The 1st Greater Bay Area "Chief Circular Officer" Youth Sustainable Innovation Competition — A Successful Debut
- ecobayalliance
- Apr 9
- 4 min read
28 March 2026｜ 2026 MIECF ｜ The Venetian Macao, Cotai Expo
The first Greater Bay Area "Chief Circular Officer" Youth Sustainable Innovation Competition took place in March at the Green Exchange Zone, Hall A, Cotai Expo, The Venetian Macao, during the Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (MIECF). Teams from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao competed in Open and Secondary School categories, marking the region's inaugural youth competition focused on green and sustainable technology innovation.
The Vision Behind the Competition
The "Chief Circular Officer" competition is more than a technical contest. It is a deliberate
exercise in sustainable development education and cross-sector collaboration. Four core
ideas shape its design.
Building a Talent Pathway
Unlike most one-off youth competitions, this event connects participants to the National Invention Competition, providing a continuous educational pathway towards international platforms. It aims to offer young innovators a progression where every effort contributes to a larger goal.
A Travelling GBA Innovation Event
Inspired by the Olympic model, the competition will rotate across the Greater Bay Area, starting in Macao, with future editions in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The goal is to become the region's leading youth innovation brand, strengthening connections between young people in Hong Kong, Macao, and the Mainland science and technology community.
Grounding Innovation in Real Life
We believe powerful innovations arise from solving everyday problems. Instead of viewing climate change abstractly, we encourage students to create tangible solutions, like turning waste plastics into recycled bags. When their inventions are adopted by communities and businesses, it fosters a lasting sense of motivation and social responsibility. We also connect the business community with competition winners, encouraging companies to provide real-world application opportunities for student innovations.
An Ecosystem Where Industry Meets Education
Hosting the competition at MIECF, Macao's largest international environmental exhibition, was a strategic choice. It brings together global buyers, experts, and young competitors, fostering a direct exchange of knowledge and enthusiasm. Students explore cutting-edge technologies and engage with industry professionals, bridging academia and industry and adding a practical dimension to the competition.
Organisers and Supporting Bodies
The competition was jointly organised by:
• China Macao Federation of Youth Culture
• EcoBay Alliance
• Macao Institute of Environmentalists
• Endeavour Environmental Education Foundation (ENEEF).
Co-organisers included:
• Council for the Promotion of Guangzhou-Hongkong-Macao Cooperation
• Faculty of Chinese Medicine (Macau University of Science and Technology),
• Macao Green Low-Carbon Industry Association
• Institute of Chinese Medicine (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)
• Torch Culture Media Limited.
Supporting organisations included:
• Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM)
• Education and Youth Development Bureau of Macao (DSEDJ)
• Environmental Protection Bureau of Macao (DSPA)
• Macao Science Centre
• Macao Asia Cultural and Sports Exchange Promotion Association
• Sustainable Development Association
• Hong Kong Institute of Environmentalists
• Professional Accreditation and Training Association
• Certify International Limited
• Macao International Carbon Emission Exchange
• University of Saint Joseph Macao.
VIP included:
• Mr. Fong Chon Ian (Deputy General Manager of Da Heng Qin (Macau) Limited)
• Ms. Pan Huiyan (Manager of Networking and Cooperation Department and Center Secretary of Macao Young Entrepreneur Incubation Centre)
• Mr. Pereira Coutinho (Member of the Legislative Assembly)
• Mr. Miao Chenrui (Director of Long-Max good Limited)
• Mr. Ao Lek Man (Barrister-at-Law)
• Mr. Cheung Nai Man (Director of Guangdong Wanyuan Construction Engineering Co., Ltd.)
We extend special thanks to IPIM, DSPA, and DSEDJ for their support. Their professional guidance, resources, and institutional backing exemplify cross-departmental collaboration, essential for nurturing the next generation of innovators.
Competition Overview
The competition began at 13:30 PM, with teams presenting their sustainable innovation
projects to a panel of five judges. Each team had up to five minutes to present, followed by
a Q&A session. Projects addressed topics including carbon neutrality, smart waste
reduction, circular economy, green agriculture, and sustainable materials.
The judging panel comprised:
Dr. Li Chi Ho (Associate Professor, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education)
Ms. June Lei (Market Director, Macao International Carbon Emission Exchange
Mr. Chan Wing-lai (Vice Chairman, Endeavour Environmental Education Foundation
Mr. Chan Wing (Executive Vice President, Macao Association of Inventions and Innovations
Ms. Cheung Hoi-yan (General Manager, EcoBay Alliance)
Award Ceremony
The award ceremony took place at 16:40 PM, with prizes presented by distinguished guests.
Chief Circular Officer Award
LaAcoda Atelier
Open Group
Champion
EcoPapa (環保爸爸)
1st Runner-Up
Beijing Normal University – Hong Kong Baptist University United International College
× Sun Yat-sen University × Shandong Agricultural University
Secondary School Group
Champion
Colégio Diocesano de São José
1st Runner-Up
Guangdong Experimental High School
1st Runner-Up
Pui Ching Middle School (Macau)
Merit Awards (Secondary School Group)
Guangdong Experimental High School (2 teams)
The Church of Christ in China Mong Man Wai College
Tsung Tsin Christian Academy
Maryknoll Secondary School
Colégio Mateus Ricci
Macau Xinhua School (3 teams)
Pui Ching Middle School (Macau) (4 teams)
Pooi To Middle School (2 teams)
Pui Va Middle School
Keang Peng School
Opening Remarks by CEO Samuel Tang
In his opening address, EcoBay Alliance CEO Samuel Tang noted that technological
innovation is the driving force behind sustainable development, and that the Greater Bay
Area's cross-regional strengths place it in a unique position to cultivate the next generation
of green innovators. He encouraged participants to explore boldly and channel their
creativity into protecting the environment, while emphasising that environmental
education and hands-on innovation practice must go hand in hand to guide more young
people into low-carbon technology and the green economy.
Acknowledgements
EcoBay Alliance congratulates all award-winning teams and thanks every participant in this inaugural competition. Your creativity and dedication give this event its meaning.
We are grateful to all co-organisers and supporters, especially MIECF and Macao Expo Group, for enabling Greater Bay Area youth to present their green innovations internationally.
We look forward to continuing the "Chief Circular Officer" competition annually as a platform for youth innovation in sustainable development in the Greater Bay Area.
For more information about EcoBay Alliance's activities, contact us at Info@ecobayalliance.com.
Media
TDM Macao
ShiMin Expo
Nandu
Jornal Foco Macau
Macao Culture and Tourism Daily
Sohu
Tai Chung Daily
Macao Business News
Comments