• MGM supported the first project in Macau themed on space science and payload technology, designed exclusively for local youth through a three-pronged approach of “Learning, Practice and Research”.
• The two-month project attracted nearly 250 students to exercise their scientific and technological creativity and apply aerospace theories.

MGM, in collaboration with Association for Promotion of Science and Technology of Macau (MAPST) and the Chinese Society of Astronautics (CSA), recently concluded the first “MGM Youth Popular Science Series – Macau Space Dream Project”. The program, which combines learning, practice and research, held its award and graduation ceremony in early July, showcasing students’ efforts and encouraging them to continue pursuing their space dreams. Over the two-month period, the program attracted nearly 250 students to exercise their scientific and technological creativity and apply aerospace theories.

The “Macau Space Dream Project” consisted of two major initiatives. One was the “Macau Youth Creative Design Competition of Space Experiment” for Form 1 to 5 students, where competing teams engaged in systematic training taught by national-level aerospace experts. After the training, each participating team submitted a creative space experiment design that was evaluated by CSA experts and professionals from Macau’s technology sectors. The winning teams will conduct research about the “International Moon Day” in Harbin this summer. Additionally, the team with the Golden Award — the overall winner of the competition — will represent Macau to compete at the International Space Science and Scientific Payload Competition (ISSSP) 2024 held in Hong Kong this August.

The other initiative was the “Call from Deep Space” Experiential Camp for Primary 5 to 6 students, which allowed participants to learn aeronautical theories and hands-on knowledge from an interactive “script game” at an immersive one-day experiential camp. It also provided workshops on topics like making and launching water rockets and assembling satellite models. Participants will join an in-depth study tour of the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai this November.

Hubert Wang, President and Chief Operating Officer of MGM China Holdings Limited, said, “The first Macau payload specialist has been selected as the nation’s fourth group of reserve astronauts recently, signifying a major breakthrough in Macau’s aerospace technology. As the advancement of scientific technology has to be passed on by the younger generation, we have witnessed the enthusiasm for aerospace technology of Macau’s youth, as well as their scientific literacy and innovative spirit through the related activities and competitions of the project in May. We believe this project will inspire the students to realize their aerospace dreams, which will then give fresh impetus into both Macau’s and the nation’s aerospace development in the future.”

Apart from this project, MGM said it will also support other science-focused educational events hosted by MAPST, including the 2024 National Youth Science Camp and the opening ceremony and the first course of Macau’s sub-camp as part of initiatives under the “MGM Youth Popular Science” series. The company will hold a sharing session on scientific application in an integrated resort, providing the public with a deeper knowledge of technology through real-life case studies to improve their overall scientific literacy.

This project is jointly organized by MGM, MAPST and CSA; advised by the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ); and supported by the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Exchange Office of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST); School of Aerospace Engineering of the Beijing Institute of Technology; the Chinese Educators Association of Macau; the Macau Catholic Schools Association; Macao Civil Service Educational Association; the Macao Science Center and the Macau Youth Science Education Association.