USJ Students Visit Jiangmen to Explore Macao Enterprises’ New Development Layout in the Greater Bay Area
USJ Students Visit Jiangmen to Explore Macao Enterprises’ New Development Layout in the Greater Bay Area
28
Nov
28/11/2025
To gain an in-depth understanding of the expansion and practices of Macao enterprises in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), the Office for Student and Alumni Affairs organised a student exchange tour to Jiangmen, Guangdong from 22 to 23 November 2025.
To gain an in-depth understanding of the development of Macao enterprises in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), the Office for Student and Alumni Affairs (OSAA) of the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) organized a student exchange tour to Jiangmen, Guangdong from 22 to 23 November 2025. Sponsored by the Education and Youth Development Bureau, this trip focused on the industrial development of Macao enterprises in Jiangmen. Through site visits to well-known Macao-invested companies, students witnessed the successful examples of Macao enterprises that seized the GBA opportunities and achieved cross-regional development.
Upon arriving in Jiangmen on the first day, the students visited the Chenpi Village and Chenpi Cultural Museum. They were introduced to the century-old cultivation history, processing techniques, and economic value of Chenpi (dried tangerine peel). It was meaningful to know how this traditional agricultural product has become a characteristic industry, which is driving the local economy through branding and modernization.
The students also visited “October Fifth”, a well-known brand rooted in Macao that has successfully established a large production base in Jiangmen. This company is a role model for Macao enterprises to expand into GBA. The representatives of the enterprise explained its “Macao Brand, Jiangmen Manufacturing” development strategy. Students had the opportunity to learn the processes of modern food production through making pineapple pastry themselves.
In the evening, the group visited Chikan Overseas Chinese Ancient Town. They witnessed the exciting intangible cultural heritage performances such as lion dance and Da Tie Hua (fireworks from molten iron). It was a close-up experience to understand Jiangmen’s status as a famous hometown for overseas Chinese. The place shared a similar international perspective and cultural heritage with Macao, which provides a unique cultural and emotional bond for cooperation between enterprises from both places. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Through the visit and performances that showcase overseas Chinese culture, wartime history, and intangible cultural heritage experiences, students were able to understand and recognize Chinese history and culture, which broadened their perspectives and enabled them to become witnesses and disseminators of China’s development.
The second day of the tour continued to focus on the theme of Macao enterprises, with a visit to Padaria da Guia. This company, also originating from Macao, has established a modern production base in Jiangmen, achieving industrial upgrading and scaled development.
Towards the end of the tour, the students visited the Wuyi Overseas Chinese Museum. Through rich cultural relics, historical materials, and multimedia exhibits, students systematically learned about the history of the Wuyi region’s overseas Chinese, their arduous journeys abroad, entrepreneurial endeavors, and their profound contributions to the development of their motherland. This segment not only strengthened the students’ understanding of overseas Chinese culture but also inspired them to contemplate the connection between cultural identity and globalization.
A student participant believed that this tour not only allowed her to experience the breadth and depth of Chinese culture, but it also made her more profoundly aware that, as a Macao person, she is connected to the motherland closely. No matter where she is, she feels immensely proud to be Chinese. This land has nurtured countless resilient and wise people, as well as a splendid and glorious culture. In the future, she hopes to continue learning and inheriting these valuable cultural heritage and contribute her share to the prosperous development of the Chinese nation.
This visit to Jiangmen successfully integrated knowledge with industry practice through site visits, cultural experiences, and industrial exchanges. Students personally witnessed how Macao brands leverage the vast hinterland of the GBA to break through local limitations and achieve leapfrog development for their brands. It has broadened the students’ understanding of the diverse cultural and economic aspects of the GBA, and allowed them to personally experience Jiangmen’s achievements as a key hub for overseas Chinese in promoting cultural tourism, food innovation, and intangible cultural heritage.
