Life has changed dramatically for Lei Zhen, a graduate from China’s prestigious Tsinghua University. In 2014, he settled in the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) and ventured into entrepreneurship in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province. With nano silver wire technology at its core, his company focused on innovative applications of new materials.
Fast forward to 2021, the establishment of the Guangdong-Macau In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin opened new doors. Lei relocated his company there, leveraging the region’s abundant resources in capital, talent, and favorable taxation to scale up production.
“Hengqin offers vast industrial space and a supportive environment. It provides a broad stage for the development of Macau’s high-tech and diversified industries,” Lei shared.
The cooperation zone has rapidly evolved into a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, hosting nearly 6,500 Macau-invested enterprises and paving the way for emerging industries.
A New Era of Collaboration
Situated just across a narrow waterway from Macau, Hengqin has become a vital platform for promoting Macau’s economic diversification. The region now boasts 30 national and provincial-level technological innovation platforms, 268 national high-tech enterprises, and 41 specialized enterprises at the provincial level.
Innovation platforms like the Macau-Hengqin Youth Entrepreneurship Valley have attracted numerous resources, including university research bases and high-tech talents.
During a recent visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the progress in Hengqin, noting the improved integration between Hengqin and Macau and its growing role in supporting Macau’s economic diversification.
Space Science and Beyond
Macau is also making strides in science and technology. The “Macau Science 1” satellite program, jointly developed by the Chinese mainland and Macau, exemplifies this progress. With the highest accuracy of geomagnetic field detection in China, the satellite will significantly advance the country’s space magnetic surveys.
Visiting the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), President Xi highlighted the satellite as a symbol of deepened high-tech cooperation between Macau and the mainland, showcasing Macau’s innovative capabilities.
Empowering the Youth
With an open business environment and the opportunities presented by the cooperation zone, Macau has become an ideal place for young entrepreneurs. By November 2024, Hengqin had incubated 898 entrepreneurship projects for youth from Hong Kong and Macau, with 815 from Macau alone.
President Xi met with Macau residents and young entrepreneurs in Hengqin, emphasizing the vast opportunities for Macau’s youth to achieve their ambitions. He expressed hope that more young people from Macau would build remarkable careers in the region.
“The development of the cooperation zone is reshaping the career plans of Macau’s youth. The younger generation is increasingly focusing on the potential of the mainland’s vast market,” said Ip Kuai Peng, vice rector of the City University of Macau.
President Xi underscored the importance of education and talent cultivation to meet the needs of both the country and the Macau SAR during his visit to MUST.
Reference(s):
Macao boosts tech innovation, talent cultivation for improved growth
cgtn.com
