13 September 2023 – SJM Resorts, S.A. (“SJM”) initiated to organise a series of forums under the theme of “Together, we grow and progress with the Motherland”, to support Macau’s young generation in seizing opportunities in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and integrating into the national development plan. Held on the morning of 13 September 2023 at the Grand Ballroom of Grand Lisboa Hotel, the inaugural forum invited Mr. Chui Sai Peng, Macau Deputy to the National People’s Congress, member of the Macau Legislative Assembly and President of the Macao Urban Planning Institute, and Mr. Ren Zhihong, Researcher and Director of the Hong Kong-Macao-Taiwan Research Center at the Guangdong Academy of Social Sciences as guest speakers. 

Other participating guests include: Mr. Cheng Qiyin, Director of the Department of Education and Youth Affairs of the Chinese Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Macau SAR, Mr. Wong Ka Ki, Deputy Director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau, Mr. Cheang Kam Lei, Head of Finance and Compliance Audit Department of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, and Ms. Angela Leong, Director of SJM and Chairman of SJM Staff Welfare Consultative Committee. The forum attracted over 200 university/secondary schools students and staff members.

The forum began with Mr. Chui Sai Peng introducing the origin of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. He explained about the structure of the management committee and the series of preferential benefits extended by the Motherland to Macau people residing in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, especially those benefits regarding their living and employment. He also presented Macau’s development under the policy of “one center, one platform and one base” as well as the “1+4” moderate diversification strategy. Furthermore, he encouraged Macau’s young people to pay more attention to the technology and innovative industry, and to better prepare themselves for future career paths.

Mr. Ren Zhihong presented the goals, mission, position and strategic value of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. He remarked that the financial systems in Hengqinand Macau have gradually transitioned from mutual access to deep integration, and this alignment will in turn accelerate the exchange and gathering of talents. He encouraged the young people in Macau to seize the opportunities and actively contribute to the building of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and the Greater Bay Area.

Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, expressed her gratitude to the guest speakers and all participants for their support. She hopes that the forum will help deepen the participants’ knowledge about the policies of the Central Government and promote patriotism amongst the young generation, to encourage them to support and contribute to the development of Macau and the Motherland. 

The forum was attended by over 160 students from the University of Macau, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao Polytechnic University, Macau Millenium College, Pui Ching Middle School (Macau), Pooi To Middle School (Macau) and Macao Youth Federation, along with over 40 SJM team members. They all found the forum very useful.

Upholding the core value of “Loving the Motherland and Loving Macau”, SJM is fully committed to promoting Macau’s integration into the national development plan and showcasing the best of Macau to the world. This forum series aims to deepen young people’s understanding of Macau’s economy and its cultural, sports and technological development, as well as its positioning in the Greater Bay Area and the opportunities available in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.