State key laboratories in Macao promote local, national scientific, social progress

The state key laboratories in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) are playing a vital role in fostering scientific and social advancements, benefiting not only the region but also the broader motherland.

At the State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences, under the Macao University of Science and Technology and being the first of its kind, researchers are analyzing meteorites.

"Studying meteorites allows us to gain insights into the growth and evolution of the Earth as a whole, including the formation of its magnetic field and the existence of an atmosphere, oxygen, water and other essential components in the development of planetary matter," said Zong Qiugang, director of the laboratory.

Researchers at the laboratory have been involved in significant aerospace projects such as Chang'e lunar exploration activities and the Tianwen Mars exploration missions. The rapid development of the country's aerospace sector has opened up new avenues for their research.

"We are also scheduled to participate in the Chang'e-8 lunar mission in the future, as China plans to establish a relatively long-term lunar research station on the moon," said Zong.

At the University of Macao, the State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City is conducting a series of researches on urban intelligence, bringing fresh energy to the development of Macao through innovations in smart transportation, smart energy management and smart bridge monitoring.

Many of the smart technologies developed in Macao are transferred to the Zhuhai UM Science and Technology Research Institute, a comprehensive and international industry university research based in Hengqin, where these scientific advancements are further developed and expanded.

Hengqin is an island in the city of Zhuhai, adjacent to Macao.

"Because Macao historically lacks high-tech industries, the advanced technologies developed in the region often have no application scenarios. If the institute aims to contribute to the construction of the motherland or the Greater Bay Area, there is only one place suitable - Hengqin," said Chen Guokai, Director of Zhuhai UM Science and Technology Research Institute.

Hengqin is now home to 30 national and provincial-level science and technology innovation platforms, including the Macao-Hengqin Youth Entrepreneurship Valley and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Industrial Park of Cooperation between Guangdong and Macao. These platforms provide a stage for young entrepreneurs in Macao to start their own businesses and pave the way for the growth of the region's diverse economic sectors.

Macao boasts a total of four state key laboratories. The other two are the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and the State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI.

State key laboratories in Macao promote local, national scientific, social progress

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