• A group of Sands Cares Ambassadors and youth from local organizations toured Hengqin.
• The study tour deepened their understanding of the current development status of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone and the Greater Bay Area.

In late May, a group of Sands Cares Ambassadors and youth from the Noah Youth Growth and Development Centre and the Sheng Kung Hui Youth Leadership Development Centre embarked on a study tour of Hengqin to explore the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone and the development of the Greater Bay Area.

Organized by Sands China and the Macau Youth Development Service Centre, the “Sands Cares in the Greater Bay Area: Macao and Hengqin Study Tour for Youth” took 44 participants to key locations, including the Exhibition Hall of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, the residential facilities at Macau New Neighbourhood, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Youth Education Office of the Constitutional and Basic Law, and the General Union of Neighbourhood Association of Macau’s Guangdong Office.

Dr Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China Ltd, described Hengqin as Macau’s “back garden” and a vital space for economic diversification. He noted that the tour was designed to immerse young participants in Hengqin’s policies, legal frameworks, urban planning and social service systems.

“We hope the experience will encourage young people in Macau to actively integrate into the overall development of the country, seize opportunities to participate in the development of both Macau and Hengqin, and contribute to advancing the moderate diversification of Macau’s economy,” he added.

The tour also included a networking lunch with Hengqin entrepreneurs and professionals, facilitating exchanges on local development and future opportunities.

Ip Kam Po, service director of the Sheng Kung Hui Macau Social Services Coordination Office, described the tour as a thoughtfully planned initiative offering youth insights into the Cooperation Zone’s potential.

Chan Chi Neng, manager of the Noah Youth Growth and Development Centre, expressed hope that the experience would motivate young people to pursue opportunities in the Greater Bay Area.