Keynote Speaker

Priscilla Roberts

Associate Professor, Faculty of Arts and Humanities,
University of Saint Joseph,

Macao S.A.R, China
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The Birth of a New Diocese in Macau: From 1557 to the Early 1600s

Abstract:

This talk focuses on the impulses that led to the formal establishment of a Roman Catholic diocese in Macau and its accomplishments during the early years of its existence. It discusses the role of early clerics in laying the ground for the creation of a diocese by building at least three churches in the territory, beginning in 1557. The contributions of Melchior Carneiro Leitão, generally considered the first bishop of Macau, even though he arrived before the formal establishment of the diocese, are discussed, especially his role in founding the Casa de Misericordia, to offer charitable services for those in need in Macau. Even today, the Catholic church plays a major role in providing social services of all kinds to the Macau community. The very conscious decision of the Catholic church to use Macau as a base for missionary activities in China and Japan not least by establishing the College of St. Paul, is highlighted, as are some of the religious and intellectual achievements of those priests when they succeeded in entering China and Japan. 

Keywords: Diocese of Macau; Bishop Melchior Carneiro Leitão; Jesuit order; College of St. Paul; Dominican order; Franciscan order

Institutional Speakers

Alexandre Lobo

Vice-Rector for Research
University of Saint Joseph

Macao S.A.R, China
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Adérito Fernandes-Marcos

Dean of the Doctoral School
University of Saint Joseph
Macao S.A.R, China
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International Speakers

Priscila Arantes

Professor in the Postgraduate Program (PPG) in Design
Anhembi Morumbi University, Brazil
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Media Art in Brazil: From the Dictatorship to the Contemporary Era

Abstract:

This lecture proposes an investigation into the paths of media art in Brazil, from the experimental and conceptual practices developed during the civil-military dictatorship to contemporary productions that incorporate digital technologies and artificial intelligence. The focus is on artistic production as a form of critical experimentation, activism, and network creation — understood both as technical infrastructures and political devices.

During the dictatorship, Brazilian artists sought ways to circumvent censorship and repression mechanisms through collective practices, interventions in alternative circuits, and experiments with unconventional media. In this context, the idea of the “network” emerges not only as an aesthetic solution but also as a strategy of resistance and political articulation. These practices laid the groundwork for an art engaged with technological and social transformations, which today gains new layers using AI and other digital media.

The lecture is grounded in the analysis of three recent exhibitions as case studies: “Venenosas, nocivas e suspeitas” by Giselle Beiguelman, which uses artificial intelligence to address environmental issues from a critical and feminist perspective; “Solastalgia” by Lucas Bambozzi, which explores the ecological and subjective impacts of mining in Minas Gerais through sensory and interactive technologies; and “Portals, Walkways and Pomanders”, a solo exhibition by Gilbertto Prado, curated by myself and Ana Magalhaes, which addresses environmental issues through networked experiences and collaborative installations. These works point to an expanded form of media art that challenges the boundaries between body, territory, nature, and technology.

Keywords: AI, Media art, Digital Culture, Resistance, Curatorship

Postdoc Fellows

Muhammad Imran

Postdoc Fellow
European Scientific Institution (ESI)
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AI and Critical Thinking in Language Learning: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract:

The present study investigates the complex relationship between the artificial intelligence (AI) tools and critical thinking skill development among language learners. This study uses a quantitative correlational method, and the data were collected from 107 language learners from higher education institutions through a structured questionnaire. To explore how AI tools support or hinder critical thinking skills, we applied critical thinking and constructive learning theories, along with descriptive statistics, data visualisation (using violin plots and heatmaps), and correlational analysis for data analysis. The findings highlighted the usage patterns of AI tools for language learning, the widespread adoption of AI tools among young language learners, and a strong positive correlation was observed between the perceived use of AI technology and self-reported engagement in critical thinking. At the same time, a significant negative correlation emerged between high AI dependency for academic work and the ability to analyse AI-generated content critically. These findings suggest that AI has the potential to foster personalised learning by providing feedback, scaffolding, and iterative learning. However, some critical concerns related to over-reliance, bias in AI-generated content, and ethical issues might hinder learners’ autonomous problem-solving, critical evaluation, and cognitive development. 

Keywords: AI; Critical thinking; Language education; Personalized learning; Pedagogical transformation

Doctoral Candidates

Antonio Wong Lee Chun

The “Cantonization” of Gregorian Chant: Some Preliminary Concerns

Abstract:

Gregorian chant is the music native to the Roman liturgy. The “Cantonization” of Gregorian chant refers to the stylistic and linguistic adaptation of Gregorian-style melodies to the Cantonese tongue as a means to maintain continuity with the traditional soundscape of the Roman Rite’s liturgical chant.

The Second Vatican Council’s reform aimed to make the Catholic liturgy more comprehensible by introducing the vernacular as a language of celebration. The form of music remains one of the most contentious issues in the reformed liturgy since the vernacular has emerged in the Church’s liturgical life. In most places where the reformed liturgy is celebrated, the tradition of singing Latin Gregorian chant gave way to vernacular hymns and songs. The abandonment of traditional plainchant constitutes the general musical impression of modern Catholic liturgy.

In his dissertation, Antonio proposes the rehabilitation of the Proper chants of the Mass by creating Cantonese liturgical chants which resemble the style of the Gregorian chant. Substituting the Proper chants of the Mass with metrical hymns and songs, as Antonio holds, not only poses discontinuity from the traditional use of plainchant but also confuses the theological and spiritual integrity between the music and the rite.

Antonio argues that the traditional soundscape created by Gregorian chant remains a permanent marker of the liturgical tradition and identity of the Catholic faith. The treasure of traditional sacred chants, as hallowed by the Second Vatican Council, is to be preserved and promoted with great effort. The idea of a “Cantonization” of Gregorian chant, as proposed by Antonio, is a remedy to retrieve the liturgical sensation and theological integrity of liturgical chant in modern Roman liturgy.

Keywords: Liturgical chant, Cantonese, Gregorian chant, Roman liturgy, Second Vatican Council.