New University of Macau Campus to Foster Collaborative Growth in Hengqin

The construction of a new campus for the University of Macau (UM) is moving forward in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone located in Hengqin. Spanning approximately 375,600 square meters, the campus is slated for completion in 2028, and will feature faculties in various fields, including Medicine, Information Technology, Design, and Engineering. This initiative represents a pivotal milestone in the cooperative development between Hengqin and Macao, aiming to not only enhance the academic landscape but also foster significant economic growth in the region.

The chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Ho Iat-seng, expressed during the groundbreaking ceremony on December 9, that this project symbolizes a new chapter in the collaborative efforts between both areas, aligning with national development goals. The new UM campus is designed to further integrate Macao into the national framework while elevating the quality of higher education through enhanced research capabilities. It will also become a hub for interdisciplinary research, closely collaborating with industry and academia to drive innovation.

In recent years, Hengqin has strategically worked on supporting Macao's industrial diversification and has invested heavily in creating a pleasant and functional environment for residents. This new educational space is set to house institutes dedicated to advanced research, thus contributing to sectors identified for growth including sci-tech, manufacturing, traditional Chinese medicine, cultural tourism, and finance.

The Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone was established following a directive from the central government in September 2021. This plan has not only reinforced administrative collaboration between local and mainland officials but has also integrated Macao's industrial diversification strategies with Hengqin's developmental goals.

Hengqin has focused on evolving its industrial landscape to align with Macao’s “1+4” strategy—centering on tourism while promoting sectors such as healthcare, modern finance, high-tech industries, and conventions. This integration is evidenced by the remarkable trajectory of growth observed in Macao-funded businesses within the cooperation zone. As of October, there are over 6,500 Macao-funded enterprises, yielding significant economic contributions and illustrating the potential for future collaboration.

As of the end of November, there are 31,506 enterprises in the key sectors that have shown a steady growth rate of 6.3% since the end of 2021. The economic output from these industries reached 21.6 billion yuan, contributing to 57.8% of the cooperation zone's GDP. These developments are crucial as Macao aims to diversify its economy away from the gaming sector, which has seen a notable decline in its contribution to GDP. Notably, the contribution from sectors such as traditional Chinese medicine and modern finance rose to 39.05 billion Macao patacas in 2023, showcasing a robust transformation.

A groundbreaking project, the Macau New Neighborhood, has also been launched in 2023, focusing on the relocation needs of Macao residents to Hengqin. This initiative promises essential amenities, including community services and specialized schools, which are designed to enhance quality of life.

In a significant operational advancement, the cooperation zone introduced a policy aimed at easing customs arrangements that delineate the lines of movement between Hengqin and Macao. This arrangement enhances cross-boundary interactions, catering directly to the needs of technology and traditional Chinese medicine industries in Hengqin, making it easier for businesses to thrive in this dynamic environment.

Continuing with this upward trend, the Macao light rail Hengqin line, which opened recently, will further facilitate travel and trade between the regions. Macao entrepreneur Leong Ka-seng highlights the growing interoperability of business practices between Hengqin and Macao, crediting regulatory integration as vital to enhancing the business landscape.

As Hengqin continues to emerge as a thriving ecosystem for business and living, the completion of the University of Macau campus will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for economic development and collaborative growth, cementing the area's role in shaping the future of higher education and regional advancement.