The Heungshan Culture Forum 2026 was held at the Macao University of Science and Technology on May 18 under the theme "Modern Heungshan Figures and Mutual Learning between Chinese and Western Civilizations".

The forum attracted scholars from across China as well as the United States and Japan. Nearly 90 academic papers focusing on the role of the Heungshan region and its historical figures in promoting exchanges between Chinese and Western civilizations were submitted.

In a video address, Li Guoqiang, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of History, said research on Heungshan culture is important for preserving China's cultural heritage and advancing mutual learning among civilizations. He noted that the forum has grown into a key platform for Heungshan studies and modern Chinese history research over the past five years.

Zhu Jiankang, president of the university, said many modern Heungshan figures used Macao as a gateway to engage with the world, becoming pioneers of cultural exchange between China and the West. He added that the forum has become a flagship academic event for the university.

During the opening ceremony, Lin Guangzhi, director of the Institute for Social and Cultural Research at the university, presented a report on recent progress in Heungshan cultural studies. The university also launched an online platform on Heungshan culture, providing global access to books, archives, manuscripts and other historical resources.

The forum was co-organized by the Research Centre for Macao History of the Chinese Academy of History and research centers at the university. More than 240 scholars and guests from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, the United States, Japan and Australia attended the event.