On December 8th and 9th, 38 students from the City University of Macau traveled to Jiangmen City to participate in the “Yili Tongxin” Greater Bay Area Tour and the Jiangmen Hong Kong Macao Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment Exchange. They gained a close-up understanding of the innovation and entrepreneurship environment in Jiangmen City, visiting multiple scenic spots, enterprises, and industrial parks over consecutive days to study the development of cultural tourism, biotechnology, green industries, and rural revitalization in the Wuyi region, combining education with tourism. The event was hosted by the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau of Jiangmen City, organized by the Jiangmen Employment Service Center, and co-organized by the Wu Zaiquan Entrepreneurship and Employment Center of City University of Macau.
The first stop of the exchange group was the Overseas Chinese Museum in the Capital of Overseas Chinese, where they reviewed the challenging yet glorious entrepreneurial history and rich culture of overseas Chinese in Wuyi. In the afternoon, under the enthusiastic guidance of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Park’s operation center, CityU students visited the service exhibition hall and innovation and entrepreneurship service center. Huang Liqiang, founder of Huang Liqiang Cultural and Creative (Jiangmen City) Co., Ltd., led students to experience the non-heritage cultural and creative space, “Overseas Chinese Hometown, Elegant Gathering.” Afterwards, Li Yujun, Director of the Jiangmen Employment Service Center, introduced the policies and environment of employment and entrepreneurship in Jiangmen, exchanged ideas with students, and answered their questions. At the invitation of the operation center, CityU alumnus Li Weijing, rooted in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Park, shared his entrepreneurial project, Jiangmen Junqi Technology Co., Ltd., offering practical experience and insights. The interaction was lively, with ideas flowing constantly. The group then visited Qimingli and 33rd Market Street, filming locations for one of China’s most popular TV series this year, to explore the impact of film and television on tourism revitalization in old districts.
On the second day, the group visited the former residence and memorial hall of Liang Qichao, a key cultural relic in Xinhui and a patriotic education base in Guangdong, to learn about the life and contributions of this patriotic figure. They then visited Xinbaotang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., where they explored a tangerine peel production base and learned how traditional industries have been transformed through modernization. The group also visited the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s Jiangmen Dual Carbon Laboratory, focusing on silicon energy power systems and carbon resource utilization, and explored how the lab contributes to the nation’s dual-carbon goals. The last stop was Tangkou Town, Kaiping City, where the group explored how the Kaiping Diaolou and Villages, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have been transformed into a hub of cultural and creative industries.
Through this two-day exchange, CityU students gained valuable insights into the history of Chinese overseas communities, traditional industries, and innovative sectors, and experienced the cultural tourism involved in rural revitalization. The trip provided practical references and support for their future entrepreneurial and employment endeavors.
Classmate's thoughts
Master of Business Administration student, Wang Wei
At the Jiangmen Dual Carbon Laboratory, I gained a more comprehensive understanding of technological innovation and the future development of modern agriculture. We had the opportunity to have in-depth discussions with local researchers on their carbon dioxide-induced plant yield increasing experimental project. By applying modern information technology and innovative smart equipment, we promoted plant growth and development, making agricultural production more efficient, achieving yield increases, and realizing the digitization, intelligence, and refinement of agricultural production. This aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals of eradicating hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
As an MBA student, I realize that this research achievement can provide new opportunities for agricultural technology entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs can leverage this technology to develop new products or services, such as standardized, high-efficiency technology farms that represent the future of intensive agricultural development, offering practical solutions and technical support to agricultural enterprises, thereby realizing the commercial value of technology and creating employment opportunities.
Through this activity, I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of technology in various fields and practical innovation. I believe that the agricultural sector will usher in more innovation and development in the future.
Master's Degree in Teaching and Research, PI Bing
This employment and entrepreneurship exchange event with Jiangmen left a deep impression on me. During this event, I not only learned about the employment situation and policies in the Jiangmen area, but also experienced the local traditions and culture. Through communication with entrepreneurs, I deeply understood the difficulties and challenges of entrepreneurship. At the same time, I saw endless opportunities and hope for entrepreneurship. I am grateful to the school for providing us with this rare exchange opportunity, which broadened my horizons and allowed me to make new friends. I believe that in the future, I will apply these experiences and knowledge to practical situations, laying a solid foundation for my career and entrepreneurship path.
Master's student in Applied Psychology, Yuan Jingzhe
In this event, we conducted in-depth visits to innovation and entrepreneurship service facilities, cultural tourism venues, as well as local modern agricultural enterprises and advanced technology laboratories in Jiangmen, Guangdong. We thoroughly explored the districts of Pengjiang, Jianghai, Xinhui, and Kaiping, and the event was highly rewarding. This experience provided me with a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the current status and future trends of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and valuable information for my future career or entrepreneurial decisions. I sincerely thank the organizers and hope to participate in similar activities in the future.
Master's student in applied psychology, Tang Lin
The Museum of Overseas Chinese showcases a brilliant history of immigration, with a significant number of outstanding talents emerging, including industrialists, social activists, philanthropists, and scientists. They embody the traditional spirit of patriotism, entrepreneurship, openness, inclusiveness, reverence for culture, and progress of the Wuyi people. These figures represent a remarkable era, combining the hardships of overseas entrepreneurship with the unwavering commitment to serve their homeland. Visiting the former residence of the great Liang Qichao, I was particularly impressed by his contributions to politics and education. Politically, he spent his life actively reforming and innovating, striving to modernize China. In education, his family has a tradition of excellence: “nine sons, all talented, one family, three academicians.” He emphasized the importance of knowledge, stating, “A hundred-year life begins in early childhood education.”
The rapid popularity of the TV drama provided a significant opportunity for local innovation and entrepreneurship in Jiangmen. The street scenes steeped in Cantonese culture, the buildings adorned with the traces of time, and a bowl of pork noodle soup in a small, smoky restaurant—these experiences made me feel the warmth from outside the city. Additionally, the high-quality and diverse varieties of Qiaodu coffee are simply irresistible. The Dual Carbon Laboratory—a gathering of brilliant minds—focuses on environmental protection research and emphasizes the practical application of theory, truly remarkable! As for Xinbaotang’s Chenpi, its unique flavor and diverse uses are irresistible, making me buy some not just for myself, but also for my parents and even children who love it. Jiangmen’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Park, Employment Station, and Kaiping Cultural Tourism Entrepreneurship Incubation Base are all highly attractive with their superior equipment, abundant benefits, and convenient transportation. This is the strong support that our prosperous nation provides for countless talents! I am also extremely grateful to CityU for providing us students with such a high-quality learning opportunity ❤️CityU.
Master's student in teaching research, Rong Gao Yu
The Integration of History and Education from the Former Residence of Liang Qichao in Jiangmen
What impressed me the most during this exchange activity was the former residence of Liang Qichao, located in Chakeng Village, Xinhui District, Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province. A charming blue brick and tile house witnessed Liang Qichao’s life and ideological journey from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. Entering the former residence, I felt as if I could sense the thoughts and decisions of this great scholar, with every corner steeped in a strong historical atmosphere.
By visiting the former residence of Liang Qichao, I gained a deeper understanding of modern Chinese history and a more comprehensive appreciation for this remarkable figure. “The rise and fall of the world is the responsibility of every individual” — he was not only an outstanding scholar and politician but also an educator with profound educational sentiments. His educational ideas and practices offer valuable references for our current educational reform. Education is not merely about imparting knowledge; it concerns the future of a country and a nation. We should learn from Liang Qichao’s educational philosophy, taking it upon ourselves to cultivate a new generation with innovative spirit and practical ability, contributing to the modernization of Chinese education.
In today’s era of informatization and intelligence, we must focus more on fostering students’ innovative thinking and practical abilities, bringing education closer to society and life. Additionally, we should pay greater attention to the accessibility and equity of education, ensuring that more people can benefit. The former residence of Liang Qichao has inspired my reverence for history and love for education, strengthening my passion for the educational cause.
I hope to have more opportunities to participate in entrepreneurial and employment activities in the future, continue broadening my horizons, and enhance my knowledge!
Master's student in International Hospitality and Tourism Management, Li Mengxi
On the evening of December 8th at 6 PM, the two-day, one-night trip to Jiangmen officially concluded. First, I would like to express my gratitude to the school and the Jiangmen Human Resources Department for their collaborative efforts in organizing this event. I am honored to have participated. I also thank the leading teacher and tour guide Cui Cui for their constant support throughout.
The most impressive part was still the last stop, the Kaiping Cultural and Tourism Entrepreneurship Incubation Base.
Here, I can feel that an increasing number of young people are venturing into rural areas to innovate and start their businesses, applying everything they learn. Many local youths have also returned to their hometowns, creating more valuable tourism resources with local culture. However, this can also bring many challenges, such as maintenance after planning and development; attracting numerous tourists, yet the transportation facilities have not been improved to accommodate the increase in foot traffic; and there is a stark contrast between undeveloped and developed areas.
The journey was fulfilling, and I gained a lot. I hope to participate in school activities again next time.
Financial PhD student, Chen Zhenji
I gained significant insights from my trip to Jiangmen, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the local conditions from various angles. I gained a basic understanding of the main industrial structure and economic characteristics of Jiangmen, where there are several specific industrial policies that support entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Jiangmen includes components such as entrepreneurial incubators, shared office spaces, and entrepreneurial spirit.
We explored the market to analyze the demand and opportunities in Jiangmen and found that the filming locations are particularly attractive. A brief exploration of the venture capital ecosystem in Jiangmen revealed a relative lack of professional investment institutions and angel investors. In terms of talent, I learned about the talent pool in Jiangmen, including professionals in the dual carbon field. This is a promising area to explore. While observing Jiangmen’s social culture, I saw the local overseas Chinese culture and the values of coffee entrepreneurship.
Throughout the trip, I deeply felt the strong support of the local government, and I am particularly grateful to CityU for providing such a great platform.
Xia Yuxin, a Bachelor of Business Administration student
After participating in the entrepreneurship and employment exchange conference, I deeply appreciated its value and significance. This conference not only provided us with an opportunity to interact with successful entrepreneurs and industry experts but also showcased the latest trends and opportunities in entrepreneurship and employment.
Through communication with entrepreneurs and career mentors from various industries, I felt the passion and determination in entrepreneurship, as well as recognized the hardships and challenges behind success. Their experience sharing and practical cases inspired my interest and confidence in entrepreneurship and made me cherish and strive for my career development even more.
Additionally, the exchange conference provided a broad network and collaboration opportunities. Through communication and interaction with other attendees, I met many like-minded individuals and established valuable interpersonal relationships. This will provide essential resources and support for my future entrepreneurship and employment.
Overall, this entrepreneurship and employment exchange conference greatly benefited me. I not only learned practical knowledge about entrepreneurship and employment but also gained inspiration and motivation for my future career development. I will apply these insights in practice and continuously strive to pursue my dreams and goals.
Li Yuting, a master's student in design at the School of Innovative Design
I am very happy to participate in the "Yili Tongxin" Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment Exchange Activity in the Hong Kong Macao Bay Area, which has given me a deeper understanding and experience of entrepreneurship, innovation, and employment.
Firstly, visiting the Museum of Chinese and Overseas Chinese deeply impressed me with the history and great spirit of the arduous entrepreneurship of overseas Chinese. Next, we visited Jiangmen Innovation and Entrepreneurship Park and Employment Station. These two places provide a good environment and resources for entrepreneurs.
At Liang Qichao's former residence, I learned about his life stories and thoughts. We also visited the Jiangmen Dual Carbon Laboratory, which is dedicated to the research and application of green environmental protection technologies, and is a perfect combination of innovation, entrepreneurship, and environmental protection concepts.
Finally, visit the Kaiping Cultural and Tourism Entrepreneurship Incubation Base, which provides entrepreneurs with a "one-stop" high-quality entrepreneurship incubation service platform, combining rich rural, cultural, and tourism resources. There are also many exhibitions of high-quality cultural and creative works. As a professional in visual communication design, I have learned that design not only requires creativity, but also market insight and user demand analysis skills.
Xiao Hongfei, a PhD student in finance
In this event, I had the privilege of visiting places such as the Overseas Chinese Museum, Jiangmen Innovation Park, Liang Qichao's former residence, and Jiangmen Dual Carbon Laboratory. These places all showcase important aspects of China's history, culture, and technological development, leaving a deep impression on me.
Firstly, visiting the Overseas Chinese Museum in the Chinese Capital has given me a deeper understanding of the history and contributions of Chinese expatriates and Chinese people overseas. The museum showcases the immigrant stories, entrepreneurial experiences, and cultural heritage of overseas Chinese, giving me a deeper understanding of their courage, perseverance, and dedication. This museum not only showcases the success and achievements of overseas Chinese, but also reminds us to cherish and inherit our cultural roots.
Secondly, the Jiangmen Innovation and Entrepreneurship Park left a deep impression on me regarding innovation and entrepreneurship. This park provides a good ecosystem and support network for entrepreneurs, stimulating the vitality of innovation and entrepreneurship. I witnessed the development and achievements of some innovative enterprises in the park, and felt the importance and driving force of innovative spirit.
Visiting the former residence of Liang Qichao has allowed me to better understand this great thinker and reformer. His former residence showcases his life stories, intellectual achievements, and family history, giving me a deeper understanding of his influence and contributions. Liang Qichao's ideas and concepts have had a profound impact on China's modernization process and social change, and his former residence has become an important historical witness.
Finally, visiting the Jiangmen Dual Carbon Laboratory gave me a deeper understanding of China's efforts in sustainable development and environmental protection. The laboratory showcased advanced carbon reduction technologies and research achievements, allowing me to see China's innovative capabilities in addressing climate change and environmental challenges. The work of this laboratory is of great significance for promoting green development and building ecological civilization.
Overall, visiting the Overseas Chinese Museum, Jiangmen Innovation and Entrepreneurship Park, Liang Qichao's former residence, and Jiangmen Dual Carbon Laboratory are very meaningful and inspiring experiences. These places showcase various aspects of Jiangmen's history, culture, innovation, and sustainable development, which fills me with hope and confidence for the development and future of Jiangmen. I will always cherish the experience of this visit and consider coming to Jiangmen for work and entrepreneurship after graduation.
Zhang Liya, a master's student in finance
It is a great honor to participate in the "Yili Tongxin" Hong Kong Macao Bay Area Tour and exchange activities. During the two-day period, we visited Jiangmen, got to know Jiangmen, and visited the Dual Carbon Laboratory, Overseas Chinese Museum, Jiangmen Innovation Park, and other places, deeply experiencing the unique charm of Jiangmen as a hometown of overseas Chinese. The most impressive one for me is the Dual Carbon Laboratory, which is at the forefront of development in terms of scientific research capabilities and resource allocation, and has made great contributions to the green development of the economy and society.
Bachelor of Applied Economics student Chen Sitong
During my visit to the Overseas Chinese Museum and Entrepreneurship Park in Jiangmen City, I deeply felt the important contribution of overseas Chinese to the economic development of the Bay Area. The exhibition of overseas Chinese history in the museum showcases the achievements of overseas Chinese in business and investment, reflecting their entrepreneurial and striving spirit. According to statistics, there are over 4 million overseas Chinese and compatriots in Jiangmen City, who have carried out various economic activities in more than 130 countries and regions around the world, providing strong conditions for foreign trade and international cooperation. The Entrepreneurship Park showcases the vitality and charm of Jiangmen as an innovative city, attracting numerous high-tech enterprises and talents to settle in, promoting industrial upgrading and regional cooperation. At present, the entrepreneurship park has been built in multiple fields, covering artificial intelligence, biomedicine, and new energy. Provided strong impetus for the economic development of Jiangmen. The filming locations of some TV dramas have increased my cultural identity with this city. From an economic perspective, these TV dramas are not only cultural products, but also economic resources. They can enhance the popularity and attractiveness of Jiangmen, drive the development of tourism and related industries, and form a positive externality effect. This visit allowed people to fully understand the history and current situation of Jiangmen, and increased their confidence in the economic development of Jiangmen. I hope Jiangmen can seize the opportunity, strive to be the first, and work hard to create a new situation in the modernization construction of the Greater Bay Area.
Chen Xupeng, Bachelor of Intelligent Technology and Service
I am honored to participate in this entrepreneurship and employment exchange activity, and have gained a lot from it. I am from Jiangmen, and in this event, I got to know my hometown from different perspectives. In the event, the most impressive thing for me was the dual carbon laboratory. Building a dual carbon laboratory is a major strategic deployment in response to the national call to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality. Many well-known leading enterprises have also joined, including CGN and others. Under the guidance of our teacher, we also discussed how to use carbon dioxide to increase crop yields. Through on-site inspections and exchanges with professionals, such practical experience can help us better understand theoretical knowledge. Entrepreneurship and employment activities are closely related to technological innovation, and this event has introduced us with new technologies and business models. It will help broaden the tracks we choose for entrepreneurship in the future, including the platform and preferential policies provided by the Jiangmen government for entrepreneurs, which is a great exchange activity.
