In response to President Xi Jinping’s letter on Tuesday congratulating faculty and students of the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) on the joint successful launch of the “Macao Science 1” space exploration twin satellites in cooperation with the mainland, Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Xi and the central government for their care for and support of the development of Macau, particularly in education and science and technology, according to a Macau Government Information Bureau (GCS) statement yesterday.
The statement quoted Ho as saying that Xi praised the enthusiasm and commitment of Macau’s teachers and students to the nation’s scientific and technological endeavours, affirmed the promising results of Macau’s deepening technological cooperation with the mainland, and encouraged Macau’s universities and science and technology professionals to continue to carry forward the fine tradition of loving both their country and Macau, and to integrate their own development into the overall development of the nation, so as to contribute to the appropriate diversification and development of Macau’s economy.
The “Macao Science 1” twin satellites were launched on Sunday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the northwestern province of Gansu.
Ho said Xi’s letter is not only congratulating and recognising the teachers and students of MUST, but also showing his care and expectations for them, which is great encouragement and inspiration to all Macau residents.
Ho also said, according to the statement, that the local government will continue to study and convey the spirit of Xi’s letter, and take practical measures in response to his deep concern and earnest expectations.
Ho pledged that the Macau government will continue to increase investment in education and science and technology, strengthen the teaching and research teams at Macau’s universities, strive to shape world-class universities with Macau characteristics and superior academic disciplines, and to nurture more patriotic and excellent talents.
Ho also pledged to improve the community-wide support mechanism for science and technology innovation, stimulate dynamic innovation, promote result-orientated science and technology innovation, and appropriately diversify Macau’s economy by rolling out the government’s new development strategy known as “1+4” through science and technology innovation.
The government’s “1+4” strategy refers to the further development of Macau’s tourism and leisure industries but with additional focus on four emerging industries – big health, hi-tech, modern finance, and conventions and exhibitions including culture and sports.
This file photo taken on Sunday shows the successful launch of the “Macao Science 1” twin satellites from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Gansu province. – Photo by GCS
