Lawmaker calls for gov’t to integrate fresh graduates in ‘1+4’

Lawmaker Cheng On Ting has called for optimization in the implementation of the “1+4” economic development strategy in the SAR.

In an interpellation, lawmaker called for the government to help fresh graduates to effectively participate in the “1+4” development.

He recommended the government take the lead and encourage universities to cooperate with enterprises and associations to provide corresponding internship plans and vocational and technical training courses.

“The government should systematically conduct research on talent needs and industry needs in the four key industries, actively promote the construction of a talent information registration system and establish a complete talent demand database so that all sectors of society can understand changing trends in talent,” said Cheng.

“They should also provide a reference for the majority of middle school graduates to study further, helping them understand social development conditions, make early career plans, and cope with future challenges,” he added.

Meanwhile, suggested supporting small, medium, and micro enterprises in various districts, revitalizing the community economy and providing opportunities for fresh graduates via internships.

He also suggested reviewing and adjusting the plan based on the current social situation, particularly focusing on supporting small businesses and revitalizing the economy in the Northern Districts.

“Although the number of tourists in Macau is basically close to the pre-pandemic level, the main beneficiaries are concentrated in tourist areas and resorts, while merchants in livelihood areas and some small, medium and micro enterprises are [finding it] more difficult to benefit, and the economy has not recovered in a balanced manner,” he said.

“The overall purchasing power is weak, and residents travel northward for consumption, which makes it difficult for many small, medium and micro enterprises in the Northern Districts to survive; at the same time, the continuous decline of the real estate industry has also impacted the related supply chains,” the lawmaker said.

He said a government pilot consumption incentive program in the Northern District, which yielded relatively positive results is a good step. He hoped this initiative would be extended to other communities to support small, medium and micro enterprises in the district and revitalize the community economy.

However, he said the current programs only provided short-term support and that long-term support needs to be considered in the implementation of “1+4” diversification strategy.

“I recommend that the government intensify efforts to launch support measures for the transformation and upgrading of small- and medium-sized enterprises, popularize and promote digital tools, improve operating efficiency and competitiveness and assist enterprises in integrating online and offline operations and help them modernize.”

Staff Reporter