At the beginning of the seminar, Dr Chan Wan-hung introduced ‘New Destiny for Old States’, elaborating on the profound historical origins of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the mission and responsibility given to it in the new era. From the origins of human civilisation 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, through the southward migration of the Central Plains culture in the Qin-Han period, to the prosperity of the Maritime Silk Route in the Ming and Qing periods, the Greater Bay Area has demonstrated its sparkling history of multi-cultural integration and innovation. In modern times, the role of the Greater Bay Area has become more and more crucial, and Dr Chan highlighted its role as the earliest contact area between China and the West, both as the earliest window of dialogue between China and the West and as a hotbed of resistance against the invasions of the great powers.
Dr Chan pointed out that nowadays, the construction of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Greater Bay Area, as a major national development strategy, is shouldering the important mission of innovation-driven development, deepening reform and opening up, and playing a key role in scientific and technological innovation, industrial upgrading, regional synergy, etc., and is heading towards the goal of becoming a first-class international bay area. Feeling the weight of history and touching the pulse of the future, students were immersed in Dr Chen's narration, took notes with full attention and raised their hands to ask questions enthusiastically, which were patiently answered by Dr Chen with his professional knowledge and rich experience, resulting in a strong academic atmosphere at the scene.
After the lecture, the Hong Kong Commercial Press presented the school with ten sets of ‘Travelling through History to the Bay Area’ (5 volumes each) and two sets of ‘Three Kingdoms Fax’ (4 volumes each), edited and authored by Dr Chan, which enriched the school's library collection and provided students with valuable materials for learning. Our school presented Dr Chan with a souvenir to express our sincere gratitude.
Many students responded enthusiastically, saying that Dr Chen's academic lectures gave them a systematic and profound understanding of Lingnan culture, stimulated their interest in learning about Lingnan culture and their confidence in the development prospects of the Greater Bay Area, and some thirsty students followed Dr Chen's footsteps and asked questions with an open mind, which was very fruitful.
