CityU students participate in “China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Youth Exchange Program” to gain insights into Chinese modernization - 副本

The third edition of the "China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Youth Exchange Program," jointly organized by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Macao SAR (Office of the Commissioner) and the Macao SAR Government, was held in Beijing from October 25 to 29. Under the theme “gaining insights into Chinese modernization, building a shared and bright future for China and Portuguese-speaking Countries”, the program brought together 26 students from six Macao higher education institutions, including nine from Portuguese-speaking countries and local Macao students. City University of Macau (CityU) was represented by six students from Brazil, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, Timor-Leste, and Macao.

During their stay in Beijing, the students visited the Museum of the Communist Party of China and the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall to explore the successful stories of Chinese modernization. They experienced the “China’s construction” at China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, SenseTime Co., Ltd., and Beijing Automobile Works Co., Ltd. At the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, they learned about the cultural heritage and spiritual strength behind China’s development achievements. Additionally, they engaged in discussions with teachers and students of the Portuguese department at Beijing Foreign Studies University, strengthening the friendship between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

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Upon their return to Macao, Deputy Commissioner Cheng Lei of the Office of the Commissioner held a discussion with the students, encouraging them to serve as bridges and become ambassadors and builders of friendly cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. The students expressed that the trip far exceeded their expectations, deepening their comprehensive understanding of China. They expressed hopes to have more opportunities in the future to experience China in person, and they looked forward to contributing to the friendly cooperation between Portuguese-speaking countries and China.

Voices from CityU Students

"The exchange program was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of leadership, innovation, and international cooperation. From the timeless wisdom of the Forbidden City to the cutting-edge technology of Sense Time, I witnessed how China harmonizes tradition and modernity with a human-centered vision. I return to Macau inspired by the country’s resilience, unity, and commitment to education—and determined to continue building bridges between China and the Lusophone world through knowledge, youth, and innovation," says international student Lucas André Nguenha from Mozambique.

"Having travelled the world and been to every continent, Beijing stands tall amongst the greatest cities I have yet visited. But that is in no small part due to the companionship I had during the trip, which allowed me to experience the city not just for what is evident on a first look, but for what is hidden just under the surface. The trip was an experience I would do again in a heartbeat, and whose memories I will hold dear for many years to come," says international student António Martins Leitão Moreira de Carvalho from Portugal.

"My participation in China–Portuguese-Speaking Countries Youth Exchange Program was impressive. It opened my mind and profoundly shaped my strategic vision. The program inspired me to not only understand modernization with Chinese characteristics but to actively build new projects and bridges between Brazil, China, and the CPLP nations. This experience was a catalyst for me as a leadership, and I am committed to continuing this work. Congratulations to the organizers for a truly inspiring program," says international student Eunice Pita de Oliveira from Brazil.

"This was my first time participating in an international visit of this kind, and I feel incredibly proud and honored to have had the opportunity. The experience has been truly transformative. The program in Beijing not only broadened my perspectives of the world, but also shaped futures, built bridges, and strengthened the bonds of Lusophone solidarity. It opened doors to new friendships with fellow students and teachers from China, and more importantly, deepened my understanding of the growing cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Among all the programs, the visit to CCECC left the strongest impression on me. I learned that the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has played a significant role in Timor-Leste’s infrastructure development," says international student Fatima Aurea Ximenes from Timor-Leste.

"The trip was truly memorable. I had the opportunity to visit iconic landmarks, places and, consequently, gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and civilization. I also had an incredible culinary experience, trying new foods and recipes. What was most striking was China's rapid advancement in innovation and cutting-edge technology—it's truly amazing. Furthermore, through visits to various companies, I gained a closer understanding of the relationships, work practices, cultural interaction, and projects that China is undertaking in Portuguese-speaking countries. I came away with an incredible impression and hope that these relationships will continue to strengthen in the future," says international student Gerardo Abaga Nguema Nkama from Equatorial Guinea.

"As a freshman studying the bachelor's program in Portuguese studies, I felt very honored to have the opportunity to participate in this exchange program, traveling to Beijing with students from nine Portuguese-speaking countries. This journey was incredible, allowing me to meet friends from different cultural backgrounds. Beijing, as a thousand-year-old ancient capital, has integrated heritage protection with humanistic sentiments in its current development, enabling the city to grow in a more balanced way," says student Ao Ieong Chan Nam from Macao, China.

Source: China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Youth Exchange Program, Office of the Commissioner