Guangdong and Macao have long been closely connected by both culture and proximity, with a history of close interactions. Since Macao's return to the motherland, cooperation between the two has become even closer and spans a broader range of fields. With the implementation of the "Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area(GBA)," a new chapter of deep integration has begun between Guangdong and Macao. Against this backdrop, a group of "post-return babies" born in 1999, the same year as the Macao Special Administrative Region(SAR), are studying and working in the GBA, witnessing and participating in the development of this vibrant land.

Every morning, Macao youth Deng Zhuoying smoothly passes through the Qingmao Checkpoint and takes the light rail to the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zonein Hengqin, where a 40-minute commute has become a part of her daily routine. At 25 years old, she has just graduated from the University of Macao and has joined the construction of the cooperation zone. As transportation and living facilities in Hengqin and Macao become increasingly well-developed, she has begun to feel the potential of the area. Now, she works in a cross-border e-commerce company as a product selection service department staff member, witnessing the entire process of products reaching overseas markets through the platform. Deng Zhuoying said, "Macao has many unique products, and I hope to promote these to a broader global stage through my own efforts."

Another Macao youth, Ho Weng Yi, has also chosen to develop in the GBA. Having practiced martial arts from a young age and deeply influenced by traditional Chinese medicine culture, she chose to study traditional Chinese medicine at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. She recalls, "My grandfather was a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, and I grew up witnessing the magical power of traditional Chinese medicine." Now, she has not only obtained her practicing qualification as a traditional Chinese medicine doctor in Macao but also plans to pass the practicing examsin the mainland, with the intention of practicing medicine in both Guangzhou and Macao in the future. For her, traditional Chinese medicine is not only an academic discipline but also a way to give back to society. She hopes to use her professional skills to help more people, especially those who have suffered sports injuries.

Wei Huiyan, born on the eve of Macao's return, chose to study Business English at Jinan University in Guangzhou after graduating from high school. "Life in Macao is very stable, but I want to challenge myself," she said. During her studies, she visited high-tech parks in Guangdong multiple times and was deeply inspired. After graduation, she joined a lighting company in Zhongshan as a sales manager, selling products worldwide. With the implementation of the "Northbound Travel for Macao Vehicles" policy, she became one of the first Macao residents to drive through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Wei Huiyan stated that the increasingly convenient transportation and supportive policies in the GBA have attracted more young people from Hong Kong and Macao to pursue their dreams in mainland cities.

Another "post-return baby," Kuang Jinhao, injects vitality into the integration of Guangdong and Macao through cultural exchange. He studied nursing at Southern Medical University and was keen on participating in cultural exchange activities. During his time at school, he planned and participated in multiple Guangdong-Macao cultural events, showcasing the unique charm of Macao's culture to more people. He reflected, "After the return, the country has invested a lot of resources into Macao, and Macao's development has lived up to expectations. I hope to continue contributing to cultural exchanges in the GBA."

Source: Lingnan on the Cloud

25岁，当打之年追梦新程

广东与澳门一衣带水，文化相亲，自古往来密切。澳门回归祖国后，两地合作更加紧密，领域愈加广泛。《粤港澳大湾区发展规划纲要》实施以来，粤澳开启了深度融合的新篇章，在这个大背景下，一群1999年出生的“回归宝宝”，与澳门特别行政区同龄，他们在大湾区求学、工作，见证并参与了这片热土的发展。

每天清晨，澳门青年邓焯荧从青茂口岸顺利通关，搭乘轻轨前往横琴粤澳深度合作区，40分钟的通勤已成为她日常的一部分。今年25岁的她，刚刚从澳门大学毕业，便投身于合作区的建设。随着琴澳交通和生活配套日益完善，她逐渐感受到这里的潜力。如今，她在一家跨境电商企业担任选品服务部的员工，见证产品通过平台走向海外市场的全过程。邓焯荧说：“澳门有很多独具特色的产品，我希望通过自己的努力，将这些产品推广到更广阔的世界舞台。”

同样选择在大湾区发展的还有澳门青年何泳仪。从小练武术的她，因深受中医文化熏陶，选择了广州中医药大学的中医专业。她回忆道：“爷爷是中医，从小耳濡目染，我见证了中医的神奇力量。”如今，她不仅在澳门考取了执业中医生资格，还准备通过内地的执业考试，计划未来在广州与澳门两地行医。对她来说，中医不仅是一门学问，更是一种回馈社会的方式，她希望通过专业技能帮助更多人，特别是那些因运动受伤的患者。

出生于澳门回归前夕的魏卉彦，高中毕业后选择到广州的暨南大学攻读商务英语专业。“澳门生活很安稳，但我想挑战自己。”她说。读书期间，她多次参观广东的高新科技园区，深受启发。毕业后，她进入中山一家灯饰公司担任销售经理，将产品销往全球各地。随着“澳车北上”政策实施，她成为首批经港珠澳大桥驾车通行的澳门居民之一。魏卉彦表示，大湾区日益便捷的交通和支持政策，吸引了更多港澳青年选择到内地城市追求梦想。

另一位“回归宝宝”邝锦濠则通过文化交流为粤澳融合注入活力。他曾在南方医科大学就读护理专业，热衷参与文化交流活动。在校期间，他策划并参与了多场粤澳文化活动，向更多人展示澳门文化的独特魅力。他感慨道：“回归后，国家为澳门倾注了大量资源，澳门的发展也没有辜负期望。我希望能继续为大湾区文化交流贡献力量。”

文｜羊城晚报记者 李焕坤 鄢敏
图｜受访者提供
译｜赵凡
英文审校｜林佳岱
特别鸣谢：中央人民政府驻澳门特别行政区联络办公室广东联络部