Education, talent, technology 'crucial' for the way forward

Cheng Wong

President Xi Jinping called on students to continue sharing the positive stories of China and Macau during his visit to the Macau University of Science and Technology and the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin on the second day of his three-day trip.

Xi listened to an introduction to the university's State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Science and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, before visiting the university library for an exchange with teachers, students and researchers.

"I sensed that Xi placed great importance on higher education, believing that education, talent and technology are crucial for the country and region," said university president Joseph Lee Hun-wei.

"He also encouraged diversified development and shared many ideas on achieving moderate economic diversification in Macau."

Kong Chi-meng, director of the enclave's Education and Youth Development Bureau, said Xi acknowledged the overall development of higher education in the region and the effectiveness of its patriotic education initiatives.

Xi stayed at the university for about an hour before visiting the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, where he interacted with residents and those who have started businesses there as well as representatives involved in the zone's planning, construction, management and services.

He said "Macau + Hengqin" is a new example of enriching the practice of one country, two systems, a new high ground for promoting the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and a new platform for the country to pursue high-level opening up.

Xi emphasized the need to remain committed to the original aspiration for developing Hengqin, which is to promote moderate economic diversification in Macau.

Xi's wife, Peng Liyuan, visited Macao Museum, where she engaged with 15 students and a traditional handicraft inheritor.

cheng.wong@singtaonewscorp.com