On 24 April, the “Seminar on the Development of a Virtual–Physical Connected Cross-Border Library”, jointly organised by the Macao Academic Library Alliance and Macau Millennium College, was successfully held. Library representatives, education experts and scholars from higher education institutions in Guangdong and Macao gathered to discuss topics including VR library development, virtual–physical library connectivity, cross-border interlibrary loan, resource sharing and protection, and cross-border library data, with the shared goal of promoting the development of library culture in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The seminar was moderated by Professor Cai Zhiming, Vice President of Macau Millennium College.

At the seminar, Professor Zhong Weihe, President of Macau Millennium College, delivered a speech, extending a warm welcome and sincere thanks to the guests in attendance. He emphasised that the development of a virtual–physical connected cross-border library is an important initiative in the era of digital intelligence, and represents a pathway to knowledge sharing that transcends geographical and time limitations. He noted that Macau Millennium College is closely aligned with its “Digital+” strategy and is committed to developing four core academic fields: digital science and innovation, digital economy, digital society, and digital humanities. The College’s core mission is to promote the comprehensive digital transformation of education through broader vision and deeper exploration, and the development of a virtual–physical connected cross-border library is a concrete example of this mission.

During the seminar, Macau Millennium College introduced its development plan for the virtual–physical connected cross-border library. Representatives from the libraries of the University of Macau and the Macau University of Science and Technology also introduced their respective work in VR360 library services, interlibrary loan, and document delivery. Library representatives, experts and scholars engaged in open discussions around the seminar topics, sharing suggestions and practical experience.

Dr Wang Guoqiang, Deputy Librarian of the University of Macau Library, remarked that the development plan for the virtual–physical connected cross-border library is worthy of in-depth consideration. He shared insights on topics such as regional book classification, library exhibitions, VR-based reader education, and book delivery across the Greater Bay Area. He noted that the development of a virtual–physical connected cross-border library will become a milestone in the development of library culture in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

In her concluding remarks, Li Jiawen, Chair of the Macao Academic Library Alliance and Librarian of the Macao University of Tourism Library, said that the seminar had been highly fruitful. She noted that Macao enjoys unique advantages under “One Country, Two Systems” as well as its role in connecting China with the wider world. She expressed the hope that virtual–physical connected technologies could be used to overcome geographical and time limitations, realise cross-border knowledge sharing, and provide broader reading and research resources and services for readers in Macao, across the country, and internationally.

Other attendees included Liu Manling, Librarian of Macao Polytechnic University Library; Shi Limei, Librarian of City University of Macau Library; Guo Zijian, representative of Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau Library; Xuan Yongtao, Director and IT Director of Nam Bo Group; Cheng Zhong, Librarian of Guangdong University of Science & Technology Library; as well as representatives, faculty members and students from library departments of various higher education institutions.