The International Congress of Basic Science (ICBS) exemplifies the unity in science community despite political and economical divisions and the important role the basic science has played in promoting technological advancement, said Eric Maskin, a Nobel laureate in economics, in an exclusive interview which was aired on Friday.
The ICBS was inaugurated in Beijing on July 14, bringing together more than 800 scientists and scholars from home and abroad, including Fields Medal winners, Turing Award winners and one Nobel laureate.
Speaking with China Media Group (CMG) on the sidelines of the event, Eric Maskin listed two reasons why the conference was of significance.
"To begin with, I think one of the values of this particular conference is the fact that it's international. At a time when in the political area, economic area there is increasing fragmentation around the world, increasing tension, I think science is something that can bring us all together. Science is, by its nature, a collaborative enterprise, and taking advantage of the fact that there are excellent scientists all over the world, in China, in the U.S., in Europe. And bringing them all to one place at one time has great value in itself," Maskin said.
"But the other reason why I think this conference is so important is that it reminds us that basic science has a critically important side benefits. We know from the work of the economist Robert Solow, back in the 1950s, that most economic growth can be attributed to new ideas. New ideas are essential when it comes to growth. And new ideas ultimately get traced back to basic science. You can certainly predict on the basis of history that all great technological advances will be based ultimately on basic science," he continued.
Basic science lays foundation for technological advances: Nobel laureate
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
