社會文化司司長辦公室

Overview

The Gabinete do Secretário para os Assuntos Sociais e Cultura (GSASC), or Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, is a principal executive body of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government. Established in 1999, the GSASC oversees a broad portfolio encompassing education, healthcare, social welfare, culture, sports, and youth development. Its mission is to enhance the well-being of residents through integrated public services and to promote sustainable social and cultural development.

Historical and Legal Framework

The GSASC was formed in 1999 following the restructuring of the Macao SAR Government, consolidating responsibilities previously held by separate departments into a single secretariat. This reorganization aimed to streamline governance and improve the delivery of social and cultural services. The GSASC operates under the authority of the Chief Executive of Macao and is accountable to the Legislative Assembly, ensuring alignment with the region's legal framework and policy objectives.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives; Role in Higher Education

Mission: The GSASC is dedicated to fostering a harmonious society by providing comprehensive services in education, healthcare, social welfare, culture, sports, and youth development.

Vision: To create an inclusive and vibrant community where residents have access to quality services that enhance their quality of life and cultural identity.

Objectives:

• Develop and implement policies that promote excellence in education and lifelong learning.
• Ensure equitable access to healthcare and social welfare services.
• Preserve and promote Macao's cultural heritage and support cultural industries.
• Encourage active participation in sports and youth development programs.
• Facilitate interdepartmental collaboration to address complex social issues.

In higher education, the GSASC plays a pivotal role in policy development, funding allocation, and strategic planning. It works closely with institutions such as the University of Macau and the Macao Polytechnic University to align educational offerings with the region's socio-economic needs and to foster international academic partnerships.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The GSASC is led by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, who is appointed by the Chief Executive of Macao. The Secretary is supported by a Chief of Office and various bureaus and departments, each responsible for specific areas within the secretariat's mandate. These include:

• Education and Youth Development Bureau
• Cultural Affairs Bureau
• Sports Bureau
• Health Bureau
• Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau
• Social Security Fund
• Cultural Development Fund

The GSASC operates with a degree of administrative autonomy, allowing it to implement policies effectively while remaining accountable to the Chief Executive and the Legislative Assembly. This structure ensures that the secretariat can respond to the dynamic needs of Macao's residents and maintain alignment with broader governmental objectives.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

While the GSASC does not directly engage in the accreditation of higher education institutions, it plays a significant role in shaping the educational landscape through policy development and strategic oversight. The secretariat collaborates with educational institutions to ensure that academic programs meet the evolving needs of the labor market and contribute to the region's socio-economic development. Additionally, the GSASC supports initiatives that enhance the quality of education, such as faculty development programs, curriculum reforms, and international academic exchanges.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The GSASC actively participates in international forums and collaborates with various global and regional organizations to promote cultural exchange and development. Notably, the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Ao Ieong U, has led delegations to countries such as the United States to engage in exchange activities, promoting economic growth, trade, talent development, and cultural cooperation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area. These engagements facilitate the sharing of best practices and the strengthening of Macao's international ties in social and cultural domains.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Looking forward, the GSASC aims to continue enhancing the quality and accessibility of higher education in Macao. By fostering closer collaboration between the government and educational institutions, the secretariat seeks to align academic offerings with the region's development priorities, such as innovation and technology, and to prepare students for the challenges of a globalized economy. Initiatives may include the establishment of research centers, the promotion of interdisciplinary programs, and the expansion of international partnerships to enrich the educational experience and contribute to Macao's status as a regional education hub.

Summary

The Gabinete do Secretário para os Assuntos Sociais e Cultura is a central agency within the Macao SAR Government, entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing and coordinating policies and services in education, healthcare, social welfare, culture, sports, and youth development. Through its strategic initiatives and collaborations, the GSASC plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for Macao's residents and in fostering a dynamic and inclusive society. Its ongoing efforts in higher education aim to ensure that academic institutions contribute effectively to the region's socio-economic development and global competitiveness.

FAQs

• What is the role of the GSASC in higher education?

  The GSASC develops policies and strategies that support the growth and quality of higher education in Macao, collaborating with institutions to align academic programs with regional development needs.

• Who leads the GSASC?

  The GSASC is led by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, who is appointed by the Chief Executive of Macao. The current Secretary is Ao Ieong U, who assumed office in December 2019.

• Does the GSASC directly accredit higher education institutions?

  No, the GSASC does not directly engage in the accreditation of higher education institutions. Its role is to provide strategic oversight and policy direction to ensure the alignment of educational offerings with the region's needs.

• How does the GSASC collaborate internationally?

  The GSASC participates in international forums and collaborates with various global and regional organizations to promote cultural exchange and development, enhancing Macao's international ties in social and cultural domains.

• What are the future plans for higher education in Macao?

  The GSASC aims to continue enhancing the quality and accessibility of higher education in Macao by fostering closer collaboration between the government and educational institutions, aligning academic offerings with regional development priorities, and expanding international partnerships.

Organization Name

社會文化司司長辦公室
Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture
Gabinete do Secretário para os Assuntos Sociais e Cultura

Acronym

GSASC

Year of Establishment

1999

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

Macao SAR Government

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Rua de S. Lourenço, n.º 28, Sede do Governo
Macau
Macao Macau

Phone

+853 2872 6886

Fax

+853 2872 7594

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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