Dear TIRF Supporters & Trustees,

Last week, I was invited to deliver a keynote address at Horasis – The Global Visions Community in Macau. It was one of the first occasions on which I was invited by a global think tank to share perspectives with leaders from the business, enterprise, and economic sectors. The experience prompted me to reflect on how research institutions such as TIRF can extend their influence beyond academia and generate meaningful societal impact through evidence-based research and public engagement.

The central message of my keynote was that talent is the decisive factor in Macau’s economic transformation. As Macau seeks to diversify beyond its long-standing reliance on gaming and tourism, its success will depend not only on visionary policies but, more importantly, on the ability to attract, develop, and retain high-caliber talent. The strategy is sound, but its implementation must become faster, more integrated, and more ambitious.

I highlighted three major strengths underpinning Macau’s current strategy. First, the Macau–Hengqin International Education Town represents a landmark investment in a cross-border education and innovation ecosystem. Second, Macau is strengthening its role as a bridge between East and West through expanded international university partnerships. Third, the integration of artificial intelligence into higher education is laying the foundation for cultivating the advanced workforce required by emerging industries. Together with greater emphasis on interdisciplinary postgraduate education and stronger university-industry collaboration, these initiatives provide a solid framework for long-term development.

At the same time, I emphasized several critical challenges that continue to impede progress. Lengthy and rigid talent recruitment policies reduce Macau’s competitiveness relative to neighboring economies, such as Hong Kong and Singapore. The limited development of new industries creates a cycle in which insufficient industrial opportunities discourage talent, while the shortage of talent constrains industrial growth. Cross-border policy inconsistencies between Macau and Hengqin also weaken regional integration and reduce the attractiveness of the “Macau + Hengqin” model. In addition, public concern that imported talent may diminish local opportunities must be acknowledged and addressed through transparent communication and inclusive policies.

To overcome these challenges, I proposed coordinated action by government, industry, and higher education institutions. Government should streamline recruitment procedures, strengthen policy alignment with Hengqin, capitalize on Macau’s unique ties with Portuguese-speaking countries, and communicate more effectively with the public about the long-term benefits of talent development. Industry should expand structured mentorship programs, create transparent career pathways, and invest systematically in workforce development. Universities should deepen interdisciplinary and applied education, strengthen partnerships with industry, and promote research that translates directly into innovation and economic development.

The broader implication extends beyond Macau. Economic transformation increasingly depends on the capacity to build robust ecosystems that integrate education, research, industry, and public policy. Talent development is no longer solely an educational issue but a strategic imperative for sustainable competitiveness and social prosperity.

Reflecting on this opportunity also raises an important question for TIRF. Our mission should not be confined to producing rigorous research; it should also include shaping public dialogue, informing policy, and connecting scientific evidence with societal needs. By engaging more actively with governments, industries, and international organizations, TIRF can strengthen its role as a trusted knowledge partner and amplify the social impact of its research and service.

Warm regards,

Jun Liu, PhD

TIRF President