• The events aim to further promote the rich Chinese cultural heritage of Macau.
• GEG expressed hope that by co-hosting this event, it can jointly celebrate the successful inscription of the “Archives and Manuscripts of Macau Kong Tac Lam Temple” on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, and promote this local cultural treasure of Macau.

The series of events titled the “International Conference on Macau Documentary Heritage and Memory of the World – Inheritance and Contemporary Significance” and the “Celebration of ‘Archives and Manuscripts of Macau Kong Tac Lam Temple’ Inscribed to the MoW” were recently held by the Memory of the World Knowledge Centre – Macau (City University of Macau), Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG), Macau Kong Tac Lam Temple, Kiang Wu Hospital Charitable Association, and the Macau Documentation and Information Society.

Held from 28 June to 1 July in Macau, the series included seminars, a celebration dinner, Memory of the World Knowledge working group meetings, site visits and school exchange activities, all aimed at further promoting the rich Chinese cultural heritage of Macau and showcasing its world-class “cultural card”.

The “Archives and Manuscripts of Macau Kong Tac Lam Temple (1645 – 1980)” was successfully inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World International Register on 24 May 2023. It comprises over 6,000 precious documentary heritage including archives, books, manuscripts, old photos, paintings and Bayeux Scripture, collected and preserved by the Kong Tac Lam Temple. These documents mainly date from the early Qing Dynasty to the mid-20th century, bearing witness to the first Buddhist education for women in Lingnan area of the Temple in Macau, mainland China and other regions, as well as the temple’s unique role in promoting women’s liberation.

At a press conference, representatives from the co-hosting organizations shared details about the activities. Philip Cheng, Director of Galaxy Entertainment Group, noted that since 2021, GEG has been in communication with the Macau Documentation and Information Society, actively supporting the value and the UNESCO Memory of the World project for the Archives and Manuscripts of Macau Kong Tac Lam Temple. He emphasized GEG’s dedication to using its resources to support the application and preservation of documentary heritage, promoting public awareness of its cultural and historical significance.

“GEG is honored to co-host these series of events during the “Double Celebration” year (celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macau SAR), and to title sponsor the ‘Celebration and Welcome Banquet’ held at our Galaxy International Convention Center,” he said.

“We aim to jointly celebrate the successful inscription, promote this local cultural treasure of Macau, and further demonstrate Macau’s charm of Chinese culture as the mainstream, coexisting with diverse cultures, supporting Macau’s development as a ‘One Base’ (a base for exchange and cooperation where Chinese culture prevails and diverse cultures coexist).”

The series of celebratory events began with academic seminars. Buddy Lam, Director of Corporate Affairs of GEG, was one of the officiating guests at the opening ceremony. The seminar invited domestic and international experts and scholars to discuss the protection, inheritance and contemporary significance of documentary heritage. The attendees included approximately 130 guests from religious groups, academic institutions, associations, libraries, archives and schools in Macau.

On the evening of the opening, the Celebration and Welcome Banquet Presented by GEG was held at the Galaxy International Convention Center. The banquet, title sponsored by GEG, included the UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register certificate presentation ceremony, a toast, Cantonese opera performances and a Sekong drum performance.

The series of events also included arranging for guests to visit the Kiang Wu Hospital Charitable Association and hold activities at Tong Nam School. On the final day, guests visited the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards – a revitalization project jointly launched by the Macau SAR Government and GEG – to learn about Macau’s shipbuilding craftsmanship and history, as well as the Galaxy Macau to discover GEG’s cultural and artistic facilities.