Under the organization of the Guangdong and Macao Federation of Industry and Commerce and Baidu, the “Baidu & Macau AI Strategic Partnership Agreement Signing Ceremony and ERNIE Bot App & Macau Smart City Launch Event” was hosted at the Cultural Centre, Taipa Campus today. The event was supported by the Macao Government Economic and Technological Development Bureau, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Macao Government Tourism Office, Education and Youth Development Bureau, and Cultural Affairs Bureau.
The event was co-organized by the City University of Macau (CityU) and hosted by the Digital Technology Development Association of Macao. Concurrently, CityU and Baidu’s AI chatbot app – ERNIE Bot signed a framework agreement for cooperation, aiming to collaborate in areas such as scientific research, academic exchange, resource sharing, and talent development. This collaboration also provides students with practical and learning opportunities. Nearly 500 guests, including students and faculty, participated in the event as witnesses.
The event was graced and officiated by distinguished guests, including Yang Hao, deputy director of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macao SAR; Pong Kai Fu, deputy director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau; Ricky Hoi, deputy director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Teng Sio Hong, deputy director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau; Cheang Kai Meng, vice president of the Cultural Affairs Bureau; Lao Man Teng, head of Public Relations and External Co-operation Department; Lao Ngai Leong and Chui Sai Peng, Macao deputies to the National People’s Congress (NPC); Chan Meng Kam and Ip Sio Kai, members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; He Junjie, senior vice president of Baidu Group and general manager of Baidu Mobile Ecological Business Group; Zhou Wanlei, vice rector of CityU; Si Ka Lon, Macao deputy to NPC and president of the Guangdong and Macao Federation of Industry and Commerce; and Wong Ian Man, Macao member of the executive committee of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and director general of the Guangdong and Macao Federation of Industry and Commerce. Together, they witnessed the signing of cooperation framework agreements between Baidu’s ERNIE Bot, the Guangdong-Macao Federation of Industry and Commerce, CityU, and Macau Maia Technology Co., Ltd. Under the partnerships, Baidu will collaborate with Macao’s cultural and tourism sectors to promote industry-academia collaboration and the development of smart tourism. These partnerships aim to facilitate the growth of the cultural and tourism industry, create more employment opportunities, and promote the Macao’s moderate economic diversification.
In his speech, Wong Ian Man, director general of the Guangdong and Macao Federation of Industry and Commerce, highlighted that the collaboration between the federation and Baidu aims to put together resources, build platforms, leverage the strengths of both parties, and jointly create a “mutually beneficial and trustworthy” industrial ecosystem. He noted that this collaboration will enhance industry competitiveness, empower high-quality industry development, and drive the transformation of Macao’s city development into new models such as digitalization and smart intelligence; it will also contribute to Macao’s moderate economic diversification with “1+4” industrial development and promote the integrated development of sci-tech innovation industries in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Member company Macau Maia Technology Co., Ltd. has also taken the lead in signing a cooperation agreement with Baidu's AI chatbot app, ERNIE Bot project. In the initial phase, they will revolutionize the travel experience for visitors coming to Macao by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to empower the tourism industry. This will include features such as intelligent travel planning, AI-powered real-time companionship, and human-like voice interactions. Additionally, leveraging the user base of over 100 million users of the ERNIE Bot, the app will promote and highlight destinations, events, and unique services, significantly increasing exposure within the local community. This collaboration aims to enhance Macao’s visibility and strengthen its brand influence as a tourist destination.
During his speech, Baidu’s senior vice president, He Junjie, stated that as a global pioneer in AI, Baidu has been actively exploring innovative applications across various industries. He emphasized that generative AI has provided new perspectives, especially with the rapid advancement of global AI technology in the past year. By leveraging AI technology and the empowerment of the ERNIE Bot, Baidu aims to create a brand-new smart tourism experience for Macao. These collaborations are designed to enhance the management efficiency and service quality of Macao’s tourism industry, offering visitors smarter, more efficient, and personalized services.
Vice Rector Zhou Wanlei emphasized that CityU is dedicated to promoting technological innovation and interdisciplinary research within the campus. He highlighted the university’s encouragement for students and faculty members to actively participate in social practices and collaborate with various industries to explore new technologies and applications. Vice Rector Zhou Wanlei specifically mentioned that the partnership with Baidu’s ERNIE Bot, not only provides a new platform for academic research but also offers valuable practical opportunities for students in Macao.
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Source: Faculty of Data Science
