In line with the educational philosophy of integrating theory with practice, the University of Macau’s (UM) Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) organized a three-day study tour to Nansha District, Guangzhou earlier. The tour aimed to deepen understanding of the development and governance practices within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Participants included faculty and student representatives of the Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) Programme, accompanied by Prof. Weixing Hu, Dean of FSS; Prof. Bo Wen, Assistant Dean and DPA Programme Director; and Prof. Hang Qi, assistant professor of the Department of Government and Public Administration.
The study tour focused on key themes in public governance. At the Nansha Planning Exhibition Hall and the Comprehensive Service Base for Chinese Enterprises “Going Global”, participants examined the strategic planning and policy implementation mechanisms of this national-level new district, exploring the government’s role in guiding regional development and providing supporting services. During their visit to the Nansha International Talent Port, the team delved into innovations in talent policies and models of public service delivery, yielding practical insights for modern human resource management systems in the public sector.
The study also extended into cultural governance and ecological conservation. At the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Mazu Cultural Exchange Center and the Henry Fok Memorial Hall, the group explored the connections between cultural identity, social responsibility, and regional collaborative governance. A field study at the Greater Bay Area Central Wetland Park prompted discussions on cross-regional ecological conservation and the balance required in public policy for long-term green development.
Additionally, the group visited the School of Government at Sun Yat-sen University for academic exchanges on cutting-edge governance issues in the Bay Area. A tour of the National Supercomputing Center in Guangzhou ignited discussions regarding the role of the public sector in supporting fundamental research and fostering innovation-driven ecosystems.
The year 2025 marks the fifth anniversary of UM’s DPA Programme. A special anniversary dinner was held during the tour, featuring addresses by Dean Hu and Prof. Wen, who reflected on the Programme’s journey and outlined its future vision. Alumni representatives from various cohorts shared their academic and professional growth experiences. The event concluded with a group photo and a commemorative ceremony, highlighting the strong bonds within the DPA community.
This study tour embodied the Programme’s core principle of “applying knowledge to practice and deepening understanding through application”. By bridging classroom learning with real-world observation, participants gained valuable insights to integrate into their professional work and academic research. Moving forward, UM’s DPA Programme remains committed to building platforms that integrate knowledge with action, cultivating outstanding public management talents who can drive change and contribute meaningfully to society.
