The “Macao Reads • National Reading Week 2026” is taking place this week. Reading is the starting point for talent development and, more importantly, the foundation of social innovation vitality.
It is worth noting that, according to statistics from Macao’s public libraries, the total number of visitors in 2025 was around 2.746 million, a decrease of about 1.1% compared to 2024; the number of books borrowed also fell by approximately 3.3%. With information channels becoming increasingly diversified, fluctuations in these figures should be addressed through sustained and proactive efforts.
Reading promotion in Macao is still largely based on isolated and short-term activities. I suggest establishing an interdepartmental coordination mechanism involving the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ), and the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) to build a structured reading promotion system. This could be complemented by a “Financial Support Scheme for Reading Promotion” to encourage associations, institutions, and companies to organize diverse reading activities.
Reading habits should be cultivated from an early age, with schools playing a fundamental role. I suggest that the authorities lead educational institutions in developing systematic reading promotion initiatives. Continuous feedback should also be collected from reading promoters, alongside the creation of a platform for sharing experiences.
The family is equally important in promoting reading among children. The “Baby and Child Reading Programme,” launched in 2023, has delivered notable results. It is hoped that the authorities will continue to optimize and expand the programme, accelerating studies on the feasibility of extending it to children aged 3 to 5.
The ultimate goal of reading promotion is to cultivate talent in Macao with broad literacy, innovative thinking, and an international outlook. It is hoped that the Government will use this week as an opportunity to further strengthen the link between reading promotion and talent development, ensuring that “Macao, City of Reading” becomes not only a cultural hallmark but also a key driving force for future development.
