University of Oxford Prof. Dame Jessica Rawson visited the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) on February 5, where she met with Rector Fanny Vong Chuk Kwan and engaged in academic exchanges with faculty and students, according to a statement by the public university yesterday.
A scholar in Chinese art and archaeology, the statement noted, Rawson is a former Keeper of the Department of Oriental Antiquities at the British Museum and former Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford.
The statement added that she was appointed Dame* in recognition of her contributions to Oriental Studies.
According to the statement, Rawson, 83, currently collaborates academically with UTM’s assistant professor Gai Jorayev, and the visit aimed to further strengthen institutional exchange and cooperation.
During the meeting, Rawson spoke about the heritage value of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and expressed appreciation for UTM’s newly launched Cultural Heritage degree programmes, the statement said.
Vong thanked Prof. Rawson for her visit, saying it would enhance UTM’s international academic network and reinforce foundations for future collaboration in Cultural Heritage Studies, the statement noted, adding that Rawson also held in-depth discussions with faculty members and met individually with PhD students in Cultural Studies, offering feedback on their research proposals and methodologies.
According to the statement, the students described the session as “highly beneficial”. During her visit, she toured key heritage sites in the Historic Centre of Macau and Coloane, where she noted the diversity of monuments, the level of conservation and research, and the active involvement of UTM scholars in local heritage work.
*The title “Dame” is a honorific title in the UK, awarded to women as a recognition of their significant contributions to society, typically in fields such as arts, sciences, or public service. It is equivalent to the male title of “Sir,” and both titles are components of the British honours system. – Poe
This undated, captionless handout photo provided by the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) yesterday shows Dame Jessica Rawson of the University of Oxford (front, third from left) posing for a group photo alongside UTM’s assistant professor Gai Jorayev (front, second from right) with others outside the public university’s Educational Restaurant in Mong Ha.
