The opening ceremony of the 2026 Art Talent Training Program funded by the China National Arts Fund (CNAF), “Macao Digital Performing Arts Management and International Exchange Communication Talent Training”, was held today at Cultural Centre, City University of Macau (CityU).
The ceremony were attended and officiated by: Yin Rutao, deputy director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Sam Hio Tong, head of the Department of Tertiary Education of Education and Youth Development Bureau; Cheang Kai Meng, head of the Division for Recreational Activities of the Cultural Affairs Bureau; Hoi Kam Un, member of Cultural Development Fund of Macao SAR; Li Zisong, director general of the Federation of Associations of Cultural Sectors of Macao; Xana Lei, director of Entertainment Operations at City of Dreams; Catarina Lio, senior vice president of Brand Marketing at MGM; Jennie Xu, vice president of Arena Operations at Galaxy Entertainment Group; Che Fok Sang, CEO of Chessman Entertainment Production Co. Ltd.; Leong Kin Pong, director general of Macao Artistes Association; and CityU Rector Jun Liu; Prof. Guowen Huang and Prof. Zhong Wang, associate deans of Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS); project manager Prof. Ma Ming; as well as professors and program leaders.
In his address, Rector Jun Liu stated that this program is a precious gift to CityU’s 45th anniversary and reflects the university’s commitment to serving national cultural strategies through interdisciplinary approaches, as well as its practical initiative to empower Macao’s development as a “City of Performing Arts” through talent cultivation. He noted that digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data are reshaping the nature of performing arts, and that the project responds to the strategic directives of the national 15th Five-Year Plan on empowering cultural development with digital and intelligent technologies and shifting to an IT-based development model”, while also aligning with Macao’s “1+4” appropriate economic diversification strategy and the goal of building a “City of Performing Arts”. Rector Liu highlighted the resources brought to the project by leading institutions, including Peking University, Tsinghua University, the National Centre for the Performing Arts, MGM, City of Dreams, and Galaxy Entertainment, establishing a platform for industry-education integration that can help CityU gather valuable experience for its upcoming undergraduate program in digital culture management.
Director Zhang Yimou noted that digital technology is transforming the stage at an unprecedented pace, breaking down traditional boundaries and unleashing infinite possibilities for the performing arts. He highlighted that the core concept behind his work Macao 2049, which uses cutting-edge AI and digital technology to revitalize intangible cultural heritage and traditional culture, enabling a dialogue between five thousand years of Chinese civilization and the future. He encouraged students to remember that the stage of the future belongs to young people who dare to think, dare to act, and dare to innovate. He expressed his hope that students would achieve great success in their studies and let the world witness the power of China’s digital performing arts.
[foogallery id="108742"]
Associate Dean Zhong Wang, introduced the recent achievements and future plans of the cultural industry academic team at CityU’s FHSS. Together with Associate Dean Guowen Huang, he presented appointment letters as industry advisory mentors to four experienced Macao industry experts: Xana Lei, Director of Entertainment Operations at City of Dreams; Liao Yingqi, Senior Vice President of Brand Planning at MGM; Jenny Hoi, Vice President of Operations at Galaxy Entertainment Group’s Galaxy Arena; Xie Fusheng, CEO of Chessman Entertainment Production Co. Ltd. In addition, the program leader and faculty representative, Professor Ma Ming, and students representative Cheng Weifeng delivered their speeches.
This training program brought together over 30 experts and scholars from renowned institutions including the Beijing Dance Academy, Shanghai Theatre Academy, Peking University, Tsinghua University, National Centre for the Performing Arts, Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, Guangzhou Opera House, Lanjing Technology, and Digital FUN. The curriculum covers five modules: “Macao Digital Performing Arts and Cultural Heritage”, “Frontiers of Digital Performing Arts Technology”, “Project Management”, “International Communication”, and “Practical Operations”. Participants will also be involved in the full-chain creative practice of an original Macao digital musical, achieving the integration of knowledge and practice.
