A training programme entitled “Echoes of the Heart & Generations in Harmony: Youth Public Speaking Sharing” held its achievement exhibition in Iao Hon Market Park yesterday, aiming to foster intergenerational cohesion in the community and advance the development of age-inclusive communities.
The programme, organised by the Macau Hou Kong Junior Chamber, was part of the 2025 “Let’s Ageing Macao” series of activities, which has been held for five consecutive years. Several interactive game booths, magic performances and dancing shows were set up at the mark, and over 300 participants attended, according to a statement by the organiser.
Macau Hou Kong Junior Chamber (JC) President Elvis Chao Kai Yeung Pascal spoke to reporters on the sidelines of the exhibition, saying that as Macau progresses toward a “super-aged” society, this year’s work aims to align community resources with senior residents’ evolving needs, adding that the chamber’s current activities include integrating “age-friendly city” enhancements into infrastructure and public services to improve the elderly’s quality of life.
Chao noted in a speech that this year’s training programme focused on transmitting seniors’ life stories, such as through speeches by the programme’s participants, which has not only enabled young participants to gain perspective-taking skills from senior citizens’ wisdom, but also made the elderly feel socially valued and cared about. Chao said that the programme, which formally concluded yesterday, had been able to establish two-way emotional connections.
Meanwhile, according to Chao, the participants internalised these narratives, blending them with contemporary youth perspectives, and delivering speeches aiming to cultivate empathy, fostering social harmony, and amplifying intergenerational understanding across the community.
Participants queue at interactive game booths during yesterday’s “Echoes of the Heart & Generations in Harmony: Youth Public Speaking Sharing” achievement exhibition in Iao Hon Market Park. – Photo: Ida Cheong
