The 4th Annual Conference, organized by the Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences (IAS) of the University of Macau, was successfully held from November 7 to 8, 2024, at the UM Gallery Auditorium. The theme of this year’s conference, “Understanding the Population Dynamics: Multidisciplinary Perspectives on a Global Challenge,” brought together 25 distinguished experts, scholars, and industry leaders from both domestic and international institutions. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the conference facilitated in-depth discussions on the impact of population changes on society, policy, and individual lives. Over the course of two days, the event attracted many participants fostering significant academic exchanges.
The conference featured six panel discussions with experts and scholars from prestigious institutions, including the Fudan University, Wuhan University, East China Normal University, Shanghai Normal University, Southwest University of Political Science and Law, Zhejiang University of Technology, Jinan University, Lingnan University, Dalian University of Foreign Languages, Shantou University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Queensland, Maastricht University and the Institute of Sino-Christian Studies. By gathering perspectives from diverse scholars, the conference enabled the exchange of insights across disciplines and regions, deepening scholarly discussions and providing a valuable platform for UM faculty and IAS fellows to engage with leading experts, broadening their international perspectives.
The conference covered a range of topics, including policy and law, social change related to demographic trends, family and regional challenges, population and family dynamics, ethics, well-being, housing, and technology and privacy. Scholars discussed issues like fertility support in Mainland China, smart aging, the impact of population aging on family labor, ethical sensitivity in social integration, environmental ethics, and privacy in the digital era. The discussions emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder collaboration in tackling global challenges. The success of the conference not only fostered interdisciplinary dialogue but also provided new perspectives and solutions for global population challenges.
The Annual Conference has been a signature event of IAS, providing a platform for scholarly exchanges, exploring emerging research, and broadening international perspectives. Looking ahead, IAS is committed to staying aligned with global research trends, organizing impactful academic activities, fostering international collaboration, and contributing to addressing global challenges and promoting human welfare.
