Category Archives: Macau

The United States will give $580 million in additional aid to international organizations to fight Covid-19 in the face of surging Omicron cases, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday.

The rapid spread of the Omicron variant reinforces that we must all continue to accelerate our efforts to end this pandemic and that none of us are safe until all of us are safe, Blinken said in a statement.

The world is at a critical point in our global response to this virus.

Blinken said he was scheduled to hold a meeting later Tuesday with his counterparts from other countries to coordinate the international response to the new variant, which has already become the dominant strain in the United States.

I call on my counterparts to fulfill and bolster their commitments in fighting the pandemic. We must work together, and we must act quickly, he said.

The additional funds to seven multilateral agencies bring overall US assistance to $19.6 billion, according to the State Department.

In addition to the 330 million vaccines Washington has given to the rest of the world, the $580 million is a significant contributionto turn vaccines into vaccinations; strengthen public health capacity; support communities in need, and provide urgent, life-saving relief, Blinken said.

$280 million of the additional funds will go to the World Health Organization, which is once more at the heart of US health strategy under President Joe Biden, after a break under his predecessor Donald Trump.

UNICEF will receive $170 million to help with its efforts to vaccinate vulnerable populations.

The United States has sought to galvanize global collective action with our own example and leadership, and it is critical that other governments fulfill their commitments and support those on the frontline of this pandemic, said Blinken.

His announcement comes hours before a much-anticipated speech from Biden on his governments response to the Omicron variant.

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Washington to give additional US$580 mln in international Covid aid - Macau Business

Faced with a surging Omicron variant, US authorities will distribute 500 million free Covid-19 tests, mobilize military medical personnel if needed and increase vaccination capacity, a senior White House official said Tuesday.

We have the tools to get through this wave, the official said, noting there are no plans to impose new restrictions.

If Americans are vaccinated and follow the precautions that we all know well, especially masking when traveling, they should feel comfortable celebrating Christmas and the holidays.

There is no need to lock down our schools, nor our economy, the official said.

The Joe Biden administrations response is based on three principles: more hospital resources, more testing and more vaccines.

The federal government will mobilize 1,000 doctors, nurses and military medical personnel to be deployed across the country as needed in January and February.

Washington is already sending additional emergency teams to the states of Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Arizona, New Hampshire and Vermont.

The government is also preparing emergency transport and equipment, including protective gear and respirators, for hospitals that may need them.

Were prepared for what we think will be an increase in unvaccinated hospitalizations in the coming months, the official said.

Bidens administration will also take action in an area where it has been heavily criticized Covid screening by purchasing 500 million at-home rapid tests.

The Covid tests will be delivered free of charge to Americans who request them via a dedicated website, starting in January.

The government is also promising to open new vaccination centers.

We should take Omicron seriously, but this is a cause for concern, not a cause for panic, the official said, echoing a sentiment often stressed by Biden.

The president was elected on promises to defeat the virus and protect Americans after the mixed messages of Donald Trump.

But getting the virus under control has proved difficult in a country where vaccination and mask-wearing have become divisive political issues, and federal mandates end up in protracted legal battles.

Biden has attempted to impose vaccine mandates on private businesses and federal employees but has resorted in recent weeks to little more than publicly beseeching people to get their shots.

He has also decided not to impose further restrictions for the time being, such as by imposing regulations on domestic flights.

Shows and sporting events are increasingly getting canceled in the United States, while some cities such as Boston are implementing beefed up health protocols.

In some areas, schools have decided to temporarily switch to virtual learning after the winter vacation.

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Biden focuses on testing, vaccines to fight Omicron, not restrictions - Macau Business

President Vladimir Putin warned Tuesday that Russia is prepared to take military-technical measures in response to unfriendly Western actions over the Ukraine conflict, in a sharp escalation of rhetoric.

The Russian president has for weeks accused the United States and the Washington-led NATO military alliance of stoking tensions near Moscows borders, but these were his first comments hinting at potential conflict.

In the event of the continuation of the obviously aggressive stance by our Western colleagues, we will take appropriate retaliatory military-technical measures, he told a defence ministry meeting.

Russia will react toughly to unfriendly steps, Putin said, adding that he wants to emphasise that we have every right to do so.

The United States has been sounding the alarm since mid-November that Moscow could be planning a large-scale attack on its ex-Soviet neighbour Ukraine and has warned Putin of unprecedented sanctions.

Western governments have accused Moscow of amassing some 100,000 troops near its border with eastern Ukraine, where Kiev has been fighting pro-Russia separatists since 2014.

Russia denies plotting an invasion and has demanded legal guarantees over its security from the United States and NATO, demanding the alliance stop an eastward expansion.

Last week Moscow presented demands to the United States and NATO saying the alliance must not admit new members or establish military bases in ex-Soviet countries.

But Putin on Tuesday cautioned that he would not trust US security guarantees even if Washington provides them.

We need long-term legally binding guarantees, Putin said, but warned that we cant trust them because the United States easily withdraws from all international treaties that for one reason or another become uninteresting to them.

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Putin warns West of counter measures over Ukraine threats - Macau Business

There are only some weeks left to revive the nuclear deal with Iran if it continues its nuclear activities at the current pace, US negotiator Rob Malley said Tuesday.

Malley, in an interview with CNN, warned of a period of escalating crisis if diplomacy failed to restore the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Negotiations restarted in November, after a five-month hiatus, to try to restore the deal with Iran, which the United States withdrew from under former president Donald Trump in 2018.

The indirect talks have been suspended but Malley said he hoped they would resume relatively soon.

Iran claims it only wants to develop a civilian nuclear capability but Western powers say its stockpile of enriched uranium goes well beyond that, and could be used to develop a nuclear weapon.

Washington has warned recently that it may soon be too late to revive the JCPOA.

It really depends on the pace of their nuclear process, said Malley, the US special envoy for Iran. If they halt the nuclear advances, we have more time.

If they continue at their current pace, we have some weeks left but not much more than that, at which point the conclusion will be theres no deal to be revived, he said.

At some point in a not-so-distant future we will have to conclude the JCPOA is no more and we would have to negotiate a wholly different deal and we would go through a period of escalating crisis, he added.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that he was not going to set a deadline for the talks.

Im not going to put a time limit on it, Blinken told reporters, but the remaining runway for a deal is getting very, very, very short.

We continue to have a strong interest in seeing if we can put the nuclear program back into the box that it was in, he said. But if we cant do that, because Iran will not engage in good faith, then we are actively looking at alternatives and options.

The 2015 agreement ensured sanctions relief for Iran in return for tight curbs on its nuclear program, which was put under extensive UN monitoring.

Trump went on to re-introduce sanctions, prompting Tehran to start disregarding the deals limits on its nuclear activities in 2019.

Recent rounds of talks have stumbled on which sanctions Washington is prepared to lift, and guarantees demanded by Iran to protect against the prospect of a future US withdrawal.

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Only weeks left to revive Iran nuclear deal: US negotiator - Macau Business

Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China with an area of 115.4 sq. km. As observed on the physical map of Maco, the region comprises of a peninsula attached to mainland Asia and the islands of Coloane and Taipa in the South China Sea.

Macao was formerly an island itself but was gradually connected to mainland by a growing sandbar. In more recent times, land reclamation has converted it into a peninsula. Constant land reclamation in the region has helped increase the area of Macau over the years.

The Macau Peninsula is mostly flat, but there are a few elevated spots.

Some steep, rolling hills are located on the island of Coloane, and along the southern coastline of the island of Taipa.

The highest point is Coloane Alto at 567 ft. (173 m). It has been marked on the map by a yellow upright trianble.

There are no major rivers or lakes in Macau.

Macau is a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. It has seven parishes for symbolic reasons only. These are: Nossa Senhora de Ftima, Santo Antnio, So Lzaro, S, So Loureno, Nossa Senhora do Carmo, and So Francisco Xavier.

The Aterror de Cotai is a special territory of Macao that is not part of any of the parishes.

Macao, formally known as the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is the world's most densely populated region. It is located on the western Pearl River Delta along the coast of the South China Sea in Southeast Asia. Hong Kong is located to the east of Macao. The South China Sea bounds it to the south and east while the Zhuhai city of Guandong, China, borders Macao to the north and west.

Regional Maps: Map of Asia

Macao (651,875)

This page was last updated on February 24, 2021

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Macao Maps & Facts - World Atlas

Argentinas inflation for 2021 reached 45 percent in November after a monthly increase of 2.5 percent, the Indec statistics institute said on Tuesday.

Cost of living in the South American country has increased by 51 percent year on year, one of the largest spikes in the world.

The central bank expects inflation to reach 51 percent by the end of 2021.

Speaking to Congress on Monday, Economy Minister Martin Guzman said a three-month price freeze agreement with businesses on 1,400 products would continue into 2022.

He added the main aim for next year would be to contain inflation to 33 percent.

President Alberto Fernandezs government announced this week that inflation control was one of the main points of negotiation with the International Monetary Fund, as Argentina looks to renegotiate a $44 billion loan agreed under his predecessor Mauricio Macri.

The economy ministry expects growth to reach 10 percent for 2021 and four percent in 2022, having fallen 9.9 percent in 2020, largely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Argentina has been in recession since 2018, but the pandemic worsened its economic crisis.

The economic challenges have hit Fernandezs government hard and last month his Frente de Todos (Everyones Front) coalition lost control of Congress in midterm legislative elections.

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Argentine inflation reaches 45 percent in year to date - Macau Business

JOHOR BARU: A deejay at an entertainment centre here lost more than RM400,000 of her savings after falling for a Macau scam.

Johor police Commercial Crime chief Asst Comm Amran Md Jusin said the 45-year-old woman lodged a police report on Sunday (Dec 12).

She received a call on Dec 1 at around 1pm from a male caller who identified himself as an officer from Telekom Malaysia.

The caller told the victim that she had been 'blacklisted', claiming that she had many unpaid phone bills and he would call her again soon, he said in a statement Monday (Dec 13).

ACP Amran added that the victim then received another call from a mobile number, this time from a woman who identified herself as Inspector Ling from Kuantan police headquarters, claiming that she could help the victim by making a police report online.

He said the inspector then told the victim that after checking her name, it had been found that she was involved in illegal money laundering activities.

This 'inspector' then ordered the victim to make several monetary transactions into several bank accounts given for investigative purposes and the money would be returned to her once it was complete.

The victim followed the instructions and made 58 transactions to eight bank accounts between Dec 2 and 9, amounting to RM419,050, before realising she had been cheated after trying to call the 'inspector' several times and not getting an answer, he added.

ACP Imran said the case was being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.

He reminded the public to always be vigilant especially when receiving calls from unknown callers claiming to be from enforcement agencies.

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DJ loses more than RM400,000 in Macau scam - The Star Online

Qilu Pharmaceutical, one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in China, becomes strategic partner to provide development, manufacturing and commercialization expertise for the mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan markets

Arbutus to receive $40 million in an upfront payment, up to $245 million in development and commercialization milestone payments, double-digit tiered royalties and a $15 million equity investment

WARMINSTER, Pa. and JINAN, China, Dec. 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing a cure for people with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and Qilu Pharmaceutical, one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in China, today announced that the companies have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement and strategic partnership for the development and commercialization of AB-729 for the treatment or prevention of hepatitis B in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

AB-729 is Arbutuss lead RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic that is currently in multiple Phase 2a proof-of-concept clinical trials designed to evaluate it in combination with other approved or investigational agents.

William Collier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Arbutus Biopharma, commented, Qilu is an ideal partner for our AB-729 RNAi therapeutic given their extensive development, regulatory and commercialization capabilities in China. We are now positioned to bring AB-729 to the largest HBV patient population in need of a cure and to tap into one of the largest and most promising healthcare markets worldwide. We are committed to working with Qilu in this partnership which further validates the potential of AB-729 to address the unmet medical need in HBV.

Qilu Pharmaceutical Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Yan Li commented, The HBV patient population is significant in China. Based on clinical data achieved to-date, we believe in the potential of AB-729 to be a safe and effective treatment option in treating HBV. We look forward to collaborating with Arbutus to maximize the potential clinical value that AB-729 can bring to and benefit the millions of underserved HBV patients in China.

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Under the terms of the agreement, Arbutus will receive a $40 million upfront payment and will be entitled to additional payments of up to $245 million upon reaching certain development, regulatory and sales milestones. The above amounts are net of withholding taxes. Qilu will be responsible for funding all development and commercialization activities for mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Arbutus is also entitled to receive double-digit tiered royalties up to the low twenties percent on annual net sales. In addition, Qilu will make a $15 million equity investment in Arbutus common shares at a price of $4.19 per share, a 15% premium of Arbutus previous 30-day average closing stock price calculated from December 10, 2021.

The common shares to be sold in the private placement have been offered only to certain institutional and/or accredited investors in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). The common shares have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state or other securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Securities and Exchange Commission has not passed upon the merits of or given its approval to the common shares, the terms of the private placement or the accuracy or completeness of any private placement materials. The common shares sold in the private placement are subject to legal restrictions on transfer.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification or otherwise under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About AB-729

AB-729 is an RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic specifically designed to reduce all HBV viral proteins and antigens, including hepatitis B surface antigen, which is thought to be a key prerequisite to enable reawakening of a patients immune system to respond to the virus. AB-729 targets hepatocytes using Arbutus novel covalently conjugated N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) delivery technology that enables subcutaneous delivery. Clinical data generated thus far has shown single- and multi-doses of AB-729 to be generally safe and well-tolerated while providing meaningful reductions in hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B DNA.

About HBV

Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV can cause chronic infection which leads to a higher risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer. Chronic HBV infection represents a significant unmet medical need. The World Health Organization estimates that over 250 million people worldwide suffer from chronic HBV infection, while other estimates indicate that approximately 2 million people in the United States suffer from chronic HBV infection. Approximately 900,000 people die every year from complications related to chronic HBV infection despite the availability of effective vaccines and current treatment options.

About Arbutus

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (Nasdaq: ABUS) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on discovering, developing and commercializing a broad portfolio of assets with different modes of action to provide a cure for people with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The Company is advancing multiple product candidates with distinct mechanisms of action that suppress viral replication, reduce surface antigen and reawaken the immune system. Arbutus believes this three-prong approach is key to transforming the treatment and developing a potential cure for chronic HBV infection. Arbutus HBV product pipeline includes RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, oral capsid inhibitors, oral compounds that inhibit PD-L1 and oral HBV RNA destabilizers. In addition, Arbutus has an ongoing drug discovery and development program directed to identifying orally active agents for treating coronaviruses (including COVID-19). For more information, visit http://www.arbutusbio.com.

About Qilu Pharmaceutical

Qilu Pharmaceutical is a leading vertically integrated pharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative medicines. With a diverse pipeline of novel therapeutics, 10 manufacturing sites and more than 23,000 employees worldwide, Qilu is dedicated to transforming scientific innovation by internal R&D across 5 R&D platforms based in the US (Seattle WA, Boston MA, San Francisco CA) and China (Shanghai, Jinan), and external partnership globally into healthcare solutions to address unmet medical needs. To date, Qilu has launched 200+ products with 30+ products "First to launch" in China and 3 products "D181 launch" in US with approximately US$4.2 billion sales revenue in 2020. For more information, please visit http://en.qilu-pharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements and Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively, forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements about our future development plans for our product candidates; the expected cost, timing and results of our clinical development plans and clinical trials with respect to our product candidates; our expectations and goals for our collaboration with Qilu Pharmaceutical and any potential benefits related thereto; and the potential for our product candidates to achieve success in clinical trials.

With respect to the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Arbutus has made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: the effectiveness and timeliness of preclinical studies and clinical trials, and the usefulness of the data; the timeliness of regulatory approvals; the continued demand for Arbutus assets; and the stability of economic and market conditions. While Arbutus considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, market and social uncertainties and contingencies, including uncertainties and contingencies related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause Arbutus actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Known risk factors include, among others: anticipated pre-clinical studies and clinical trials may be more costly or take longer to complete than anticipated, may never be initiated or completed, or may not generate results that warrant future development of the tested product candidate; Arbutus may elect to change its strategy regarding its product candidates and clinical development activities; Arbutus may not receive the necessary regulatory approvals for the clinical development of Arbutus products; economic and market conditions may worsen; Arbutus and its collaborators may never realize the expected benefits of the collaborations; market shifts may require a change in strategic focus; and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could significantly disrupt Arbutus clinical development programs.

A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing Arbutus appears in Arbutus Annual Report on Form 10-K, Arbutus Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Arbutus continuous and periodic disclosure filings, which are available at http://www.sedar.com and at http://www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements herein are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Arbutus disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statements or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

Contact Information

Investors and Media

William H. CollierPresident and CEOPhone: 267-469-0914Email: ir@arbutusbio.com

Lisa M. CaperelliVice President, Investor RelationsPhone: 215-206-1822Email: lcaperelli@arbutusbio.com

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Arbutus and Qilu Pharmaceutical Enter into an Exclusive Licensing Agreement and Strategic Partnership to Develop and Commercialize AB-729 in mainland...

HONG KONG and SHANGHAI Media OutReach 15 December 2021 Hang Lung Properties has garnered the 21st Century Innovative Business Model Award at this years 21st Century Business Model Summit Forum. As the only property developer to receive such honour, the accolade highlights the Companys commitment to its motto, We Do It Well, demonstrating the entrepreneurial spirit of striving to create prospects, embrace innovation, and champion change.

Hang Lung Properties garners the 21st Century Innovative Business Model Award,

as the only property developer to receive such honour.

Mr. Derek Pang, Senior Director Mainland Business Operation and Office,

receives the award on behalf of the Company.

Mr. Weber Lo, Chief Executive Officer of Hang Lung Properties, said, We are honored to receive the 21st Century Innovative Business Model Award. As a leading national commercial property developer, Hang Lung has continuously sought out new business development opportunities. This year, we launched our new brand 66 across the Mainland and introduced our premium serviced residences brand, Hang Lung Residences, which aims to take premium lifestyle offerings to the next level on the Mainland. On top of these successful initiatives, we continue to uphold our core principles of customer centricity and caring about people, pursuing sustainable growth by connecting our customers and communities and creating compelling spaces that enrich lives for all our stakeholders. This award is the best recognition of Hang Lungs innovative business strategy.

As a company with an innovative business model, Hang Lung has been striving to create value for its customers, communities, and partners. Ever since its entry into the Mainland over 30 years ago, Hang Lung has been deeply engaged in high-end commercial property development, with 11 diversified world-class developments located in nine cities, while constantly optimizing the tenant mix and rejuvenating the brand. At the same time, Hang Lung has been dedicated to upgrading the provision of services through big data analysis, and the promotion of the customer relationship management program HOUSE 66 to provide customers with an exclusive personalized service experience.

Launched in 2008, the 21st Century Business Model Summit Forum is jointly organized by 21st Century Business Review and 21st Century Business Herald. Through collecting and analysing a large number of enterprise cases, the summit takes the lead on the Mainland by scientifically defining the concept of business model, establishing the framework of business model analysis, comprehensively evaluating the business model innovation ability of Chinese enterprises, and honoring the enterprises that set benchmarks for innovation within the industry.

Hang Lung Properties Limited (stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Hang Lung Properties develops and manages a diversified portfolio of world-class properties in Hong Kong and the nine Mainland cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou. With its luxury positioning under the 66 brand, the companys Mainland portfolio has established its leading position as the Pulse of the City. Hang Lung Properties is recognized for leading the way in enhanced sustainability initiatives in real estate as it pursues sustainable growth by connecting customers and communities.

At Hang Lung Properties We Do It Well.

For more information, please visit http://www.hanglung.com.

#HangLungProperties

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Hang Lung Properties Garners 21st Century Innovative Business Model Award - Macau Business

By Jos Alves and Marco Rizzolio

Macau Business | December 2021

The global Portuguese-speaking community:250 million people or 3.7% of the world population10.8 million km2 or 7.25% of the world by area2,100 billion USD or 4% of world wealth

When exploring statistics about Portuguese-speaking countries, one finds that, apart from Portugal, most of these countries are heavily dependent on exporting their natural resources. One way to foster the growth of these economies is to support their transformation from a resource-based economy to a value-added economy; these countries need to produce value-added goods and services and move up in global value chains. Education and innovative entrepreneurship is the way forward to aid this transition.

The first edition of the 928 Challenge start-up competition between university students from China and Portuguese-speaking countries ended on the last Saturday of October at the Complex of the Forum Macau, with sixteen teams pitching their proposals to a panel of judges composed of business executives. The teams were required to present new business ideas that addressed the sustainable development goals and the cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. The event was co-organized by the Forum Macau, City University of Macau, Shenzhen University, and the United Nations University Institute of Macau.

We had the vision for the 928 Challenge earlier this year after experiencing months of online classes. We noted that students, more than anyone else, can quickly adapt and grow in online environments. Their ability to communicate through social media channels is remarkable. Our work during the pandemic gave us the insight to unite universities and students from China and Portuguese-speaking countries around entrepreneurship. We did not know what to call the event. Inspired by the simplicity of Chinese sigla, we decided to evoke the nine cities of the Greater Bay Area, the two special administrative regions, and the eight Portuguese-speaking countries therefore, the name 928 Challenge.

Knowing that many traveling restrictions would remain for a while, we identified an opportunity to organize the 928 Challenge in a blended format and bring the organizing costs down to a low level. We aimed to leverage digital technologies to link students, universities, and communities across all continents. Given the distances and time zones between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, we knew we would face challenges. Still, we believed that the initiative would be appealing and attract students.

We prepared our pitch for the 928 Challenge and presented it to Forum Macau on the first week of April 2021. Our counterparts immediately understood the vision of the 928 Challenge and readily embraced it. Receiving this immediate and spontaneous support gave us the courage to execute our vision. We worked with determination for several months to mobilize support, sponsors, universities, and students. We contacted departments of the Macau SAR Government and private companies. The companies replied swiftly and came forward with sponsorships that were fundamental. Their quick action gave us additional confidence. We approached government departments gradually according to their roles in the construction of the Macau platform. As expected, they also provided crucial institutional support.

The most challenging, yet rewarding work appeared when we contacted universities and students from all the participating countries. We used all our personal and institutional contacts to get teams registered on the events website. The response came in very different ways. A few partner universities from the Greater Bay Area and other provinces in China enrolled their teams quickly, while the universities from Portuguese-speaking countries took longer. We were aware of, but not fully prepared to deal with geographical, cultural and, more significantly, technological barriers. We all speak the same Portuguese language, but there are differences which need to be better appreciated. We spent many hours contacting university leaders, professors, and students in all countries. We used multiple channels and sent out hundreds of emails, messages, and telephone calls. To reach out to people in different time zones, we called them whenever convenient from our early morning hours to very late hours at night. Moreover, we did this non-stop for several weeks. Gradually, we built a very extensive network across Portuguese-speaking countries and China.

Despite this effort, only about 25 teams had registered with eight weeks to go for the opening. Four weeks later, the number increased to 50 teams. With the deadline approaching, the registrations increased by the day. When registration closed, we received 153 teams representing 51 universities and almost 800 students from all nine countries. This overwhelming participation was beyond all our expectations. We were thrilled. Aware of the scale of the project, we immediately asked our students and colleagues to volunteer and offer time to support in all areas. A few weeks before the final event, we learned about the postponement of the Macau International Fair, and we could no longer host the final event there. Fortunately, the Macau Forum once again jumped in and unconditionally offered to host the event.

We designed and delivered an online start-up training and mentorship program, or boot camp, for two weeks in October. During the boot camp, teams from China had the opportunity to learn about the business dynamics and environment in the Portuguese-speaking countries: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome e Principe, and Timor Leste. On the other hand, teams from Portuguese-speaking countries learned about the Great Bay Area of China and its vibrant market of 60 million people. The boot camp was broadcasted on a live stream to all countries this was a considerable challenge primarily due to internet accessibility.

At the end of the boot camp, we received pitch decks and videos from 89 teams and engaged a team of 20 judges during five days to select 16 teams to enter into the finals. A couple of the finalist teams, from Guangzhou and Shenzhen, traveled to Macau and joined the final event with three Macau teams. All the other teams participated online and on video in the final event. The enthusiasm of the online teams was high. A Brazilian team eagerly waited to enter online and did it when it was already after midnight in Brazil. The team from Guinea Bissau was even more anxious and waited until 4:00 AM to watch their video and respond to questions from the judges. A dream and willpower drove these students.

The winning teams presented ideas that addressed severe and significant societal problemsthe team from Portugal, University of Porto, proposed vaccines for under-provided aquaculture farms in China. Students from the Lusophone University of Guinea-Bissau proposed solar energy for a region in their country which does not have electricity. A team from Guangzhou Polytechnic Normal University proposed a traditional Chinese medicine treatment to prevent increasing rates of coronary diseases in Portugal. A team from Brazil, the State University of Rio de Janeiro, proposed to reuse rice husks from China to produce fertilizers for the growing agriculture sector in Brazil.

The solutions offered by the finalist teams show unequivocally that the Macau platform is possible. It requires substantial effort to reach out to geographically distant communities with distinct cultures and needs. The platform needs active collaboration among people and institutions from all countries and, more importantly, it needs to provide incentives and resources to new initiatives like this one.

Several participant teams in the 928 Challenge proposed start-ups that address basic human and social needs such as food, agriculture, energy, health, and communication. These are development problems that can be solved with the knowledge and technologies available in Macau. These communities have development needs which most developed cities in China and Macau have already overcome.

The Macau business people have privileged access to the emerging and growing Portuguese-speaking markets and need to use that strategically. Otherwise, others will do it. In conclusion, the Macau platform is possible it is within our hands to make it happen. The 928 Challenge is just eye-opening. The platform is possible when we get out of our comfort zones and play to the strengths of Macau interculturality, languages, and adaptability.

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OPINION The Platform is possible - Macau Business