BRICS initiated program in Xiamen City nurtures specialist int'l talents in cardiovascular field

A specialized training initiative for international cardiologists in Xiamen City of east China's Fujian Province is helping to nurture more talents by giving specialist heart doctors from around the world the chance to learn and apply their expertise to global healthcare.

The program is seen as one of the legacy outcomes of the 2017 BRICS Summit, which was held in the coastal city and helped facilitated numerous collaborations among member countries, including vibrant people-to-people exchanges.

Initiated by the BRICS Cardiovascular Health Innovation Center (BCHIC) in 2022, the "Heart Sapling" Visiting Scholar Program aims at fostering global cooperation among cardiovascular experts, with a focus on boosting diagnostic and therapeutic skills and improving overall heart treatment.

International trainees are able to gain valuable hands-on experience at the Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, including Antonio Simao, a visiting scholar from Brazil who has spent the past six months refining his skills.

"This program is very important for us, because we can exchange knowledge, see new technologies, new procedures. We have been here learning interventions in heart [procedures], similar to heart surgeries but with minimal injuries. We can benefit these kinds of patients," said Simao.

Launched by the Xiamen University-affiliated hospital, the program was initially focused on training cardiovascular specialists among member nations of the BRICS group, an emerging-market cooperative mechanism that initially included Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa but has since expanded its membership to include five other nations.

As China strengthens its commitment to the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the cardiovascular training program has also extended its reach to invite participants from numerous other countries.

A trainee from Myanmar says she feels at home in Xiamen City, thanks to the friendships she has built among her peers.

"They're very warm and friendly, and I can learn a lot from each and every one of these persons. The technology is so advanced. My knowledge and skills are getting improved day by day. That's why I want to extend my study period for another six months after one year," said Toe Wai Wai Naing, a visiting scholar.

The Heart Sapling program has already welcomed 13 trainees from seven countries to Xiamen, and many more participants are expected in the future, with officials hoping it can continue to make a difference in more countries.

"Over the next three years, we will offer [places to] 50 fellows from countries in the group of friends of the GDI. We hope to train more cardiovascular specialists, and hope that we can play a key role in their home countries in the future," said Wang Yan, president of the Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University.

BRICS initiated program in Xiamen City nurtures specialist int'l talents in cardiovascular field

A growing number of Macao citizens are embracing the opportunities for cross-border employment in Hengqin of Zhuhai City, south China's Guangdong Province, achieving professional growth while enjoying the convenience of a dual-city lifestyle.

One such individual is Hoi Peng, a Macao-born lawyer practicing in Hengqin. Since the establishment of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin in 2021, Hoi has taken advantage of the new opportunities to open a joint venture law firm.

The firm offers cross-border legal services to clients and businesses in Macao and the mainland on Hong Kong- and Macao-related affairs.

"There are more opportunities in the (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao) Greater Bay Area and In-depth Cooperation Zone, which provide a bigger stage for our work. In addition to opening a joint law firm, I also obtained the qualification to practice law in the Greater Bay Area, allowing me to handle cases on the mainland," said Hoi.

With her business flourishing, Hoi moved her family from Macao to Hengqin, embarking on a dual-city lifestyle that brings both professional opportunities and everyday convenience.

"It's a new world for us. I often recommend my friends to move to Hengqin. The living environment here is more spacious than in Macao, and it's incredibly convenient. For example, products ordered online are delivered directly to our doorstep," she said.

Like Hoi, Macao restaurateur Tong Sio Kun also reaped unexpected benefits of cross-border entrepreneurship. A few years ago, Tong opened a restaurant in Hengqin, supported by favorable policies like rent subsidies and business incentives.

With a focus on creating unique dishes, Tong's restaurant saw a significant increase in customer traffic. Within just a few months, she recouped her initial investment and made a profit.

"Over the past few years, we've seen returns, and our business has grown several times in size. I'm confident that I will open three more restaurants in Hengqin within the next two years," Tong said. In recent years, Macao citizens have found it increasingly easy to practice their professions on the mainland. Professionals such as tour guides, lawyers, architects, and pharmacists are now allowed to work across borders. In addition, culinary, beauty, and catering qualifications are mutually recognized between Guangdong and Macao.

As integration between Hengqin and Macao picks up speed, more and more Macao talents are choosing to live and work in Hengqin. By July this year, the number of Macao-funded enterprises in the In-depth Cooperation Zone had reached 6,365, up nearly 40 percent from three years ago. By September, more than 20,000 people from Macao were living and working in Hengqin.

Macao citizens enjoy cross-border opportunities, dual-city lifestyle in Hengqin