The Macao Polytechnic Institute (MPI) organised a national flag-raising ceremony for the first time this academic year on 15 September 2021, when face-to-face teaching, previously suspended for COVID-19 related reasons, was resumed on the same day. The national flag-raising ceremony not only enhances MPI students’ sense of identity and belonging to their motherland, but also embodies their patriotism and love for China and Macao.

The flag raising ceremony was immaculately executed by the student flag raising team, who marched in with sonorous steps under clearly audible oral commands, respectfully carrying the neatly folded flags of the People’s Republic of China, the Macao Special Administrative Region and the Macao Polytechnic Institute. Leading members at the front of the procession, stepped up to the flag podium in unison with flags in hand. With the national anthem playing majestically in the background, the flag bearers threw the flags, which had already been hung on the flag poles, in one uniform swinging movement and started raising them up, passionately sending blessings and love to their motherland and Macao as well as to their fellow students at the beginning of the new academic year. The scene was solemn and grand.

The flag raising team consisted of MPI students majoring in various academic disciplines. Mr. Dai Yiming, majoring in Sino-Lusophone trade relations, joined the national-flag raising team in his freshman year at the Institute. He said that he is proud of his country and the Chinese people every time he stands under the national flag when it is being slowly raised high. During his undergraduate study at MPI, Yiming actively participated in many activities organised by the Institute. He has travelled abroad for a one-year exchange study, thus broadening his international horizons. When he returned to Macao, he immediately resumed his role as a flag bearer performing at the Institute’s flag raising ceremonies. Another flag bearer, Ms. Sun Keyu, who is majoring in international Chinese language education, said that she received the flag-raising training alongside other fellow teammates from different academic disciplines, and has performed flag-raising ceremonies with them many times, and in the process established a good tacit understanding and profound friendship with them, which she would forever treasure and hold dear to her heart. These were precious and unforgettable experiences.

Those who attended the national flag-raising ceremony included: Professor Im Sio Kei, Marcus, President of the Macao Polytechnic Institute; members of the Institute’s Administrative Board, School Directors, Department Heads, academic staff and students.