The 2025 Evaluation Meeting for Joint Research Funding Projects of the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT) and the Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province (GDST) was held in Guangzhou from June 4 to 5. Mr. Cheng Kuan Vai, Member of the Administrative Committee of the FDCT, led a delegation of 15 expert reviewers to attend the meeting.

A total of 139 project applications were received this year, of which 115 were confirmed as valid applications by both parties. Building upon previous practices, the evaluation involved the formation of a joint expert panel comprising experts from Macao and Guangdong to conduct a collaborative review of the projects, with both sides’ project leaders also participating in on-site defense sessions.

Deepening Cooperation to Enhance Scientific Research Level
This joint evaluation upheld the principles of professionalism, fairness, and impartiality, aiming to deepen the mutual understanding of the project proposals among reviewers from both sides and effectively assist in the selection of high-quality projects for joint funding. The rigorous mechanism promotes deeper cooperation among academia, industry, and research institutions in both regions, elevates the overall scientific research standards, and fosters enhanced exchange and collaboration among universities, enterprises, and researchers in Macao and Guangdong. This provides strong impetus for coordinated development in science and technology innovation in the Greater Bay Area.

Fostering Industry-Academia-Research Collaboration and Supporting Economic Diversification
In support of the “Plan for Appropriate Economic Diversification of the Macao SAR”, the collaboration aims to facilitate the successful transformation of more joint research results, thereby promoting Macao’s diversified economic development. Furthermore, by deepening scientific cooperation between Guangdong and Macao, and attracting top research talent and advanced equipment from the Mainland and abroad, the initiative accelerates the development and industrialization of high and new technologies, significantly enhancing the international competitiveness of both regions in science and technology innovation.
Since the launch of the Joint Funding Scheme in 2019, FDCT and GDST have embarked on a new chapter of cooperation. With continued support from both sides over the past five years, the scheme has effectively enhanced the research standards of Macao and Guangdong, laying a solid scientific foundation for Macao as a key node in the Greater Bay Area International Innovation and Technology Hub. To date, the scheme has produced a number of high-profile scientific research outcomes, injecting momentum into the development of a global science and technology innovation hub in the Greater Bay Area.