Sino-Luso Connection – Interacting and Growing Together

The recently founded Sino-Luso Connection is led by Lias Cheong and Harris Rong. It intends to facilitate cultural exchanges between the Portuguese, Chinese, and Macanese in Canada, and strengthen the bonds between these communities. This initiative encourages individuals and established organizations in the Macanese, Portuguese, and Chinese communities to collaborate and foment enriching exchanges that go beyond the cultural and social aspects. This is a model that could be critical for these communities as new generations become integrated into the general society. Below is the group’s introduction, written by the founders, Lia Cheong and Harris Rong.

Lias Cheong

This is Lias, a dedicated news writer working for a Chinese media company in Toronto, Canada. Originally from Macau, I spent my formative years immersed in the rich and unique Sino-Luso culture, a blend of both influences, until my immigration to Canada in 2014. I hope to bring this unique culture that combines Chinese and Portuguese culture to Toronto and promote exchanges with the local Portuguese community. As a proud Macanese, I am passionate about sharing and promoting this distinctive cultural heritage in Canada, aiming to bridge the gap between the diverse communities in my new home and the vibrant traditions of my roots.

Harris Rong

I am the teammate, Harris, an individual insurance and financial planner in Toronto. I grew up in Zhongshan, the neighboring city and lived in Macau almost 10 years before moving to Canada in 2011. I am always a language and history lover, especially on the Latin Culture. I understand French and try to master Portuguese since I have the passion to contribute myself into the different exchanges between the Chinese and the Lusophone communities.  

Introduction

Since the Portuguese culture has been rooted in Macau over 400 years, it makes this region a unique and distinguished place not just in China but even across East Asia. From its architecture to daily cuisine and to the societal rituals, Macau has its own characters.

On the other hand, Canada hosts one of the largest overseas Portuguese and Chinese speaking communities due to its multicultural immigration history. It welcomes people from all over the world to bring in their own cultures and flourish on the land.   

We treasure the historical connection between the Chinese and Portuguese, and as a new generation, we would like to advocate the grass root exchanges through a wide range of aspects, such as artworks, music and food, etc. We want to promote Macau to all the Lusophone communities, meanwhile we can learn from the diversified cultures among each other.  

At last, we believe Canada offers one of the best platforms for the Sino-Luso cultures to interact and grow together. We also have the mission to carry this rich heritage on forth.