Macao-Taiwan youth delegation participates in straits people’s forum to strengthen cross-strait youth ties

 

The 18th Straits Forum · Straits People’ Forum took place late last month in Meizhou, Fujian. A delegation of 33 young people from Macao and Taiwan, organized by the Associação Geral dos Conterrâneos de Fukien de Macau and the Faculty of Innovation and Design (FIAD) at City University of Macau (CityU), traveled to the Forum as part of the “2026 Macao-Taiwan Youth Exchange Activities” promoted by FIAD. The exchange program, which spanned four days and three nights across Fujian and Macao, brought together youth and academic representatives from both sides of the Taiwan Strait and Macao. Through academic discussions, university visits, and cultural tours, participants deepened cross-regional understanding and laid the groundwork for future collaboration.

 

Led by Chairman Chan Meng Kam, the delegation attended the opening and seminars of the Strait People’s Forum, broadening their perspectives and exchanging ideas. Taiwanese students found the trip deeply meaningful—one was impressed by family reunion stories shared at the forum, feeling a strong cultural and blood connection; another traced ancestral roots through the forum and felt that visiting the Mazu Ancestral Temple strengthened cross-strait bonds.

 

 

Many saw the temple visit as a precious moment to connect with shared heritage, especially for Mazu devotees. Others noted that hearing diverse voices at the forum revealed historical and cultural commonalities, turning the exchange into a genuine meeting of hearts and minds.

 

During their Macao visit, the delegation toured CityU, held a Macao-Taiwan youth exchange and sharing session, and explored campus facilities. In-depth discussions on youth innovation, design education, and future development fostered lively exchanges and laid a strong foundation for future collaboration.

 

 

Beyond academic activities, the itinerary included cultural and city tours. Guided by experts, the delegation visited Meizhou Island, Macao’s Historic Centre, St. Paul's Ruins, Macao Tower, and Maau Fisherman’s Wharf, experiencing Macao’s unique East-meets-West character. They also visited the Beijing Tong Ren Tang Experience Center to learn about the modern evolution of traditional medicine.

 

 

With youth as the bridge, the event fostered cross-strait and Hong Kong-Macao exchanges through diverse formats, deepening both academic collaboration and mutual understanding. Students found the experience enriching, broadening their global outlook and inspiring future academic and professional growth. FIAD will continue to promote youth exchanges and interdisciplinary cooperation, building more dynamic platforms for cultural and academic engagement.