More than 80 percent of young respondents have expressed their willingness or strong desire to work in the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, according to a survey released by the Chinese Youth Advancement Association (CYAA) on Friday.
The survey, entitled “Macau Youth’s Willingness to Integrate into the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone”, was conducted among over 1,000 young people aged 15 to 45 via electronic questionnaires from August 14 to 23, with the aim of understanding Macau young people’s awareness, willingness to participate, and specific needs regarding the zone.
Participants represented a diverse range of employment statuses, including students, job seekers, businesspeople, and those currently unemployed, according to CYAA.
According to the findings, when considering their potential move to Hengqin, respondents highlighted “policy support” (54 percent), “cost of living” (over 51 percent), and “future development prospects” (48 percent) as the most critical factors.
The results indicated that over 80 percent of the respondents expressed optimism about the GBA’s potential, with nearly 88 percent of them showing a strong desire to explore new opportunities. Meanwhile, social media (nearly 70 percent) and online platforms (over 65 percent) were identified as the primary sources for young people to access information about policies regarding the zone.
Additionally, convenient cross-border transportation was seen as essential, with around 72 percent considering it a key factor to enhance their willingness to relocate, the findings show.
The survey also revealed a robust entrepreneurial spirit among young people, with an overall willingness to start businesses reaching nearly 78 percent. Among those already engaged in business operations, enthusiasm for Hengqin was particularly high.
This photo provided by the Chinese Youth Advancement Association (CYAA) on Saturday shows CYAA representatives posing at Friday’s press conference to release the findings of its survey “Macau Youth’s Willingness to Integrate into the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin”.
