On the afternoon of Feb 26, Chen Gang, Secretary of the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region led a delegation to visit CTM. A seminar on “Guangxi-Macau AI Cooperation” was convened, bringing together representatives from CITIC Group, CITIC Telecom International, CTM, The Policy Research and Regional Development Bureau, Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau, Macao Economic and Technological Development Bureau and numerous Macau enterprises. Following the discussions, CITIC Telecom International and CTM formally signed MOU on AI cooperation with Guangxi Data Group and China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd. These agreements aim to strengthen collaboration in AI and Big Data, fostering innovation and driving the development of both regions' digital economies.

Chen Gang, Secretary of the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, led a high-level delegation on an official visit to Macau. The delegation included Zhou Yijue, Secretary General of the General Office of the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; Zhao Zhigang, Director of the Guangxi Big Data Development Bureau; Wei Ran, Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; Bai Songtao, Director of the Development and Reform Commission of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; and Zou Zhanye, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Commerce Department and Director of the Guangxi Industrial Park Reform and Development Office. During the visit, the delegation convened a seminar on “Guangxi-Macau AI Cooperation” with senior officials and executives from Macau, including Cheong Chok Man, Director of the Policy Research and Regional Development Bureau; Yau Yun Wah, Director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau; Lao Lan Wa, Deputy Director of the Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau; Wang Guoquan, Deputy General Manager of CITIC Group; Luo Xi Cheng, Chairman of CITIC Telecom International; Wu Jun, CEO of CITIC Telecom International; and Vandy Poon, CEO of CTM. The seminar facilitated in-depth discussions on key strategic areas such as advancing cooperation in AI and computing power operations, ensuring cross-border data compliance and enhancing mechanisms for secure data flow. These dialogues aimed to strengthen technological collaboration and foster innovation-driven development between Guangxi and Macau.

Subsequently, Wu Jun, CEO of CITIC Telecom International and Zhou Fei, Director of Guangxi Data Group, along with Vandy Poon, CEO of CTM and Zhong Neng, President of China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd., formally signed MOU on AI cooperation. The signing ceremonies were conducted in the presence of distinguished witnesses, including Chen Gang, Zhou Yijue, Zhao Zhigang, Wei Ran, Wang Guoquan, Yau Yun Wah and Lao Lan Wa, further solidifying the commitment to fostering collaboration in AI and related technological advancements.

Wu Jun, CEO of CITIC Telecom International emphasized that the ongoing collaboration between CITIC Telecom International and relevant Guangxi entities in the realm of cross-border AI services is driven by the complementary needs and synergistic strengths of Macau, Guangxi and CITIC. Moving forward, the partnership will prioritize two key areas: cross-border data services and computing power scheduling. Efforts will focus on advancing the standardization of cross-border data services, not only within Chinese Mainland and Macau but also by proactively engaging Southeast Asian countries in the development of these standards. The objective is to create an open, internationally recognized cross-border data service platform that is universally accepted and subject to transparent, multi-stakeholder oversight. Wu also highlighted Guangxi’s significant expertise in promoting the development of sovereign large-scale AI models for ASEAN countries, which could serve as a valuable reference for Macau and Portuguese-speaking countries in their AI endeavors. This collaboration aims to facilitate the implementation and promotion of AI applications in Portuguese-speaking regions. He expressed optimism that, following the signing of the AI cooperation memorandum, a joint working group could be swiftly established to formulate detailed implementation plans and ensure the efficient execution of collaborative initiatives. The ultimate goal is to achieve concrete progress within the year, including the formal establishment of the “International Cooperation Center for Data and AI Applications” in Macau.

Vandy Poon, CEO of CTM highlighted that Macau has successfully established an advanced network infrastructure featuring “dual 10 Gigabit” capabilities powered by 5.5G and 50G-PON technologies. This infrastructure provides comprehensive technical support for AI, computing power and cross-border communications. Looking ahead, CTM aims to deepen strategic cooperation with Guangxi in key areas such as computing power infrastructure and the compliant flow of cross-border data. By leveraging Macau's unique position as a service platform for business cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, the company seeks to further expand exchanges and collaborations with ASEAN and Lusophone nations. Vandy Poon emphasized CTM’s commitment to serving as a vital bridge and service provider in the field of AI. The company also aspires to introduce a greater range of AI applications and services tailored to the diversified “1+4” industrial development strategy of Macau. These efforts are designed to deliver high-quality AI application scenarios that benefit Macau’s industries and residents alike, contributing to the city’s broader economic diversification and innovation-driven development.

CTM will continue to actively advance market-driven collaborations in AI related initiatives, aligning fully with the Macau SAR Government’s strategic policies to promote smart city development. The company remains dedicated to leveraging its digital expertise to contribute to the integrated and sustainable development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.