CESL Asia Head Office hosted a high-level delegation from the Intermunicipal Council of Western Portugal (OesteCIM), led by Mr. Hermínio José da Cruz Augusto Rodrigues, Mayor of Alcobaça and President of the Intermunicipal Council of OesteCIM. The delegation included municipal Mayors from across the Oeste region, Ms. Teresa Almeida, President of the Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR) of Lisboa e Vale do Tejo, and Mr. Bernardo Pinho of AICEP Macau.

The meeting focused on bilateral opportunities in Rural Territorial Development, sustainable agriculture and energy, with a prominent emphasis on advancing Agrovoltaic (AgroPV) technology across Portugal.

During the executive presentation, CESL Asia leadership, including COO and Director Mr. Roland Schoorl, Director Ms. Jiang Tong, and Senior Technical Manager Mr. Miguel Santos, showcased the CESL Asia Group’s business initiatives and highlighted the operational success of its AgroPV Demonstration Plant in Alentejo. Company leadership outlined the transformative economic impact AgroPV can deliver to Portugal's agricultural sectors when paired with forward-thinking policy.

Key Economic & Strategic Takeaways Presented to the Delegation:

Empowering the Rural Economy: By optimizing land use through the integration of photovoltaic energy generation and agricultural production on the same footprint, AgroPV protects national food sovereignty while driving rural prosperity. With proper regulatory frameworks, AgroPV is estimated to generate an additional €1,500 to €3,000 per hectare per year in agricultural revenue for farmers, effectively doubling the economic value of rural land.

National Pilot Program & Regulatory Sandbox: To turn this vision into reality, CESL Asia highlighted the urgent need for a National AgroPV Pilot Project Program paired with an experimental regulatory sandbox environment. This initiative will enable public and private stakeholders to agree on optimal agricultural-technological models, operations, and regulatory best practices.

A Strategic Lever aligned with Digital & Grid Infrastructure: Integrating AgroPV directly into Portugal's national agricultural, energy, and digital strategies creates a high-impact, self-financing engine for national economic growth. Aligning AgroPV development with ongoing grid investments (REN) and Data Center infrastructure will unlock high-impact regional development, particularly in agricultural regions such as Western Portugal (Oeste).

Looking ahead, CESL Asia reaffirmed its commitment to launching large-scale pilot initiatives in Portugal, positioning the Oeste region at the forefront of the country's green and digital transition.

About CESL Asia

CESL Asia is a Macau-headquartered pioneer in environmental services, renewable energy, and critical infrastructure management, dedicated to introducing sustainable technologies and strategic investments between China, Portugal, and Portuguese-speaking countries.

The awards ceremony for the “CESL Asia Social Investment Initiative: Kid’s Drawing Contest – ‘Garden Our City’,” organized by CESL Asia in collaboration with the Macau Youth Art Association, took place on September 8 at the Macau Ho’s Clan Association Exhibition Hall.

This year marks the seventh year of CESL Asia’s ongoing partnership with the Macau Youth Art Association to host the Kid’s Drawing Contest. The initiative was made possible by the substantial support of ten partners from diverse societal sectors. The contest drew over 100 students aged 8 to 14 from more than 30 schools and institutions across Macau, with entries that showcased remarkable imagination and aspirations for urban living, environmental protection, and future urban development.

The theme for this year, “Garden Our City,” aimed to enhance the awareness and engagement of the younger generation with urban development and community environment. Students were encouraged to observe their surroundings, identify challenges and potential in existing leisure areas, and explore new possibilities through creative thinking. Entries focused on six key thematic elements: City Gardening, Urban Parks & Green Zones, AI Smart Environmental Care, Low-carbon City Life, Urban Space Renewal, and Better Quality of Life. Drawing on Macau’s climate and regional characteristics, students presented their visions for the city’s future development.

This vision aligns closely with CESL Asia’s emphasis on public spaces and community development. The concept of the “City Terrace,” which integrates greenery, relaxation, interaction, and lifestyle, represents a form of public space where citizens can connect with nature, unwind, and engage with the cityscape. Through the competition, these creative ideas from children offer fresh perspectives for future public space planning, helping urban development to respond more inclusively to the needs and aspirations of different generations.

Mr. Antonio Trindade, President and CEO of CESL Asia, emphasized that children are not only future city users but also current observers and creative contributors: “Their daily experiences provide them with unique perspectives that can help us view familiar urban spaces from a different angle. From greenery and environmental protection to smart technology and public spaces, their works demonstrate remarkable creativity and reflect the new generation’s aspirations for a more sustainable and livable Macau.”

 Mr. Lai Sio Kit, President of the Macau Youth Art Association, praised the students’ artistic maturity: “Beyond thematic relevance, we were impressed by how participants used composition, color, and spatial layering to translate urban observations into distinctive visual expressions.”

The winning works are on display at the Macau Ho’s Clan Association Exhibition Hall from September 8 to 18. The public is warmly invited to visit the exhibition and explore fresh, youth-driven visions for a greener, more vibrant, and people-centered Macau.

The success of the Kid’s Drawing Contest is made possible with the generous support of our employees, the community, and business partners. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all supporting entities, including (in alphabetical order): IPOR - Instituto Português do Oriente, JNV – Lawyers and Notaries, Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center, Macau - Professional Services, Limited, McDonald’s Macau, Orient Foundation, and the University of Saint Joseph; and media partners: Jornal Tribuna de Macau, Macau Daily Times, and Plataforma.