“An Amazing Life as a Diplomat – Dialogue Between Professor Li Zhaoxing and MPI Students” was held in MPI Lecture Theatre on January 20, 2015.

In his welcoming speech Professor Lei Heong Iok, President of Macao Polytechnic Institute (MPI), commented that “Professor Li Zhaoxing, former Foreign Minister, together with Dr. Henry Kissinger, former Secretary of State of the United States, visited MPI in 2009. We have been longing for the guests to visit us again for five years. Today, the former Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing is again here at MPI with the title of Honorary Professor of MPI to hold a dialogue with students, which is a great honour for MPI and also to higher education in Macao. All staff and students at MPI welcome Honorary Professor Li Zhaoxing with open arms, and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Professor Li for his constant support for MPI!”

Former Foreign Minister and MPI Honorary Professor Li Zhaoxing emphasised in his speech that every single one of us, no matter how successful we are, is forever young before history and the country because we will always be young learners before knowledge. Honorary Professor Li shared his views on topics such as the State’s foreign policy, challenges he faced during his life as a diplomat, cultural integration and differences between Chinese and Western culture for three decades since the reform and opening-up policy, China’s road from a manufacturing to an innovative power, and the characteristics which an excellent diplomat should possess. His dialogue with students is indeed a precious lecture on diplomatic knowledge and a philosophy of life. Furthermore he noted that the world changes every minute, therefore, a diplomat should possess basic qualities in language, culture and politics, and he should also be knowledgeable, keep himself up-to-date with new happenings in the world, be patriotic, and that it is only when he is fearless to sacrifice that he can he realise his life’s goals. Professor Li encouraged the younger generation to cultivate their qualities of patriotism, modesty, rigour, respect, passion and friendliness to study well and make progress every day, and to contribute to the society and the country. Professor Li’s eloquent speech exhibited his affection for the country, the people and his career. The audience were deeply moved and gave resounding rounds of applause to show their appreciation.

More than 200 students from the Mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, America and Portugal attended the Dialogue, with many in the audience standing in the aisles because of the packed house.

The Dialogue ended wit Professor Li stepping down from the stage, saying goodbye and shaking hands with students standing in the aisle.

Honorary Professor Li Zhaoxing’s delegation had a campus visit at MPI the following day.