On 14th February 2025, Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau (KWNC) successfully held a seminar on 'The Evolution of Nursing Care Model and Historical Development', and was honoured to welcome Lo Sio Ha, the 35th alumni of the College and the first Florence Nightingale Medalist in Macao, and Leong Iok Wa, the Vice-President of the Nurses Association of Macau and 37th alumnus of the College, who kindly took on the role of keynote speakers. The seminar was delivered by Assistant Professor U Wai Ang and attracted more than 100 participants to explore the developmental history and future outlook of the nursing profession.
 
Alumna Lo Sio Ha: From Tradition to Modernity, Transformation and Challenges in Nursing Model
As the first recipient of the Florence Nightingale Medal in Macao, Alumna Lo Sio Ha reflected on her career from nursing student to nursing professional, detailing the evolution of the nursing model from functional to accountable to accountable[YC1] . She also shared her personal experience in the 60's and 70's when nursing conditions were tough. She emphasised the pivotal role of nursing professionals and their dedication in driving this transformation. She also underscored the importance of aligning the development of the nursing profession with international standards, highlighting the success of how the nursing profession in Macao has enhanced its professionalism through international cooperation and academic exchanges. She encouraged the younger generation of nursing staff to embrace innovation and to take part in international exchanges, with a view to creating a more promising future for the nursing profession in Macao.
 
Alumna Leong Iok Wa: The Close Connection between Nursing Profession and the Development of Society
Alumna Leong Iok Wa analysed the interaction between the nursing profession and the development of society from the policy level, highlighting the development of nursing education in Macao, from early secondary education to the present day's bachelor, master and doctoral levels, which demonstrated the rising status of the nursing profession. She also mentioned the important role of nursing professional organisations in promoting the standardisation and socialisation of the profession, and called for more nurses to engage in social services to promote health education and community health development.
 
The seminar provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the evolution and historical development of the nursing model, offering insights into the future of the nursing profession.  There was a general consensus among the speakers that the future development of the nursing profession should be guided by the principles of professionalisation and internationalisation. They suggested that enhancing the professionalism of nursing staff through continuous education and international cooperation could be a fruitful path. This approach, they believed, could help to bring advanced global experiences into the nursing services we provide. It was also suggested that nursing staff should play an active role in the formulation of public policies, with a view to enhancing the social voice of the profession and gaining more resources and support for the nursing profession. In addition, while maintaining the core values of the nursing profession, there is a need to promote the innovation of nursing education and service models, in order to be able to cope with future health challenges and create a better future for the nursing profession in Macao.
 
The seminar provided an opportunity for teachers and students to gain an in-depth understanding of the history and professional development of nursing, and at the same time pointed out the direction for the future development of the nursing profession. Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau will continue to dedicate itself to nursing education and academic activities, creating more platforms for exchange and learning for teachers and students of the College, and promoting the nursing profession in Macao to a higher level