I grew up in Macao, and I have always loved the lifestyle there because of its unique blend of heritage and modernity. Macao is a small but vibrant city where East meets West, and the pace of life feels lively yet close-knit. It is a place I am proud to call home, shaped by cultural heritage and a strong sense of community that can be felt in every narrow street and colonial-style square.

However, as I grew older, I started to think more deeply about Macao’s long-term development. While the city appears prosperous, the economy is heavily dependent on two closely linked sectors: gaming and tourism. I began to realize that this level of reliance can pose a risk to long-term resilience. I noticed that while the city was growing, the range of career pathways for young professionals remained quite narrow, making it difficult for many to find roles that match their skills and aspirations.

My concerns became even clearer during my time as the Vice-Chair of the Sichuan–Macao Students’ Federation. In this role, my main responsibility was to help students studying away from home stay connected with our local community. For example, I helped deliver a series of career workshops and networking events. After these sessions, I often stayed to speak with students one-to-one, and that was when I heard their real worries. Through these experiences, I learned the importance of effective coordination and, more importantly, how to listen to the genuine needs of my peers.

During these interactions, I often heard students say, “I love Macao, but I don’t know if there is a place for me there after I graduate.” This is a common concern. Many graduates feel uncertain because limited economic diversity leads to limited career options. This became a major turning point for me: I realized that individual passion alone is not enough to retain local talent and reduce brain drain. To support a sustainable future, we need long-term economic planning and diversification efforts—and that starts with well-designed, evidence-based public policy.

This is exactly why I chose the MSc International Development: Public Policy and Management at the University of Manchester. I was drawn to a programme that values evidence and real-world policy questions, not just theory.

I want to learn the systematic side of governance, focusing on policy design, implementation, and evaluation. It is not enough to identify a challenge; we also need practical tools to address it. I also want to learn from different international contexts, because comparing approaches helps us move beyond simple answers and understand what could work for a unique place like Macao.

Ultimately, I did not choose this master’s programmer just for my own career; I chose it because I care about the future of my home.

In the long run, I hope to contribute to Macao by supporting diversification and creating more meaningful opportunities for young people through professional policy work. I want to ensure that the next generation of graduates does not have to choose between their passion and their home. By studying here at Manchester, I am taking the first step towards making that vision a reality.

Written by WenZhen, a current postgraduate student in SEED. 

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