USJ and UCP Delegation Explores High-Quality Talent and Innovation Collaboration in Hengqin and Macao
USJ and UCP Delegation Explores High-Quality Talent and Innovation Collaboration in Hengqin and Macao
25
Apr
25/04/2025
A high-level delegation from the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) and the Portuguese Catholic University (UCP) visited the Hengqin In-Depth Cooperation Zone to strengthen Sino-Luso research and innovation partnerships.
A high-level delegation from the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) and the Portuguese Catholic University (UCP) visited the Hengqin In-Depth Cooperation Zone to strengthen Sino-Luso research and innovation partnerships. The delegation, led by Professor Alexandre Lobo, Vice-Rector of Research and Innovation at USJ, and Professor Margarida Mano, Vice-Rector of Quality, Innovation, and Development at UCP, engaged with key government departments and industry leaders to advance collaborative opportunities in technology, biotechnology, and sustainable development.
Strengthening Research and Innovation Ties
The delegation met with officials from the Economic Development Bureau and the Financial Services Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. Discussions focused on policies to attract Portuguese and European high-tech firms to the region.
Professor Margarida Mano highlighted UCP’s expertise in technology transfer and academia-industry collaboration across health, biotechnology, new materials, law, and management studies. Professor Isabel Braga da Cruz, Pro-Rector for the Porto Campus (UCP), emphasized UCP’s leadership in sustainability and social innovation, ranking among Europe’s top programs. Professor Manuela Pintado, Director of the Center for Chemistry and Biotechnology (CBQF), noted that 70% of their research is applied in collaboration with over 250 companies in the past five years.
Financial and Ecosystem Support
Mr. Yang Yu Jun, Chief of the Budgetary and Execution Division at the Financial Services Bureau, and Mr. Zhang, Manager of the Sino-Luso Technology Fund, explored financial incentives for Portuguese and European companies in Hengqin. The delegation also welcomed Ms. Linda Li, Chairwoman of Taichuangyuan Group, who proposed a dedicated fund for Sino-Lusophone startups in sustainability and technology. Mr. David Cheang, CEO of AHA HK & Macao Youth Incubation Centre, shared plans to support high-potential startups with early-stage funding.
National and AI Research Partnerships
USJ connected the delegation with national research partners, including the Zhuhai Fudan Innovation Research Institute, which has incubated over 20 startups from its initial chosen 45 projects, seven of which are now valued at over 100 million RMB.
In artificial intelligence, Pachira Information Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd., a USJ partner, showcased its AI voice recognition solutions for automotive and smart home industries.
Culture, Arts, and Tourism
Aligning with Macao’s “1+4” diversification strategy, the delegation visited the AHA HK & Macao Youth Incubation Centre, which supports Macao restaurateurs and promotes performing arts and short film production in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
A New Chapter in Sino-Luso Collaboration
The delegation included Professor Andre Antunes, Dean of the Institute for Science and Environment (USJ), Mr. Terrence Lee, President of the Sustainable Development Association in Macao, Mr. Emil Marques, Head of Executive Training and Lifelong Learning at USJ, and Ms. Angela Kam, Director of the USJ Sino-Lusophone Business Development Center.
This visit marks a significant step in fostering research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer between China and Portugal, reinforcing Macao’s role as a service platform and USJ as a bridge for talent and innovation in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone.
