BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- On Thursday morning, Chinese President Xi Jinping, accompanied by Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Ho Iat Seng, visited the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), where he had a cordial exchange with faculty, students and researchers.

MUST is a young university established after Macao's return to the motherland. It closely aligns its development with the needs of Macao and the country, emphasizing distinctive and advantageous research fields. It has become Macao's largest comprehensive university in terms of student enrollment. Xi visited the university's academic complex, where he gained a detailed understanding of the development of the university and higher education in Macao. He commended the SAR's commitment to using education to support economic and social development and its achievements in advancing the strategy of invigorating Macao through education and strengthening Macao with talent. Xi was briefed on the development of two state-level key laboratories on the quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and lunar and planetary science, respectively, learning about their latest scientific achievements. He remarked that TCM is the gem of the Chinese civilization, and its inheritance, innovation and development are of great significance. He emphasized the importance of inheriting, developing, and utilizing this valuable legacy to promote TCM to the rest of the world. Regarding lunar exploration, Xi noted that the achievements represent the wisdom and dedication of generations of Chinese space scientists, showcasing the remarkable progress China has made in building self-reliance and strength in science and technology. He told the researchers that their work had shown Macao's capability of conducting cutting-edge world-class scientific research.

In May 2023, Xi responded to a letter from faculty and students involved in the development of "Macao Science 1" satellites, offering them warm encouragement, which generated widespread enthusiasm across Macao. Visiting the data center for science and application of the satellites, Xi viewed the real-time operation of the satellites on monitor screens and learned about the project's scientific progress and application prospects. He had a friendly exchange with researchers and student representatives present. Xi said the satellite project is a successful example of deepened high-tech cooperation between Macao and the mainland, demonstrating Macao's exceptional innovation and creativity in science and technology. He expressed the hope that they would continue striving for excellence, achieving even greater results to better serve Macao and the country and make contributions to humanity.

At his next stop, Xi visited the university library, where he explored ancient maps featuring Macao and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area at the Global Mapping of Macao exhibition and examined the library's rare book collections. Students conducting research in the library were very excited to see the arrival of Xi. Xi asked in detail about their academic majors, research areas and daily lives. He encouraged them to make the most of their time, immerse themselves in learning, and make good use of online resources for study and research. The library hall resonated with applause as researchers, faculty and students warmly greeted Xi. I am very happy to see that Macao's education is thriving and you are full of vitality and confidence, Xi said. He stressed the importance of maintaining a strategic focus on education, aligning academic disciplines and talent cultivation with the needs of Macao and the country. Xi encouraged the students to aim high, share the same future with the country, keep pace with the times, and realize their potential. He extended his best wishes and expressed confidence in a brighter future for MUST and Macao.

As Xi left the university, faculty and students lined the road, waving and cheering enthusiastically to see him off.

Cai Qi, Li Hongzhong, He Weidong, He Lifeng, Wang Dongfeng and Xia Baolong attended the activities.

On the same morning, Xi's wife Peng Liyuan visited the Macao Museum, accompanied by Cheng Soo Ching, wife of Ho Iat Seng. Peng carefully examined the museum's cultural relics collections, delving into Macao's history and its blend of Chinese and Western influences in architecture, industries and cultural life. She also engaged in a warm exchange with local inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, such as tile painting and wood carving.

In the lobby on the museum's third floor, Peng discussed the exhibitions with children who had just finished exploring the museum. She then visited a fair showcasing creative cultural products, where she viewed the demonstrations and joined in making almond cookies. Peng encouraged everyone present to carry forward fine traditional culture, nurture a love for the country and Macao, acquire knowledge and skills, and actively contribute to the development of Macao and the country. Enditem

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