Macao's unique blend of Eastern and Western traditions took center stage this week as Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture O Lam championed the region's legacy of cross-cultural collaboration. Speaking at the 2025 International Forum on Mutual Learning Among Civilizations, O Lam highlighted how Macao's 400+ years as a trading hub forged its identity as a "living museum of harmonious coexistence."
💡 "Our streets tell stories—Portuguese tiles meet Chinese temples, and custard tarts share menus with dim sum," O Lam told delegates from 60+ countries. She emphasized that Macao's success stems from respecting differences while building common ground, a philosophy she hopes will inspire global youth.
The forum, held days before Macao's 26th anniversary of returning to China (Dec 20), also unveiled plans for:
📚 A new digital archive of Macao's multicultural heritage
🌐 Virtual reality tours of historic Sino-Portuguese sites
🎓 Expanded student exchange programs with Belt and Road countries
With over 70% of Macao residents fluent in both Cantonese and Portuguese, the SAR continues to bridge continents—proving that cultural diversity isn't just history here, but a way of life. 🥮⚓️
