CityU joins personal data protection authorities of Cabo Verde, São Tomé and Principle and Macao in talks for China-PSCs cooperation
The Institute on Research for Portuguese-Speaking Countries (IROPC) of City University of Macau held a discussion yesterday on the Taipa Campus with National Data Protection Commission of Cabo Verde, the National Agency for Personal Data Protection of São Tomé and Principle, and the Personal Data Protection Bureau of Macao SAR Government (DSPDP). This discussion aimed to explore personal privacy protection in the digital economy era and deepen collaboration between governments and universities, seeking new opportunities to strengthen Macao’s role as a platform for talent and intelligence support between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries.
The discussion was presided over by Director Chao Peng and was attended by Faustino Varela Monteiro, president of Cabo Verde’s National Data Protection Commission and Djamilson Pinto, member of the commission; José Manuel Macumbo Costa Alegre, president of São Tomé and Príncipe’s National Agency for Personal Data Protection; DSPDP Director Yang Chongwei, Io Ian, head of the Department of Supervision, Administration and Finance, and Chio Kuong, head of the Supervision Division, and senior technician Sio Fong Weng Wa, as well as CityU Vice Rector and Dean of IROPC Ip Kuai Peng, Macao “One Belt, One Road” Research Centre Director Chao Peng, Graduate School Head Zhang Jie, the Research Center for Information of “ the Belt and Road” and Contemporary Portuguese-speaking Countries Director João Simões, IPOPC faculty Si Ieong Cheng and Zhou Jiayuan.
Vice Rector Ip Kuai Peng noted that CityU attached great importance to the visit of the representatives from personal data protection authorities of the three regions. He pointed out the importance of personal privacy protection in the digital economy era and emphasized IROPC as the only think tank in Macao focusing on Portuguese-speaking countries hopes to take this discussion as an opportunity to promote pragmatic cooperation between government and universities. Through this, Vice Rector Ip hopes to further foster Macao’s role as a platform for exchanges and cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and contribute academic wisdom and intelligent support to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Director Chao Peng pointed out that the China-PSCs platform has achieved remarkable success over the past two decades. He highlighted the profound connections between Macao and Cabo Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe and the similarity in practical challenges including limited land, dense populations, and numerous ports, which show an urgent need to enhance cooperation in cross-border data flow and regulation. Director Chao mentioned with the support of Director Yang, IROPC will continue to advance the industry-academia collaboration with Portuguese-speaking countries, explore digital governance tailored to each country and serve China’s overall strategy of opening up.
DSPDP Director Yang Chongwei pointed out that, with the development of artificial intelligence and digital economy, data elements has becoming increasingly important in China-PSCs cooperation and personal data protection has become a core issue. He highlighted the close connection with personal data protection authorities of Cabo Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe, and the shared legal origins and years of mutual trust which led to the signing of the cooperation agreement. Leveraging its mature legal system and bilingual advantages, Director Yang said Macao can serve as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries in areas such as data protection and cross‑border data flows, enhancing data security levels in Portuguese-speaking countries. He praised CityU as a dynamic university and expressed hope for seeking more opportunities for future cooperation.
President Faustino Varela Monteiro reviewed his experience of visiting Macao in 2017. He pointed out that Cabo Verde shared same law origins and cultures with Macao and the two sides signed a cooperation agreement making an impressive progress in personal data protection. He highlighted that Cabo Verde’s public surveillance equipment is supported by Chinese enterprises, and expressed his hope to strengthen cooperation with CityU in areas such as technical personnel training and academic seminars in the digital field, further deepening collaboration with China.
President José Manuel Macumbo Costa Alegre stated that São Tomé and Príncipe has established a closed tie with Macao for nearly one decade, and both sides are delighted about the signing of the cooperation agreement. He expressed hope to maintain close exchanges and cooperation with CityU in privacy protection, personnel training, and technology empowerment, promoting Portuguese-speaking countries’ data protection level.
Source: Institute for Research on Portuguese-Speaking Countries
