• Melco co-organized the “Melco Star Macau Youth Talent Competition” for the third year.
• The competition aims to instill national pride and patriotism through Chinese cultural education at an early age.

The third edition of the “Melco Star Macau Youth Talent Competition”, co-organized by Melco Resorts & Entertainment and the National Conditions Education (Macau) Association, was recently held. Centered around the theme “China in Childhood”, the event is a flagship initiative of Melco’s “Splendors of China” national education program. It aims to promote traditional Chinese culture while fostering patriotism and a strong sense of national pride among Macau’s youth.

This year’s competition attracted nearly 1,300 students from 60 local schools and arts institutions, presenting over 190 Chinese cultural performances. After a rigorous selection process, 50 performances involving 525 students advanced to the grand finale, where they showcased their talent in front of a panel of professional judges.

The final event was attended by representatives from the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, the Education and Cultural departments of the Macao SAR Government, members of the National People’s Congress (Macao Delegation) and local educational institutions.

Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, remarked that the competition reflects the artistic potential and cultural depth of Macau’s young generation. He expressed his gratitude for the strong support from all sectors of society.

A panel of distinguished professionals from the performing arts industry was invited to serve as judges, including music producer Shan Qi, Xu Qing (former Associate Professor of the People’s Liberation Army Art College), Vincent Lu Jia (Macao Orchestra Principal Cello), Hu Chengfeng, former judge of elite projects of China National Arts Fund, the creative direction team of House of Dancing Water from Peparini Studios, and Kriman Benbella, Founder & Creative Director of “The Planet Entertainment”.

Ho further emphasized that as a leading provider of diverse cultural experiences in Macau, Melco remains committed to investing in creative industries and nurturing young talent – supporting the long-term development of Macau and the Greater Bay Area and contributing to China’s broader cultural and economic progress.

Jack Wang Haitao, President of the National Conditions Education Association (Macau), said the event is designed to help young people deepen their appreciation for the richness of Chinese culture, enhance their national identity and cultural confidence, and nurture a new generation with a strong sense of responsibility to the nation.

The event was filled with energy and enthusiasm, as student performers brought exceptional passion and skill to the stage, demonstrating their love and understanding of Chinese culture. Many parents noted that the competition not only provided a platform for their children to perform but also served as a meaningful cultural learning experience.

Performances included Chinese classical and folk dance, traditional musical instruments, lion dance, Nanyin music and diabolo – highlighting the depth and diversity of China’s intangible cultural heritage.

Since its launch in 2019, the “Melco Star Macau Youth Talent Competition” has engaged 2,360 students from 88 schools and institutions, becoming a cornerstone in youth arts education in Macau.

Organizers stated that by continuing to hold such events, they hope to strengthen young peoples’ connection with traditional Chinese culture, enhance cultural literacy and nurture globally-minded youth who are confident in their cultural identity – contributing to Macau’s integration into the national development agenda and building a more inclusive and culturally vibrant society.