In celebration of its 24th anniversary, the Macau University of Science and Technology held an anniversary forum titled “How Hong Kong and Macao Integrate into National Development, Building an International Innovation Center in the GBA”,  at the University’s N101 Auditorium in Block N, in the afternoon of March 27, 2024. The anniversary forum was delivered by Dr. Leung Chun-Ying, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPCC), the fourth-term Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Honorary Doctor of Social Sciences of M.U.S.T., as the keynote speaker, followed by a dialogue with Mr. Shiu Sin-Por, Former Member of the National Committee of the CPPCC and Former Head of the Central Policy Unit of the HKSAR Government, Mr. Samuel Chan, Advisory Board Member of the United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) and Former Chairman of the Administrative Committee of the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund,  and Professor Liu Cheng Kun, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development of M.U.S.T..

Dr. Liu Chak Wan, Chancellor of M.U.S.T. presented a souvenir to Dr. Leung Chun-Ying

Chair Professor Joseph Hun-wei Lee, President of M.U.S.T. delivered opening remarks

In the opening remarks, Chair Professor Joseph Hun-wei Lee, Vice Chancellor and the President of M.U.S.T. reflected on the significant milestones reached this year, including the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the 25th anniversary of the return of Macao to the Motherland, and the 5th anniversary of the publication of the Outline Development Plan of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. M.U.S.T. is honored to confer the honorary doctorate of social sciences to Dr. Leung Chun-Ying for the year 2024, a distinction that brings pride to all faculty and students. Since its inception, the university has actively fostered scientific research collaboration with the Chinese mainland, especially with the Greater Bay Area, through high-end international exchange platforms and interdisciplinary research, encouraging faculty and students to participate in Chinese mainland and international science, education, and cultural cooperation. President Lee has stated that the core driving force behind the development of "new quality productive forces" lies in innovation. The deep implementation of an innovation-driven development strategy, along with the application of new technologies, is key to propelling industrial upgrading. Higher education institutions bear the mission of nurturing "new quality productive forces." In the future, M.U.S.T.  will continue to leverage the institutional advantages of "One Country, Two Systems." Against the backdrop of the "Belt and Road" initiative, it will align with Macao's strategic positioning of being the "One Center, One Platform, One Base." The university will inherit the fine tradition of patriotism and love for both the country and Macao, actively integrate into the overall national development, participate in the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and contribute to the moderate and diversified development of Macao's economy.

Dr. Leung Chun-Ying delivered keynote speech

Dr. Leung Chun-Ying centered his keynote speech on the critical concept of "innovation," discussing how Hong Kong and Macao can work together to advance brand innovation, support the internationalization of Chinese products, implement the Belt and Road Initiative, and reinforce collaboration between the service industries of Hong Kong, Macao, and the Chinese mainland. He stated that Innovation encompasses not only technological innovation but also innovative thinking, institutional innovation, and the integration of production factors and regional cooperation. As a major manufacturing country, China can utilize the policy and cultural advantages of Hong Kong and Macao to help build international brands for its products. By promoting the Belt and Road Initiative and leveraging the strengths of Hong Kong and Macao, they can assist national products, services, and philanthropic activities to reach an international stage, serving the world and benefiting humanity. Dr. Leung mentioned that after visiting The State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine at M.U.S.T., he was impressed by the excellent research and contributions made by the lab. In April 2023, he initiated the formation of the “Hunan-Jiangxi-Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry Chain Collaborative Development Alliance”, which could enhance collaboration with M.U.S.T. and push forward the international development of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Following his address, Dr. Leung engaged in a lively discussion on the relevant issues with Mr. Shiu Sin-Por, Mr. Samuel Chan, and Professor Liu Cheng Kun.

Panel Discussion

Dr. Leung Chun-Ying has persistently championed the cooperation and development between Hong Kong and the cities within the Greater Bay Area, striving to facilitate Hong Kong's integration into the national development strategy. In May, 2020, as one of the initiators and the convening leader of the “Hong Kong Coalition”, he played an active role in propelling deep cooperative development between Hong Kong and Chinese mainland, particularly the Pearl River Delta. He frequently led delegations to the Greater Bay Area and various provinces and cities on the Chinese mainland for exchanges and investigations, yielding significant results. Notable achievements include establishing the Consultative Committee on Guangdong-Hong Kong Co-operation (Guangzhou Nansha) which promotes cooperation between Hong Kong and the entire Guangdong province, and founding Minxin Hong Kong School (Guangzhou Nansha) to provide high-caliber education for children of Hong Kong residents and those of other non-mainland nationals. Dr. Leung has wholeheartedly worked to speak the truth, address practical issues, and foster collaboration for the development of Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and the nation. His efforts have substantially contributed to the maintenance of Hong Kong's economic development, social stability, and seamless integration into the larger national framework.

Carlos Roberto Xavier, Chief of Department of Tertiary Education of DSEDJ; Liu Chak Wan, Chancellor of M.U.S.T. and Chairman of University Council of M.U.S.T., Tse Chi Wai, Honorary Doctor of Social Sciences of M.U.S.T., Tsui Wai Kwan, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of M.U.S.T. Foundation, Chen Ji Min, Secretary-General of University Council of M.U.S.T., Tong Ka Lok and Paul Kwong Hang Tam, Vice Presidents of M.U.S.T., Xu Ao Ao, Tang Kuan Meng José and Ao Pak Loi, Members of University Council of M.U.S.T., representatives from Chinese mainland and local universities, secondary schools, media, enterprises, institutions, and others, members of the University Advisory Committee, representatives of M.U.S.T. institutes, teachers, and students attended this forum.