The University of Macau (UM) recently held a sharing session to deliver the core messages of the annual sessions of the 14^th National People’s Congress (NPC) and the 14^th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) to faculty members and students to ensure a correct understanding of the messages among them. Speakers invited to share the key takeaways from the ‘Two Sessions’ included NPC deputies Chui Sai Peng and Vong Hin Fai, as well as CPPCC National Committee members Iau Teng Pio and Kou Kam Fai. The event attracted a full-house audience.

Chui shared China’s economic outlook and strategies to achieve its growth target, including creating jobs, stabilising the economy, and reducing the unemployment rate. In terms of science and technology, he suggested launching an experience centre in Macao to showcase China’s R&D achievements and that Macao should step up efforts to strengthen its role as a platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, so as to align with national strategies, promote Macao’s financial development, and facilitate the integration of technology and culture.

Vong emphasised that ensuring long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao is essential to promoting national rejuvenation, adding that the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ policy should be upheld steadfastly and Macao already achieved a series of breakthroughs in the implementation of the policy. According to him, the central government will continue to support Macao in promoting adequate economic diversification and facilitating the development of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. He also talked about the ‘Legislation Law of the People’s Republic of China’, as well as the related improvements and amendments.

Iao said that the core messages of the CPPCC session include emphasising the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through a Chinese path to modernisation, upholding and improving the multi-party cooperation and political consultation system under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, and strengthening friendly exchanges with foreign countries to promote the creation of a community with a shared future for mankind. According to him, CPPCC members should earnestly study and abide by the CPPCC Constitution and work in unity to promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation at all fronts.

Kou pointed out that the Government Work Report provided a direction for Macao to develop its education sector, emphasising the need to thoroughly implement the instructions from the 20^th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and promote high-quality development. In terms of education reform, he suggested enhancing the youth’s sense of national identity, improving online public opinion education, and strengthening education and exchanges with the mainland to promote patriotism and the love for Macao among adolescents and their education. He also proposed extending a national programme to select college graduates to work as village officials to Macao university students studying in mainland China.

As the moderator of the event, UM Vice Rector Mok Kai Meng exchanged ideas with the guests on how young people in Macao should plan their careers and prepare themselves for job opportunities in the Greater Bay Area. They also discussed the promotion of the constitution of China and the Basic Law of Macao SAR. Kou advised young adults to equip themselves for career development and seize the opportunity to integrate into national development, such as pursuing a career in the Greater Bay Area. Chui encouraged students to study in mainland China and experience the culture for themselves. They should also consider working in mainland China before starting their own businesses. Vong pointed out that young adults should understand and respect the holistic view of national security to ensure the implementation of the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ policy and safeguard the development of the country. Iao said that members of all sectors of Macao are very supportive of the revision of the National Security Law of Macao, adding that the revision is a very good promotion and education process. He added that UM is actively engaged in research work and editing books to enable young people in Hong Kong and Macao to better understand the national security law.

Participants in the sharing sessions also included Lam Kam Seng, chair of the University Council of UM; Yonghua Song, Rector of UM; Pang Chap Chong, Dean of Students of UM; Leung Kai Chun, Secretary-General of the University Council of UM; Wong Kei, Director of Rector’s Office; as well as residential college masters and department heads.