Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai and Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee Ka-chiu, reaffirmed their commitment to the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and each other in February.
The city’s new leader has pledged to uphold the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle, prioritise economic diversification and ensure Macao is making significant contributions to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
The Special Administrative Region (SAR)’s sixth-term government was sworn in on 20 December 2024, in a ceremony attended by President Xi Jinping. While many of the faces remain the same as the previous administration, there are a number of newcomers – including Sam Hou Fai, the city’s new chief executive.
Life in Macao has improved dramatically since Macao’s return to the motherland in 1999. That is thanks to the successful implementation of the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ policy. With the strong support of the Central Government, the Macao SAR’s government and people from all walks of life have worked together to create the best development situation in Macao’s long history.
During a three-day trip to the country’s capital in November, the Central Government officially appointed Sam Hou Fai as Macao’s sixth-term chief executive. In Beijing, President Xi Jinping conveyed his trust in Sam to fully and faithfully implement the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ policy.
Five Golden Lotuses were conferred at an awards ceremony in November, along with more than two dozen other accolades for achievements, contributions and distinguished services to society. Two of the Special Administrative Region’s loftiest institutions – the Holy House of Mercy and Conde de São Januário Hospital – were recognised in this year’s honours, as were a number of Executive Council members.
One of Macao’s most iconic landmarks and a classified historical monument in its own right, the Government Headquarters celebrated the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of the Macao Special Administrative Region with an open day led by Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng.
The first volume of a significant seven-part literary project documenting key moments and places in Macao’s history has been published. The Macao Gazetteer Series: Book of Geography is being lauded as an essential cultural initiative that not only fosters a stronger sense of identity among locals but inspires scholars to delve deeper into the history of this unique city.
The newly opened Casa Maquista offers an array of traditional dishes that encapsulate Macao’s rich gastronomic history, served up with love in a heritage home.
Sam Hou Fai has been a guiding force in Macao’s legal system since the early 1990s. Now, after a decisive election result, the former judge is preparing to lead the Special Administrative Region into its sixth-term government. Sam has pledged to champion a dynamic Macao while safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests.