CityU inaugurates Center for China and the World and hosts Master Lecture to share valuable insights on China and the World
To enhance China’s narratives and international impact, the City University of Macau (CityU) held the Inauguration Ceremony of the Center for China and the World today at Taipa Campus. The ceremony was graced and officiated by distinguished guests and the university leaders. They were Gao Yuan, representative of Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Macao and director of the Department of Information and Public Diplomacy; Li Yongxian, deputy director of the Department of Education and Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Consul General of United Arab Emirates in Hong Kong H.E. Shaikh Saoud Al Mualla; Consul General of The State of Kuwait in Hong Kong H.E. Naser S. Al-Ghanim; Consul General of The State of Qatar in Hong Kong H.E. Ali Saad Al-Hajri; Wu Zhiliang, president of the Administrative Committee of the Macao Foundation; Choi Man Chi, acting deputy director of the Macao SAR Government Education and Youth Development Bureau; Charles Liu, founding director of the Center for China and the World (Center); Lao Ngai Leong, chairman of the Foundation of City University of Macau; Chan Meng Kam, chairman of the Council of City University of Macau (Council); Amber Li, member of the Council; and Jun Liu, rector of CityU.
In his speech, Rector Jun Liu warmly welcomed all distinguished guests and participants from all sectors. As he mentioned, “CityU is dedicated to researching national and international affairs. It is actively responding to the national strategic initiative of building education power, cultivating top innovative talents, and developing interdisciplinary subjects.” Rector Liu stated that CityU will continue to improve its education quality while delivering top-notch academic research, and it will vigorously support the Center in sharing China’s know-how and narratives to the world through academic research, activities, and talent cultivation.
In her speech, Council member Amber Li highlighted the essential role of China in global governance amidst the rapid changes in the international landscape. She emphasized the Center’s social responsibility and mission in sharing China’s practices and experiences through global media networks; the Center will serve as an international academic platform for young scholars, key opinion leaders, and experts from various fields in China and around the world to exchange ideas, and an intellectual hub for global experts to conduct in-depth research on issues of global and regional concern.
Founding Director Charles Liu mentioned in his speech that Macao, as an important gateway for the exchange of Chinese and Western civilizations, possesses unique advantages and opportunities in international communication. He shared his experience in voicing China’s narratives over the past decade and mentioned that the establishment of the Center in Macao will further promote the city’s integration into the national development, and share China’s successful experiences with the world, which will contribute to global governance and international cooperation. He also highlighted the Center’s mission to cultivate young talents through academic exchange, aiming to broaden their horizons. Through extensive exchange and cooperation with academic think tanks in China and around the world, the Center will build a platform for academic communication.
Song Xiaofeng, chief editor of the Taihe Institute, emphasized the significance of the Center’s inauguration and its mission and goals in light of the rapidly changing international geopolitical landscape and the current challenges facing the global economy, as well as the major advancements in technology. He highlighted the current international issues and debates and suggested that opportunities and challenges should be examined in different perspectives.
Einar Tangen, senior fellow of Taihe Institute, senior fellow at the Center for International Business Ethics of the University of International Business and Economics, founder and chairman of Asia Narratives, emphasized the establishment of Center for China and the World will strengthen the global understanding of China and its knowledge. Through media network and channels, he stressed that the Center will promote mutual learning and cooperation between countries while stimulating substantive views and suggestions through research, practical courses, and cooperation with think tanks, universities, and diplomats from various countries.
Founder and director of The China Academy, Pan Xiaoli emphasized that the Center was founded at the opportune time and location and is on the right side of history. She highlighted China’s remarkable achievements and progress in the past 40 years, abundant knowledge and experience, as well as a rich culture and tradition that are worth sharing for a better global future.
In the following CityU Macau’s Master Lecture, Founding Director Charles Liu and Rector Jun Liu introduced the mission and development goals of the Center through a dialogue. The core mission of the Center is to convey positive energy, promote China’s culture, share national know-how, and demonstrate its contributions in education and regional cooperation. The Center also advocates youth cultivation and the use of media to promote the positive influence of China’s experiences and enhance a broader understanding and recognition of China’s experience on a global scale.
Founding Director Charles Liu explained that Macao has the unique advantage of “one country, two systems” and plays an important role in international exchanges and cultural exchanges, such as the platform and bridge connecting China and Portuguese-speaking countries. He highlighted the establishment of the Center will further promote Macao’s integration into the overall development of the country and provide valuable experience for international cooperation. At the same time, the Center will focus on interdisciplinary development and provide intellectual support for Macao’s economic diversification. Furthermore, he emphasized that education and cultural dissemination are the mission and responsibility of the Center, and it will be committed to sharing China’s narratives.
As he mentioned, China’s increasing prominence in global geopolitics is a result of close economic development and cultural exchanges with other countries. As a major trading partner with over 120 countries, China’s extensive interactions with various regions will promote mutual understanding and cooperation, working together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.
Founding Director Liu also encouraged CityU students to broaden their knowledge and gain an in-depth understanding of various fields such as politics, society, and economy. He encouraged them to pursue life-long learning and their passions, stay informed on the scientific and technological advancements, and engage in practical experiences across different fields.
During the interactive session, students and faculty actively asked questions and engaged in deep discussions with the guest speakers on the future development of the Center, information dissemination, cross-cultural communication, and promoting China’s narrative and wisdom. The event concluded in a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere.
Participants at the inauguration ceremony also included Rodrigo Y.C. Yang, founder of Impact Asia; Kong Fanqing, vice chairwoman of the Council, Cintia Chan, Sandy Chan, and Hoi Man Pak, council members, Vice Rector Zhou Wanlei, Pro-Rectors Robert Chan Chon Pat and Vince Chu Te Lin, as well as faculty and students.
