Macau University of Science and Technology (M.U.S.T.) held the 24th-anniversary celebration event, Inaugural Lecture of the Distinguished Lecture Series featuring its first lecture on March 28, 2024, at 3:00 PM in N101 Auditorium. The lecture was delivered by internationally renowned Economist Justin Yifu Lin, a former Senior Vice-President of the World Bank and 2016 Honorary Doctor of Business Administration of M.U.S.T. The event also invited local and mainland experts in economics and policy research for a panel discussion, aiming to enhance understanding and knowledge of China's and international economics through this high-level academic lecture and exchange platform. The event was co-organized by the School of Business and the Institute of Development Economics of M.U.S.T. It was simultaneously live-streamed on MUST's WeChat video, Bilibili, and YouTube channel.
M.U.S.T. leaders and distinguished guests in attendance included: Chair Professor Joseph Hun-wei Lee, Vice-Chancellor and President of M.U.S.T.; Professor Justin Yifu Lin, Dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University and 2016 Honorary Doctor of Business Administration of M.U.S.T.; Mr. Teng Sio Hong, Deputy Director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region; Chair Professor Tam Kwong Hang (PAUL), Vice President of M.U.S.T. among others. In addition, there are also key leaders and representatives from mainland China and local businesses and institutions, as well as members of the University Council and the University Advisory Committee of M.U.S.T., the representatives from the Alumni Federation around the world, and students and faculty from the university attending the lecture. With over 300 participants, adding brilliance to MUST's 24th-anniversary celebration month.
During the opening speech, Chair Professor Joseph Hun-wei Lee, Vice-Chancellor and President of M.U.S.T. mentioned that M.U.S.T. was established in March 2000, growing and progressing alongside the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region. Over the past twenty-four years, the university has adhered to the motto of “Dedication to practical studies, Enhancement of knowledge, Ability and Quality” closely aligning with the development needs of Macao and the nation. It has established various educational programs, cultivating outstanding talents with solid theoretical foundations, strong practical and innovative capabilities, and moral integrity to serve society. Through this high-level academic lecture and discussion, it is hoped that it will enhance understanding and insight into the Chinese and international economy across various sectors.
During his presentation, Professor Justin Yifu Lin discussed “China and East Asia's Rise and Its Implications for Development Economics”, sharing insights into China's remarkable economic development since transitioning from a planned economy to a market economy in 1979. He delved into questions about China's extraordinary economic performance during its transition, the costs behind China's remarkable success, and the implications of China's development experience for other developing countries and economic research.
Chair Professor Francis T Lui moderated the panel discussion. Participating in the discussion were Professor Justin Yifu Lin; Professor Lin Zhi Jun, the Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the Accounting Research Center of M.U.S.T., and Professor Liu Cheng Kun, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development of M.U.S.T. The discussion focused on effective promotion of economic development at the national or regional level, as well as optimizing government policies to sustain economic growth at the national or regional level.
The lecture concluded amidst enthusiastic interaction during the question-and-answer session, followed by a resounding applause throughout the audience.
Professor Justin Yifu Liu is a Professor and Dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University and the Honorary Dean of the National School of Development at Peking University. In 1994, he founded the China Center for Economic Research at Peking University (now known as the National School of Development at Peking University) and served as its director. Currently, he serves as a Standing Committee Member of the National Committee of the CPPCC, Deputy Director of the Economic Affairs Committee of the National Committee of the CPPCC. He previously held positions such as Vice Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, member of the 7th to 10th National Committee of the CPPCC, Deputy Director of the Economic Committee of the 10th National Committee of the CPPCC, member of the 11th National People's Congress, and Standing Committee Member of the 12th and 13th National Committee of the CPPCC. He is an Academician of The World Academy of Sciences for advancing science in developing countries (formerly the Third World Academy of Sciences) and a foreign Academician of the British Academy of Sciences. Professor Lin has been awarded honorary doctoral degrees from universities in the UK, France, the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, and Macau. He has published over 100 academic papers in domestic and international journals.
Chair Professor Joseph Hun-wei Lee, President of M.U.S.T. gave an opening speech
Chair Professor Joseph Hun-wei Lee, President of M.U.S.T. presented the souvenir to Professor Justin Yifu Lin
A group photo during the lecture
Professor Justin Yifu Lin speaks on " China and East Asia's Rise and Its Implications for Development Economics"
Chair Professor Francis T Lui moderated the panel discussion
