The Institute of Global and Public Affairs and the Centre for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Studies of the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) at the University of Macau (UM) jointly held a symposium titled ‘Building a Cultural Golden Brand for Mutual Learning between Chinese and Western Civilizations’ today (1 December). The event brought together 22 experts and scholars from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao to discuss ways to further develop Macao as an important platform for mutual learning between Chinese and Western civilisations.
In his opening remarks, Yonghua Song, rector of UM, said that the symposium not only showcased Macao’s cultural soft power, but also served as a valuable platform for telling China’s stories and contributing new ideas and examples to cultural exchange between China and the world. Taking the UM team’s assistance in the restoration of important cultural relics such as the Ruins of St. Paul’s as an example, he emphasized the solid support of academic research for cultural heritage preservation. Hu Weixing, dean of FSS, also pointed out that efforts should be made to explore Macao’s unique historical and cultural resources. The charm of culture should be transformed into a driving force for urban development, and historical and cultural resources should be turned into innovative assets and new momentum for cultural and tourism industries, promoting the construction of Macao’s international integrated tourism and cultural zone and the high-quality development of its cultural industries.
The symposium featured discussions on five key themes: presenting and revitalising cultural heritage in contemporary society; planning and developing distinctive cultural tourism routes; building a city of performing arts that appeals to both Chinese and international audiences; developing an open hub for global cultural exchange; and promoting coordinated cultural tourism development between Hengqin Island and Macao.
In his closing remarks, Pan Wei, director of the Institute of Global and Public Affairs, highlighted the symposium’s productive outcomes, noting that it offered valuable insights and strong theoretical support for the future development of Macao’s cultural tourism industry.
Caption:
- UM hosts a symposium titled ‘Building a Cultural Golden Brand for Mutual Learning between Chinese and Western Civilizations’
- Yonghua Song
- Hu Weixing
- Pan Wei
- A group photo
