Chair of Chinese Nursing Association, Professor Chen Jinli, Associate Dean of the School of Nursing of Peking Union Medical College, Ms. Zhang Zhenlu, Board Chair of Guangdong Nursing Association, Professor Florence Van Iat Kio, President of Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, and Ms. Leong Pou Heng, President of Alumni Association of KWNC & KWNMS.

In her speech, President Leong Pou Heng notes that it is a great privilege to work as health care professionals because they are highly respected and trusted by patients. She encourages the young generation of nurses and nursing students to study hard and pursue continuous education, and to serve Macao’s nursing profession with all their heart and soul. President Leong also hopes that all College members will continue to make concerted efforts and build a brilliant future for the College.

The College attaches great importance to its future planning. President Van Iat Kio hopes that, in the coming ten years, the College will keep on carrying forward the spirit of Florence Nightingale and fulfilling its educational philosophy of “From Personhood to Benevolence”. It is also hoped that the College will make an effort to nurture more excellent nursing professionals for Macau upon the inauguration of the new campus in the outlying islands. In her work report, President Van indicates that the Government is going to inject about ten billion dollars to expand Macau’s health care services through a number of initiatives including the establishment of a new hospital and the introduction of advanced medical equipment. In response to society’s pressing demand for nursing professionals, President Van hopes that the “New Higher Education Act” will be passed by the Legislative Assembly soon so as to make the increment of student intake possible, and by which to attract more talents of the younger generation to enter the nursing profession. In the end, President Van hopes that the College will make continuous innovations and reforms for heading to its centenary.

In the meeting, a number of alumni including Ms. Iong Choi Fong returning from Guangzhou, Ms. U Soi I from Hong Kong, Ms. Lam Sok Fan from the United States and some local alumni including Mr. Ng Hou Tek, Ms. Leong Pou Heng, Ms. Lei Sut Peng, Ms. Leong Iok Wa, Ms. U Wai Ang, Ms. Lai Kin Chi, Ms. Wong Meng Fa, Ms. Lok Ka In, Ms. Wong Sio Leng and Ms. Sun Ho Ian were invited to share with the audience their recollections at the College and all their thoughts and feelings of being a nurse. The meeting not only brought together alumni and students to relive the College’s historic moments, but also provided an opportunity for alumni to meet one another after a long separation. On that day, the entire meeting was held in an atmosphere of happiness and enthusiasm.

After the meeting, alumni went on a short tour to pay visits to the cultural heritage sites of Macao and experience its unique Portuguese culture. In the evening, the College hosted the 90th Anniversary Gala Dinner for the alumni and that marked a grand finale to the day’s activities.