On October 10, 2024, an exchange forum jointly organized by the Faculty of Finance at the City University of Macau and the Monetary Authority of Macao was held at the Ho Yin Convention Centre. The forum was honored to feature distinguished speakers from the Monetary Authority of Macao, including Director Helena Leong from the Research and Statistics Department, Assistant Technician Marcus Chan, and Technician Kelvin Chio from the Financial Development Department. They delivered insightful presentations on the theme "Exploring Trends in Macau's Financial Industry Development and Cultivation of Financial Talent." Guests attending the forum included Dean of the Faculty of Finance Professor Adrian Cheung, and Associate Dean Eva Khong.

Marcus Chan, Assistant Technician from the Research and Statistics Department of the Monetary Authority of Macao, provided a comprehensive overview of the Macau financial industry, highlighting its potential for rapid growth as the second largest sector in Macau. As of the end of the second quarter of 2024, the total assets of Macau's financial industry reached MOP 2.7 trillion, marking a nineteen-fold increase since 1999, further solidifying the industry's role as a crucial pillar of Macau's economy. In recent years, the financial sector in Macau has successfully expanded its scope and depth by introducing diversified financial products and services. Since the launch of the first bond issuance and trading platform in 2018 and the establishment of the first investment fund management company in 2023, Macau's financial ecosystem has progressively encompassed banking, insurance, bond markets, investment fund management, and financial technology. Notably, leveraging its free port advantages, Macau has positioned itself as a bridge between Mainland China and international markets in terms of international financial market connectivity. The Monetary Authority is actively promoting the establishment of a cross-border bond market with Hong Kong , which is anticipated to further facilitate capital flow and market development. The Macau SAR Government is committed to advancing the “1+4” moderate diversification development strategy, aiming for the coordinated development of the financial industry, modern finance, the convention and exhibition economy, high-tech industries, among other sectors. The rapid development of the financial industry has made significant contributions to optimizing Macau's industrial structure, increasing employment opportunities, and broadening the tax revenue base. 

Kelvin Chio, a Technician from the Financial Development Department of the Monetary Authority, discussed the latest trends in the modern finance industry and measures for cultivating financial talent. He highlighted the continuous introduction of policies and support schemes by the nation aimed at promoting economic diversification, which have created opportunities for financial development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Deep Cooperation Zone. The Macau government's annual policy address focuses on the current development plans for modern finance, covering areas such as the bond market, wealth management, financial leasing, and financial talent cultivation. Kelvin Chio emphasized the necessity for Macau to develop multifaceted talent with an international perspective, well-versed in areas like financial technology and wealth management, to drive its transformation into a regional financial centre. The Monetary Authority is actively planning to accelerate talent development that meets the needs of emerging industries through pre-employment education, on-the-job training, and professional qualification certification, leveraging resources from various sectors. It encourages students at the City University of Macau to acquire financial-related professional qualifications to optimize their career paths, ensuring the robust development of the local financial industry in the future. Additionally, green finance is highlighted as a key area for Macau's future financial industry development. The Monetary Authority plans to guide capital into sustainable development projects through financial innovation. With the ongoing advancement of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Macau is set to further enhance its role as a financial services platform, attracting more enterprises to issue bonds locally and promoting the regularized development of the bond market.

During the Q&A session, enthusiastic interactions between speakers and students provided attendees with a clearer understanding of the current status and future prospects of the Monetary Authority of Macao and the modern financial industry. In-depth discussions were held on several key topics, including the application prospects of financial technology in Macau, the bond market, wealth management, and the development of new cross-border financial models. The session also provided valuable insights into the role of high-quality financial talent in driving industry development, helping to guide students in planning their future career paths.

The Faculty of Finance expressed their gratitude to the guests for their insightful presentations and ongoing support for the City University of Macau. The representatives from the Monetary Authority of Macao affirmed their commitment to continuing collaboration with academic institutions to actively promote the development of the financial industry and talent cultivation. This collaboration aims to further solidify Macau's position in the international financial markets, aiding in the region's moderate economic diversification and sustainable development.