Today, December 16, 2025, the International Forum on Mutual Learning Among Civilizations kicked off in Macao SAR with a bang 🎉. The event brings together over 50 leaders and experts from around 10 countries and regions, all ready to dive into global brainstorms and cultural exchange.
One highlight? Zheng Yongnian, director of the Advanced Institute of Global and Contemporary China Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), broke down two defining features of Chinese modernization:
- Global engagement with a personal touch: "While embracing the world, it has always upheld its own subjectivity," Zheng said. In other words, China mixes global trends with its own cultural flavour, like adding regional spices to a global recipe 🍲.
- Extending the ladder: After climbing up the modernization ladder, China now lends a hand so other countries can reach new heights together. Think of it as sharing your study notes so the whole class can ace the exam ✍️.
For young South and Southeast Asians, this is more than theory. It's about shaping a future where tech, culture, and shared growth go hand in hand. Whether you're into digital startups, creative industries, or policy debates, the forum's vibe is all about teamwork and mutual respect.
As global conversations heat up, keep an eye on the forum's takeaways. Shared prosperity isn't just a buzzword – it's a roadmap for collective success 🌱.
Reference(s):
Scholar analyzes the two defining features of Chinese modernization
cgtn.com
