Articles by MDT,Yuki Lei

Technology

Technology research industrial park set to progress gradually

Macau will progress in an orderly manner with the construction of the technology research industrial park, with authorities confirming yesterday that extensive public consultations will be conducted from next Thursday through December 26 regarding site selection, planning, and funding arrangements. The 2026 Policy Address outlines four major construction projects for Macau: the Macau-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, the Macau International Integrated Tourism and Cultural Zone, the Macau Pearl River West Bank International Air Transport Hub (Port), and the Macau Science and Technology Research and Development Industrial Park. Notably, the education town and the integrated tourism and cultural zone are set to begin graduate-level teaching next year, while the latter is currently gathering public feedback. Investment in the cultural area will depend on future circumstances, with annual public investment expected to remain around MOP20 billion, consistent with recent years. Presenting his second Policy Address on Tuesday, Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai provided further details on the progress of the technology research industrial park, stating, “We will finalize the development plan for the park, including conducting preliminary consultations and research on its requirements, industrial positioning, functional layout, and development model.” He emphasized the need to expedite subsequent budget preparation and project tendering, initiate the hiring of a project management company, and actively attract investment. Sam also mentioned that support from central government ministries and commissions would be sought for the park’s development. He noted that prior to the park’s completion, the technology research industrial park will be established to attract technology enterprises and projects in fields such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, and digital technology. “These four initiatives aim to diversify the economy,” he added. Secretary for Economy and Finance Anton Tai will conduct extensive consultations regarding the technology research industrial park by month-end, with plans to leverage decades of mainland China’s technological development experience. “We will adapt to Macau’s actual conditions and fully leverage the benefits of ‘One Country, Two Systems,’” Sam stated. The primary focus of the technology park will be on research and development, centered around Macau’s technology research industry. Leveraging Macau’s four national key laboratories in biotechnology, traditional Chinese medicine, and integrated circuits, the park will also advance space technology through initiatives like Macau Science 1 and Macau Science 2. “I look forward to hearing everyone’s input, particularly from the technology sector,” he said. Sam referenced his previous visits to Changsha, the Pearl River Delta, and Beijing to observe their technological advancements, highlighting that Macau can draw from their successful experiences, especially in biomedicine and digital technology. He revealed plans for a phased development of the technology industry, stating, “This will be a gradual process.” Meanwhile, the establishment of the government’s industrial fund and guiding fund is anticipated by the end of this year or early next year.

Technology

Low LRT usage among residents due to insufficient network coverage

Light Rapid Transit (LRT) usage among young people in Macau remains low compared to other transportation options, primarily due to insufficient network coverage, and the government has yet to respond to the relevant survey report. The Macao New Chinese Youth Association conducted a street survey on Macau’s LRT service earlier this year, receiving responses from 647 youths aged 18 to 44. According to the group, during the survey period, the research team collaborated with members of relevant government advisory bodies to organize field visits for young people to various LRT stations and their supporting facilities, including Barra Station and Hengqin Station. They also engaged in discussions with LRT company representatives, gathering diverse opinions through on-site exchanges. According to the findings released at yesterday’s press conference at the group’s office, nearly 60% of young respondents had ridden the LRT in the past year; however, 70% of these riders used it once every three months or less, categorizing them as infrequent users. Only 1.5% of respondents relied on the LRT as their primary mode of transportation, while just 11.1% and 4.5% of those who had ridden the LRT within the past year used it for commuting to work or school, respectively. Despite a significant increase in the utilization rate of the LRT system over the past year, with ridership reaching approximately 5.37 million trips – a 117% increase from the previous year – September’s average daily ridership reached 30,600, setting a new record since full-fare operations began. However, the survey released yesterday indicates that Macau’s youth still primarily rely on buses, walking, or driving for transportation, even to key destinations such as the city’s airport, Hengqin checkpoint, Cotai, and central Taipa. The primary reason for choosing the LRT was “purely for the experience,” with 33.9% of respondents citing this. Additionally, the findings noted that on a five-point scale, nearly 42% of respondents gave low ratings of one or two points, indicating that insufficient network coverage is currently the LRT’s most critical issue. The policy objective for public transportation in Macau is to prioritize “LRT as the mainstay, with buses as a supplement.” However, survey results indicate that young people have reservations about this direction, with 37.2% of respondents expressing disagreement. While respondents widely believe that the lack of network coverage in core residential areas –such as the distance from stations to residences and the inability to reach destinations directly – is the primary factor affecting their willingness to use the service, it is noted that over 70% of young respondents believe the LRT should be further developed after the completion of its East Line. Also 75% support the planned West Line extension northward from Barra Station to serve the city’s old quarters, including the Inner Harbor area. Respondents expressed additional expectations for LRT development, including the introduction of more convenient payment methods such as QR codes and contactless credit card tapping for fare collection, the launch of an official mobile application, and the promotion of integrated ticketing between light rail and bus services. Meanwhile, leasing for commercial facilities at Barra Station began early last year. Recent observations by the Times indicate that some merchants have already opened shops selling local cultural and creative products, while leasing advertisements remain posted within the station. Based on the findings, where nearly 60% of respondents expressed a desire for LRT stations to include convenient commercial facilities like convenience stores, the association proposed yesterday that the government establish a youth entrepreneurship support program to encourage local youth cultural and creative brands, as well as light food and beverage outlets, to set up shop in LRT stations. Regarding the survey on youth entrepreneurship support programs and whether young people intend to start businesses in this environment, the group indicated that relevant information may be included in future research reports. “Consequently, this report primarily focuses on understanding the current state of the transportation system and proposing recommendations,” a representative said.

Technology

Torch relay for National Games to take place simultaneously this weekend

The 15th National Games, co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, is set to begin, with the torch relay scheduled for Sunday to take place simultaneously in Macau, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. A press conference held yesterday in Guangzhou outlined the schedule. The launch ceremony will commence at 9 a.m. in Shenzhen, followed at 9:30 a.m. by simultaneous starting ceremonies in Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhou, with the relay officially beginning through technological coordination. Tang Guohua, deputy director of the Large-Scale Events and Volunteer Services Department for the Guangdong Division of the 15th National Games Executive Committee, said the relay will highlight the industrial and technological strengths of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA). The event will feature smart robotics, autonomous vehicles, and low-altitude aircraft to assist with torch handovers and connect relay segments. Certain sections of the relay will follow a point-to-point format to link key city landmarks. Macau’s route, themed on cultural integration, will begin at the Government Headquarters and conclude at the Ruins of St. Paul’s, spanning approximately 2.6 kilometers. Authorities also reported that a streamlined border clearance model will support cross-border coordination, allowing the torch, equipment, torchbearers’ uniforms, and escort attire to move efficiently across borders on the same day. Tang emphasized that the plan aims to demonstrate the convenience of the “one-hour living circle” within the GBA. Torchbearers for Macau will include representatives from the sports sector, youth leaders, and notable community figures, reflecting broad societal participation in the event.