CityU hosts Seminar and Launch of the Report on Cultural Homogeneities between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries in the Concept of Community with a Shared Future for Mankind
The Seminar and Launch of the Report on Cultural Homogeneities between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries in the Concept of Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, jointly organized by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region (Commissioner Office) and the City University of Macau (CityU), was successfully held at the Taipa Campus yesterday.
The event was attended by Liu Xianfa, commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Cheong Lai San, deputy head of the Government Cultural Affairs Bureau, Zhong Yi Seabra de Mascarenhas, vice-president of the Administrative Committee of the Macao Foundation, Professor Jun Liu, Rector of CityU, José Luís de Sales Marques, president of the permanent council of the Macanese Communities Council, Mok Ian Ian, president of Macao Science Center, Amélia António, president of Casa de Portugal, Zhang Zhi Qing, dean of Faculty of Humanities and Arts of Macau University of Science and Technology, Miguel de Senna Fernandes, president of Associação dos Macaenses, Yao Jingming, professor from Department of Portuguese of University of Macau.
In his speech, Rector Jun Liu mentioned that CityU presented the diversity and strength of cultural exchange between China and Portuguese-speaking countries through its research capacity and new perspectives for cross-cultural communication and understanding. He pointed out Macao’s unique advantage in promoting cultural exchange between China and Portuguese-speaking countries and expressed CityU’s commitment to promoting understanding and cooperation between countries and contributing to the development of a community of shared future for mankind by leveraging Macao’s role as a platform and its cultural values.
In his keynote speech, Commissioner Liu Xianfa had pointed out that exploring the cultural homogeneities between China and Portuguese-speaking countries could help further play Macao’s role as a bridge connecting China and Portuguese-speaking countries, enhance cultural exchange and mutual learning between the two sides, and gather strengths in respond to the changes of the world, the era, and history. China and Portuguese-speaking countries both pursued independence and opposed hegemony, and both advocated the seeking common ground while reserving differences and embracing diversity, as well as carrying forward traditions and promoting innovation. As a place where Chinese and Western cultures intersect and a bridge connecting China and Portuguese-speaking countries, Macao had unique advantages and played an irreplaceable role in the cultural exchange and integration between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Commissioner Liu Xianfa emphasized that the Commission Office had actively supported the SAR government and all sectors of society in enhancing Macao’s role as a bridge, enriching the functions and connotations of the China-Portuguese platform, and jointly promoting the development of China-Portuguese relations to a new level.
Associate Professor Leou Chia-Hsin presented the “Report on Cultural Homogeneities between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries in the Concept of Community with a Shared Future for Mankind,” including the project background, the characteristics of Chinese and Portuguese cultures, and the analysis of their commonalities. He emphasized the important role of Macao as a platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as the practical significance and academic value of the report. Through comparative analysis of cultures in Portuguese-speaking countries and China, the report could help better understand the similarities and differences between the two, providing theoretical support for further cultural exchange and cooperation.
Afterwards, the participating experts and scholars discussed and gave speeches around the main theme of the conference. Vice-President Zhong Yi Seabra de Mascarenhas said that in the research of Chinese and Portuguese culture, it is not only important to tell good narratives, but also to present data to support the ideas. At the same time, whether it was understanding China and Portuguese-speaking countries or summarizing commonalities, attention should be paid to refining each subject and conducting further in-depth research.
President José Luís de Sales Marques talked about Macao’s great potential for development in cultural exchange and research of commonalities. The diplomatic mission and the CityU had deepened their project on promoting friendly relations between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and had achieved a certain foundation in economic, trade and political achievements in Macao. The report would further promote cultural exchanges, and the Macanese community would also cooperate with more associations and organizations in Macao to bring more opportunities for cultural development.
President Mok Ian Ian talked about the advantages of Macao’s multiculturalism in cultural integration, the diversity of Macao’s culture, and the important role of Chinese and Portuguese cultural exchanges in building a cross-cultural communication platform. The research value would be further explored.
President Amélia António introduced that in the current era of increasing globalization, cultural exchange and mutual learning between China and Portuguese-speaking countries should be two-way, and cultural exchanges should follow the path of sustainable development.
Dean Zhang Zhi Qing highly affirmed the theoretical value and social contribution of the research under the background of a community of shared future for mankind, and provided guidance for the team to further explore the theoretical depth.
Professor Yao Jingming explained the concept Macao as a cultural fusion, which was not only reflected in economic and trade aspects, but also in religion, social life, and other aspects. He mentioned that Macao was a model of cultural commonality, and further exploring the common cultural values of Macao was a feasible direction for future development.
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Chao Peng, Director of the Macao “One Belt, One Road” Research Center at CityU Macau, summarized the speeches of the guests at the meeting. He stated that the research on Portuguese-speaking countries, as a professional discipline under the first-level discipline of regional and country studies, will take into account Macao's development background, students' expertise, and faculty's research capacity, and make use of the advantages of regional and country studies to enhance academic professionalism, striving to build a distinctive new liberal arts discipline.
The report launching ceremony was jointly officiated by Commissioner Liu Xianfa, Deputy Head Cheong Lai San, Rector Jun Liu, and Director Chao Peng. This event was concluded with a lively atmosphere. It not only helped promote cultural exchanges between China and Portuguese-speaking countries at a deeper and more comprehensive level, but also promoted the concept of a “community of shared future for mankind” in Portuguese-speaking countries, built confidence in Chinese culture, and realized the common prosperity of Chinese and Portuguese-speaking civilizations.
Attendees at the event also included Gao Yuan, counsellor and director of Public Diplomacy and Information Office of the Commissioner Office, and other representatives from the office, including Head Liang Qiaoqi, Zhang Shuo, Tang Ruiqun, and Chen Zhenhua; CityU Pro-Rector So Kam Hung, Dean Liying Cheng of the School of Education, Director of the Rector’s Office Che Ka I, and faculty and students.
