In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to China, the Research Centre for Macau Social and Economic Development (RCMSED), the Institute of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the Graduate School of the City University of Macau (CityU) co-organised the launch of Retrospect and Prospect: Social and Economic Development of Macao Special Administrative Region since the Reunification today at CityU’s Taipa Campus.
Huang Zhihu, deputy director of the Research Office of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Teng Sio Hong, deputy director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ); and Un Kin Chong, director of the Policy Research Department of the Policy Research and Regional Development Bureau, among other guests, attended the event and officiated the book launch ceremony.
Prof. Ip Kuai Peng, vice rector of CityU, noted in his remarks that Macao has given full play to the unique strengths brought by the “one country, two systems” policy over the past 25 years after its return and chalked up remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and people’s livelihoods. In light of this, he welcomed the new book published by the RCMSED research team, hailing it as a timely and comprehensive summary of the accomplishments inspired by the implementation of the “one country, two systems” policy in Macao from multiple perspectives, including in public administration, social welfare, youth development, economic diversification, regional coordination, and the Macao SAR’s international relations. By reflecting on these successes and taking a page from the past, the book builds up confidence and offers recommendations for Macao’s future development. Looking ahead, Vice Rector Ip expressed his hope for the new government’s continued progress in its governance capacity guided by the principle of “Upholding Integrity and Innovating”. He also called for the government to prioritise initiatives that address people’s concerns and benefit their well-being while uniting all sectors to make concerted efforts for the city’s “1+4” economic diversification and leveraging Macao’s unique strengths in a number of fields to make its due contribution towards the national development goals.
He also reaffirmed the RCMSED’s commitment as a specialised think tank to prioritising the study of profound issues facing Macao, the development of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the development of the platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, in order to deliver high-quality insights to the public and private sectors, strengthen scientific decision-making capabilities of policymakers, and ultimately serve the needs of Macao and the nation. Furthermore, Vice Rector Ip encouraged the RCMSED to embrace a broader perspective and utilise its close connection with the international community to share the story of Macao and China globally, contributing to the development of the country’s own philosophical and social science framework and boosting the prosperity of the philosophical and social sciences with Chinese characteristics.
Scholars at the event unanimously agreed that, under the aegis of the Central Government, Macao ought to strive for self-improvement and respond proactively and scientifically to the changes of our time, ensuring that it not only grows within the broader context of national development but also solidifies its unique standing and strengths. In doing so, Macao can play a more effective role in the construction of a powerful nation and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
The book launch was also attended by Zhou Long, associate dean of the Graduate School; Wang Zhong, vice dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; and Chao Peng, director of the Macau “One Belt, One Road” Research Centre, along with faculty and student representatives.
Source: Research Centre for Macau Social and Economic Development
