CE expresses gratitude for central gov’t support for Macau youth

The Chief Executive (CE) Sam Hou Fai has expressed gratitude, on behalf of the local government and local residents, to President Xi Jinping and the central government for their care and concern for Macau’s youth, as well as for their guidance and support in advancing patriotic education in the Special Administrative Region (SAR), according to a statement from the Government Information Bureau (GCS).

The CE’s statement followed Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang’s meeting with a local delegation of young people who took part in the “Salute to the National Flag” activity at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday.

During the meeting, Ding conveyed President Xi’s greetings to all members of the delegation and stressed that Xi has always shown “deep care and concern for the development of young people in Hong Kong and Macau.”

According to the GCS statement, the vice premier emphasized that when young people in the two regions thrive, Hong Kong and Macau thrive as well, and so does the nation.

Sam noted that President Xi has consistently placed great importance on youth development in Macau, providing guidance and encouragement. Vice Premier Ding’s in-person reception of Macau teachers and students participating in the patriotic activity in Beijing, during which he encouraged young people to understand the national flag, safeguard the national flag and bring glory to the national flag, was significant, Sam said.

According to the CE, as cited in the GCS statement, the meeting not only demonstrated the central government’s care for Macau’s younger generation but also served as an example of patriotism.

Sam also said that the event strengthened young people’s sense of national identity and ethnic pride, nurturing a new generation with love for the country and a spirit of responsibility, and reinforcing the local foundations of patriotism and national security.

He also said the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan emphasizes ethical progress and civic virtue for a New Era, providing clear direction for cultivating patriotism and a global outlook among young people.

The CE said that patriotic education is a cornerstone of ensuring the long-term success of the ‘One country, two systems’ principle and that a systematic approach to national education, combined with practical experiences, can help young residents gain a deeper understanding of the nation’s development journey and achievements.

Sam also said local youth can deepen their knowledge of national conditions, the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, the MSAR Basic Law and national security, while strengthening their national consciousness and patriotic spirit.

“This will ensure that patriotism takes root in the hearts of young people, empowering them to become the driving force behind the growth of patriotic and Macau-loving values,” he added.

The CE concluded by noting that the MSAR government will continue to bring together all sectors of society to fully implement President Xi’s instructions from his important speeches on local affairs. He added that the government will earnestly study and act on Vice Premier Ding’s guidance and expectations regarding youth development.

The CE’s statement was also followed by similar statements from all five government secretaries, as well as other high-ranking officials from the government and the judiciary.

The statements reiterated the need to continue developing patriotic education while safeguarding national security, describing both as important to Macau’s development.

Social affairs office pledges stronger youth support

The Social Affairs and Culture Office has pledged to strengthen youth support in Macau, with measures focused on patriotic education, skills development, career planning and participation in regional development.

The office said it will continue to “deepen patriotic education for young people by integrating educational resources, improving curricula and organizing regular activities related to national history, national defense and other themes.”

The portfolio will also strengthen support for young people’s education and career development, including expanding internship opportunities, improving job-matching services and providing career guidance and incentives for further education and professional qualifications.

It said these measures are intended to help young people build their skills and participate in the country’s development.

The office also pledged to make greater use of regional cooperation opportunities to encourage young people to participate in the development of the Guangdong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

In particular, it said the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin could provide platforms for internships, entrepreneurship and other forms of practical experience. Support for employment and entrepreneurship will also be strengthened, it said.

The office made the pledges after Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met representatives of the “Salute to the National Flag” Hong Kong and Macau youth delegation during their visit to Beijing.

Ding conveyed President Xi Jinping’s greetings and good wishes to young people in the two regions and encouraged them to understand, safeguard and uphold the national flag, according to the office.