The University of Macau (UM) and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) recently signed a collaborative framework agreement on promoting humanities and social sciences in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The agreement aims to inject new energy into higher education and research development in the GBA, in order to fulfill the goal set out in the Outline of the Strategies for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to develop Macao into a base for cultural exchange and collaboration, where Chinese culture is the predominant component and a variety of other cultures co-exist in harmony.

A delegation from UM, led by Rector Yonghua Song, recently visited the CASS and was warmly received by CASS Vice President Gao Xiang. During the meeting, Song told the host about UM’s development in humanities and social sciences, including the establishment of the Centre for Macau Studies, Centre for Chinese History and Culture, Confucius Institute, Centre for Constitutional Law and Basic Law Studies, and Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences. He also talked about UM’s impactful research in the fields of Chinese history, the regional history of Macao, Portuguese language education, the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, the Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region, as well as tourism and gaming management. According to Song, the recently established Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences aims to promote interdisciplinary research in humanities and social sciences and to develop an integrated international academic platform. Gao recognised UM’s achievements in humanities and social sciences and expressed hope to build a long-term collaborative mechanism between the two institutions.

During the meeting, Song and Gao signed a collaborative framework agreement on behalf of UM and the CASS. Both parties agree to establish a joint research institute for the training of high-calibre professionals, as well as the development of high-end think tanks, Macao regional studies, and interdisciplinary research. After the signing ceremony, representatives of UM and CASS had in-depth discussions on various issues. The CASS is the most prestigious academic institute and research centre in China in the study of philosophy and social sciences. It is also a top think tank of China and has been listed multiple times among the top 100 think tanks in the world by the Global Go To Think Tank Index Reports.

Source: Global Affairs Office

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