CityU hosts “two sessions” sharing session to encouraging students to actively integrate to national development agenda
The year 2025 marks the conclusion of the “14th Five-Year Plan” and is an important milestone as our country usher into a new stage of development. In this context, the convening of the “two sessions,” meaning the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) and the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), holds special significance. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the main achievements in advancing Chinese-style modernization and to deeply learn the key messages of the “two sessions,” City University of Macau (CityU) today held a sharing session on the main takeaways of the “two sessions” at the Ho Yin Convention Centre. The event featured guest speakers, including Chan Hong, Macao deputy to the NPC, president of the Chinese Education Association of Macau, and council member of CityU and, and Li Amber Jiaming, Macao member of the CPPCC National Committee, vice chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of CPPCC National Committee, and member of the Standing Committee of the Council of CityU, who shared their insights and experiences from attending the two sessions with faculty and students.
Nearly 200 participants joined the sharing session, including local official, university management, faculty, and students. They were Cen Jiayi, head of the Higher Education Division of the Education and Youth Affairs Department of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Chan Iok Wai, head of the Department of Students at the SAR Government Education and Youth Development Bureau; Yen Zexian, vice chairman of the University Council; Jun Liu, rector of CityU; Ip Peng Kin, University Consultant; Cintia Chan and Sandy Chan, council members; Robert Chan Chon Pat and Vince Chu Te Lin, pro-rectors.
In his speech, Rector Jun Liu emphasized that the educational principles, talent cultivation directions, and social development concepts advocated by the two sessions were closely related to the growth of young students. He stated that CityU would follow the key takeaways from the two sessions to optimize its curriculum, integrate ideological and political education into courses, and help students shape their well-rounded personalities and sense of social responsibility through diverse teaching methods and practical activities with the aim to groom them into virtuous and talented individuals for the era to contribute to the country’s development.
President Chan Hong interpreted the key points of the government work report, focusing on the work summary for 2024 and the work plan for 2025. She analyzed the current economic development trends, the job market, and the strategic significance of promoting the integration of education, technology, and talent development, using practical examples. Additionally, she highlighted her theme speech on “further supporting the diverse and innovative development of hengqin education to build an international talent hub in the Greater Bay Area.” She stated that the immense development potential of Hengqin which provided broad opportunities for Macao youth. She emphasized that, as a significant force in higher education in Macao, CityU should seize this historical opportunity and play an active role in talent cultivation and technological innovation, contributing to the construction of a talent hub in the Greater Bay Area.
As an educator, President Chan Hong believed that this year’s education topics at the two sessions fully reflected the country’s high regard for education. She expressed her hope for the deep cooperation between Macao and Hengqin in education, which can further inject new momentum into the national education cause.
Committee member Li Amber Jiaming, focusing on the current complex and changing international development landscape, provided an in-depth and accessible analysis of the situation facing China from three dimensions: external pressures, internal transformation, and development opportunities. On the opportunities front, she emphasized three key development opportunities: enhancing international leadership, the expansion of emerging markets, and the rapid rise of new industries. Regarding challenges, she addressed issues related to climate change, technology, and aging populations, using specific cases and data to reveal the current difficulties and potential breakthroughs in development.
Additionally, Li closely examined the economic policies outlined in the government work report, interpreting key measures such as future macroeconomic adjustments, industrial upgrades, and further expansion of openness. She shared unique insights on innovation-driven development in conjunction with Macao’s goal of moderately diversified economic development, providing thought-provoking reflections. Moreover, she encouraged young students to actively engage in politics, stay informed of the national affairs, and participate more in the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
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The exchange session was moderated by Rector Jun Liu, where faculty and students engaged in lively discussions with the guests. Students actively posed questions around topics such as “new quality productive forces,” “the upgrading and transformation of Macao’s industries,” and “job opportunities and challenges in the era of artificial intelligence.”
The guests, drawing from their own experiences, encouraged students to solidify their professional foundations, understand industry transformation trends, and respond to challenges with innovative thinking while confidently showcasing their own values. The atmosphere was vibrant, and attendees expressed that they were greatly inspired and gained a deeper understanding of the key takeaways of the two sessions.
Photo credits: CityU Reporters
