Following a recruitment drive that began in November 2025, the IC received 178 applications, reflecting strong local interest in performing arts and comedy creation. After a rigorous merit-based evaluation process, 80 candidates were selected for the programme’s inaugural class. According to a written statement from the Cultural Affairs Bureau, more than 70% of the admitted students are Macau residents, with the remainder comprising mainland Chinese students currently enrolled in Macau universities.
Upon completing the foundational curriculum, high-performing students will advance to intensive training and participate in public performances to gain practical stage experience. In a significant boost to career prospects, standout graduates may be recommended for internships or offered professional contracts with Mahua Fun Age, effectively opening doors to careers in the entertainment industry.
Mahua Fun Age is a major player in China’s stage play and comedy sectors, known for its training systems and successful production models. By bringing this expertise to Macau, the programme aims to broaden horizons and raise the overall standard of the region’s performing arts through cross-border cooperation.
In the same press release, the IC emphasised its commitment to leveraging both government and industry resources and said it would continue to explore diverse cooperative models to build broader platforms for Macau’s artistic talent, ultimately driving the diversification and growth of the city’s cultural industries.
