Gov’t unveils new state laboratories

Macau officially inaugurated four restructured State Key Laboratories yesterday at the Government Headquarters, marking a new phase in the city’s scientific and technological development.

Addressing dignitaries including Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun, Macau Liaison Office director Zheng Xincong, and Commissioner Liu Xianfa, Sam noted, “With the support and affection of the Central Government, the Ministry of Science and Technology approved, in 2010 and 2018, the establishment of four State Key Laboratories in Macau, which have played a key role in the SAR’s scientific and technological development.”

He added that the laboratories have achieved “notable results in scientific research and the transformation of research outcomes, in the training of qualified personnel, and in international cooperation.”

Sam, in his speech, noted Macau’s future priorities, linking the city’s innovation efforts to national development.

“Tending to the positioning of ‘one center, one platform, one base,’ Macau will develop diversified industries and prioritize four major projects: Macau-Hengqin International University City, Macau Integrated International Tourist and Cultural District, Macau International Aviation Hub on the west bank of the Pearl River, and the Science and Technology R&D Industrial Park,” he said.

Plans are also underway to establish government and guidance funds to support emerging industries and strengthen the city’s economic diversification.

Sam then called on the laboratories to take a proactive role.

“The new State Key Laboratories in Macau, as a central force in the local scientific and technological innovation system, should be pioneering and entrepreneurial, take responsibility proactively, and identify, manage, and seek changes,” he said.

“Let us take this inauguration of the new State Key Laboratories in Macau as a new starting point and work together to contribute increasingly to the country’s scientific and technological development,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Minister Yin Hejun emphasized the strategic significance of the laboratories.

He noted that the designation of the plaques formally integrates the laboratories into China’s national system and sets expectations for the sector.

“We expect the laboratories to strengthen their sense of mission, foster talent, and deepen cooperation with top institutions and enterprises in the mainland to accelerate the transformation and application of scientific results,” he said.

The four laboratories – focused on Chinese medicine mechanisms and quality, analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits, Internet of Things for smart cities, and lunar and planetary science – have been operating since their establishment in 2010 and 2018.

Following a multi-year optimization and restructuring process, they were officially approved for integration into the national system earlier this year. Times Reporter