East China Normal University in Shanghai played host to an exhibition on its Putuo district campus, showcasing the longstanding and evolving educational exchanges with the Macao Special Administrative Region in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. The exhibition, a testament to the enduring partnership between the two sides, was inaugurated on Dec 18 with a launch ceremony.

At the ceremony, a choir comprising students from Macao and Shanghai rendered the Songs of Seven Sons, a tribute to Macao's return, along with the Cantonese melody Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies by Hong Kong rock band Beyond. Representatives from the Shanghai municipal government and ECNU delivered speeches extolling the significance of the exhibition, which not only commemorates past achievements but also sets the stage for future collaborations in the realm of education.

The exhibition is structured around a central display and two special zones. The main exhibit offers a comprehensive overview of the educational exchanges between ECNU and Macao SAR, spanning talent cultivation and scientific research cooperation.

Deputy Party Secretary of ECNU, Meng Zhongjie, highlighted the roots of these exchanges dating back to the 1980s, initially focusing on arts and history before expanding into scientific disciplines. Looking ahead, Meng emphasized Macao's pivotal role as a bridge for cultural and educational exchanges between the Chinese mainland and the global community, pledging continued efforts to identify new avenues for cooperation and enhance joint initiatives, particularly in integrating educational strengths with artificial intelligence.

The special displays feature a program dedicated to nurturing over 1,000 elite teachers for Macao and a calligraphy exhibition, a collaborative effort between Macao's Hou Kong Middle School and ECNU, showcases the fusion of artistic expression and cultural heritage.

Liang Xiaoqing, a sophomore at ECNU hailing from Macao and one of the curators of the calligraphy display, expressed deep appreciation for the exhibition's portrayal of the historical journey towards enhanced cooperation between ECNU and Macao, enabling access to rich educational resources today.

Since 2011, ECNU has welcomed 240 students from Macao, fostering a vibrant academic exchange that enriches the university's multicultural tapestry.