The First Sino-Luso Conference on Blue Biotechnology, co-organized by the Sustainable Development Association (Sustaincia),, University of Saint Joseph (USJ) Macao, together with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Macao SAR Economic and Technology Development Bureau, the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, and the Catholic University of Portugal, was held at the USJ Ilha Verde Campus from 24 and 25 April.
As the first pioneering event of its kind held in Macau, it brought together global experts to collectively explore the immense opportunities in the field of marine biotechnology. . The event aimed to promote cooperation in the fields of marine and sustainable biotechnology.
The symposium invited Consul General Alexandre Leitão of the Portuguese Embassy in Hong Kong and Macao, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation and Academic Affairs of USJ, Prof. Álvaro Barbosa, and Vice-Rector Prof. Margarida Mano of the Catholic University of Portugal, as opening ceremony guests of honour. Representatives from the Economic and Technological Development Bureau and the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre also attended the event.
Terence Lee, President of the Sustaincia, delivered the opening address at the symposium, stating that the event clearly demonstrated Macao’s important role in cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Challenges such as marine sustainability cannot be addressed in isolation, These challenges require the sharing of knowledge, unified strategies, and cross-border and cross-oceanic cooperation. This symposium, by integrating diverse perspectives from different cultures, disciplines, and experiences, is believed to spark a new wave of thinking, whose breadth and vitality are as vast as the ocean itself. Sustaincia, adhering to a continuously proactive philosophy, not only focuses on challenges but also encourages active participation, working together to embark on the path of sustainable development.
Muhammad Saidu Bashir, Co-Founder of Sustaincia delivered a speech expressing gratitude to the Macau Economic and Technology Development Bureau for its support of this symposium. The event brought together forward-thinking researchers and industry professionals from China, including the Greater Bay Area, and Portuguese-speaking countries to Macau. He expressed hope that the symposium would spark insightful discussions, generate innovative ideas, and pave the way for future collaboration to build an innovative ecosystem, positioning China and Portuguese-speaking countries at the forefront of global sustainable development efforts.
The main topics of the symposium included: Marine Drug Discovery — Exploring Novel Bioactive Compounds for Pharmaceuticals; Sustainable Aquaculture — Innovations in Food Security and Marine Conservation; Biological Remediation and Climate Solutions — Utilising Marine Organisms to Combat Pollution; Commercialisation and Investment — Opportunities in the Blue Bioeconomy. Comprehensive discussions were held on marine-derived innovations, sustainable aquaculture, and biotechnological solutions to global challenges.
The symposium brought together researchers and industry professionals from China and Portuguese-speaking countries to promote collaboration in marine and sustainable biotechnology fields. This conference invites participants from research institutions and industries in Portuguese-speaking countries and China (including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Macao, and Hong Kong regions) who are interested in knowledge exchange, establishing connections, and developing partnerships to address global sustainable development challenges. The symposium focuses on the latest advancements in marine and sustainable biotechnology and their contributions to sustainable development, human health, and economic growth. Discussion topics include bio-prospecting and bio-resources for various industries, bio-remediation, aquaculture, pollution monitoring, microalgae applications, biodiversity conservation, sustainable bioenergy, biomaterials, biological processes for resource recovery, bio-based materials and products, waste valorisation, and the circular economy.
The symposium successfully achieved its key objectives by facilitating knowledge exchange and establishing connections between research institutions and innovative enterprises in Portuguese-speaking countries and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area through Macau. The aim was to strengthen cooperation in sustainable marine and environmental biotechnology and identify opportunities for collaborative research projects between universities and between universities and enterprises.
Translated From Source: https://taichungdaily.com/sectionNews/20509
