UM hosts symposium ‘Building a Cultural Golden Brand for Mutual Learning between Chinese and Western Civilizations’

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’. 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 an important platform for telling China’s stories and contributing new ideas and examples to cultural exchange between China and the world. Citing UM’s involvement in the restoration of major cultural relics such as the Ruins of St. Paul’s, Song emphasised the vital role that academic research plays in cultural heritage preservation. Hu Weixing, dean of FSS, stressed the importance of exploring Macao’s unique historical and cultural resources. He noted that culture appeal should be transformed into a driving force for urban development, turning historical and cultural assets into innovative resources and new momentum for the cultural and tourism industries. This, he added, would help advance the development of Macao’s international integrated tourism and cultural zone and promote the high-quality growth 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.