To strengthen the bond between young people from Sichuan and Macao and deepen their understanding of Western China, the University of Macau’s (UM) Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College (MLC) Resident Fellow Stanley Chan led a group of eight students to Sichuan to participate in the 13th Ba-Shu and Buddhist Culture Study Camp. The study camp was sponsored by the Ministry of Education’s Ten Thousand People’s Scheme and co-organised by Sichuan University (SCU), the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and UM. Through seminars, visits, experiential learning, and presentations, the camp aimed to enhance the understanding of the uniqueness and significance of Ba-Shu and Buddhist culture in Chinese history among young people from Hong Kong and Macao. This study camp also received strong support from UM Rector Yonghua Song, Vice Rectors Rui Martins and Mok Kai Meng, and Global Affairs Office Director Wang Ruibing. The MLC members were warmly welcomed by the Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Affairs Office at SCU, and visited various places in Sichuan.

The diverse learning activities offered by the study camp broadened students’ horizons and expanded their knowledge about Ba-Shu culture. The camp also cultivated their cross-cultural communication skills, and promoted friendships and cooperation between Macao and Sichuan.

In addition to deepening the understanding of Ba-Shu history and culture among young people from Hong Kong and Macao, the study camp strengthened the friendships among the students from Hong Kong, Macao and Sichuan. More importantly, the success of the camp laid a strong foundation for future cooperation between the three universities.