MACAO? -- The University of Macau (UM) on Thursday told media that it has recently held its second joint symposium with the Macao Union Medical Center, drawing more than 100 medical experts and scholars to deepen cooperation in medical research, education, and clinical practice.

The two sides reached consensus on topics such as research and clinical data sharing, mechanisms for student and clinical staff exchanges, and systematic cooperation in precision medicine and the diagnosis and treatment of major diseases, according to the university.

Liu Zhengyin, director of the Macao Union Medical Center, also known as the Islands Healthcare Complex -- Macao Medical Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, said during the event that the partnership between both parties integrates the strengths and resources of both institutions in scientific research, thereby enhancing the standard of medical education in Macao and supporting the cultivation of medical professionals.

For his part, Ge Wei, vice-rector of UM, highlighted that UM's plan to establish a Faculty of Medicine in its new campus in Hengqin is of significant strategic importance, and that the Macao Union Medical Center will serve as a core partner in UM's clinical teaching and research collaboration.

Earlier this month, the university announced that it will restructure and establish the Faculty of Medicine and four other science and technology faculties.