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The awards presentation ceremony of an essay competition on Chinese civilisation was held at the Student Activity Centre of the University of Macau (UM). The competition, jointly organised by the Centre for Macau Studies (CMS) and the Centre for Chinese History and Culture (CCHC) of UM as well as Well Link Bank, aimed to encourage young students to learn about Chinese history and culture, and enhance their interest and understanding of the country’s historical development and unique culture.

The essay competition included three categories, namely junior secondary, senior secondary, and higher education, and nearly 340 entries were received. Agnes Lam, director of CMS, said that as an important member of the Macao Base for Primary & Secondary Education in Humanities & Social Sciences, CMS co-organised the essay competition to encourage young people in Macao to reflect on the past and future of the city in the context of the 5,000 years of civilisation of the motherland, and to enable participants to explore the role of Chinese civilisation in today’s society from their own perspectives.

Huang Ruisheng, executive director and executive vice president of Well Link Bank, said that cultural inheritance and talent nurturing are the cornerstones of development of the nation and society. By means of the Chinese essay competition, the Well Link Bank demonstrated its importance and support for the cultivation of young talents and cultural heritage in Macau. It is considered that the high level of participation in the competition reflects the enthusiasm and pursuit of Chinese history and culture by Macao students. Each work is a unique insight and expectation on “Chinese history”, “Chinese culture” and “future development”. Huang Ruisheng hopes that students can continue to maintain their love for knowledge and pursuit of innovation; not forget history and open up the future; be good at inheriting and be brave in innovation.

Guests attending the event also included Lao Pun Lap, the Independent Non-Executive Director of Well Link Bank, Lo Kit Sang, the executive director and chief financial officer, Chu Kar Chun, the vice president of Well Link Bank, Pang Chap Chong Paul, dean of students of University of Macau, Wong Seng Fat Alfred, the interim college master of Cheng Yu Tung College, Tang Chon Chit, the judge representative of the Chinese essay competition and Professor of department of Chinese language and literature, faculty of arts and humanities, Cheang Neng Ian, the deputy director of the centre of Chinese history and culture, and the award-winning students, teachers and their parents.