People from all sectors of society in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) expressed confidence that the newly elected chief executive designate will guide the new SAR government and people in Macao in advancing the One Country, Two Systems principle, paving the way for the SAR to reach new heights in its development.
Sam Hou Fai was elected as the sixth-term chief executive designate of the Macao SAR on Sunday, receiving 394 out of 398 valid votes, pending appointment by the Central People's Government.
Pang Chuan, member of the Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR and vice president of the Macao University of Science and Technology, noted that the overwhelming support for Sam reflects the high level of trust and support from all sectors of society.
"The result reflects the high level of trust and support from all sectors of society for Mr. Sam. As a higher education worker, I strongly endorse his vision of strengthening Macao's higher education sector, building advanced research platforms and making the SAR a hub for top international talents. We believe under the leadership of the new SAR government, Macao will embrace a brighter future," Pang said.
Wong Kit Cheng, another member of the Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR and also the vice chairman of General Women's Association of Macao, also extended her heartfelt congratulations to Sam on his election.
"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Sam Hou Fai on his election by such a large margin. We hope that he can lead the new SAR government to promote the diversified development of Macao's economy and usher in a new chapter in the practice of One Country, Two Systems principle," she said.
"During our earlier discussions, Mr. Sam fully acknowledged the voices and concerns of young people. We hope he will provide more development opportunities for the youth of Macao, especially in integrating its development into the overall development of the country," said Anita Tai, secretary general of the Macao Youth Federation.
"We are optimistic that he will lead Macao forward, especially by leveraging the advantages of the One Country, Two Systems framework to integrate the SAR into the country's overall development," said Ng Siu Lai, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress and president of the General Union of Neighborhood Associations of Macao.
All sectors of society in Macao look forward to new leadership, development
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
