CityU holds Youth Development Seminar on “Carrying Forward the May Fourth Spirit, Integrating into Greater Bay Area”
To carry forward the spirit of the May Fourth Spirit, guide young students in Macao to upload their ideals and convictions, assume the responsibilities of the times, and better integrate into the broader development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the “Carrying Forward the May Fourth Spirit and Integrating into Bay Area Development: Youth Development Seminar” hosted by the Graduate Student Association of City University of Macau (CityU), was held today on the Taipa Campus. Macao Legislative Assembly Members Lei Leong Wong and Chan Lai Kei; CityU Vice Rector Ip Kuai Peng; Postgraduate Association President Li Juntao; Director-General of the Association He Binghao; Supervisory Chairman Mou Lingtong, and Student Union Director-General Li Hexiang, together with student representatives, attended the event.
In his address, Vice Rector Ip Kuai Peng emphasized that “patriotism” serves as the core foundation for Macao’s stable and sustainable development. He reminded Macao’s youth – as the future builder of the SAR – should consciously carry forward the patriotic tradition and align their personal aspirations with the nation’s modernization process. Under the institutional advantages of “one country, two systems,” the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone (Hengqin) and the Greater Bay Area provides young people with more opportunities. He encouraged the younger generation not only to enhance their professional competencies but also to deepen their understanding of national development, safeguarding national sovereignty and the prosperity of the SAR through concrete actions. Patriotism should be demonstrated through taking on social responsibilities and promoting cross-cultural exchanges. He called on all sectors of society to continue to optimize mechanisms for youth talent development, guiding young people to leverage Macao’s unique position of “backed by the motherland and connected to the world,” realize their self-worth while integrating into the national development landscape, and contribute to the cause of “one country, two systems.”
This seminar invited Macao Legislative Assembly Members Lei Leong Wong and Chan Lai Kei gave their sharing. Based on Macao’s realities and aligned with the Greater Bay Area development trends, the two guests drew on their legislative experience and social observations to deliver in-depth sharing on core issues, including the contemporary significance of the May Fourth Spirit, pathways for Macao youth to grow and excel, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the Greater Bay Area, and new spaces for integrated Hengqin and Macao development. They clearly interpreted policy directions, analyzed development prospects, and offered practical suggestions for the students present.
Assembly Member Lei Leong Wong noted that, on occasion of the 107th anniversary of the Five Fourth Movement, the world is undergoing profound change unseen in a century with both opportunities and challenges. As he mentioned, being the younger generation in the new era, students must safeguard national sovereignty and security, understanding that only when the nation is secure can homes be at peace, thereby ensuring the progress of building a strong country. In addition, he encouraged CityU students to pay attention to and contribute to the successful implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan and the Macao’s Third Five‑Year Plan, to improve their professional skills, to engage in social practice, and to seize the significant historical opportunities presented by the Hengqin Cooperation Zone and the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area, contributing their youthful strength to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Assembly Member Chan Lai Kei stated that the core of the May Fourth Spirit in the new era lies in the courage to “break boundaries” and embrace innovation. At a time when the 15th Five-Year Plan and the Macao’s Third Five‑Year Plan begin to implement, Macao is entering a crucial “decisive phase” for economic diversification, and young people should seize these development opportunities. He quoted President Xi’s message and the Chief Executive’s philosophy of “striving together, upholding integrity and innovating,” encouraging students to break through geographical constraints, embrace new frontiers such as AI and the green economy, and actively integrate into the opportunities of the Greater Bay Area. He emphasized that he will continue to play a bridging role, empowering youth and reducing their burdens in both entrepreneurship and daily life, encouraging them to boldly iterate in the Greater Bay Area wave and shape the story of Macao’s new generation.
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During the interactive session, students actively raised questions and engaged in in-depth exchanges with the guests on hot topics such as Greater Bay Area talent policies, career planning for youth in Macao, cross-regional development opportunities, and cultivation of patriotism. Drawing on their own experience and policy directions, the two guests provided detailed and thoughtful responses to each question, clarifying doubts and pointing the way forward for the students. The lively interaction and deep exchange further bridged the gap between the guests and the young participants, enabling the May Fourth Spirit and the vision of Bay Area development take root in the hearts of all present.
This seminar further promoted consensus among CityU young students and deepened their understanding and identification with the May Fourth Spirit and Bay Area development. Looking ahead, CityU will continue to actively organize thematic activities focusing on national conditions education, Greater Bay Area exchanges, and youth development, building broader platforms for growth. The University aims to help young people in Macao strengthen their convictions, enhance their capabilities, and actively integrate into the broader national development landscape. With a youthful and striving spirit, they are encouraged to write a brilliant chapter for youth on the new journey of the new era.
Source: Student Affairs Office
