While the Grand Lotus – Macao’s highest decoration – was not awarded this year, ten outstanding citizens and a dozen organisations were honoured for their service to society.
Every year since 2001, the Macao Chief Executive has given out Decorations of Honour, Medals of Merit, Medals of Distinguished Service and Honorary Titles and this year the special occasion took place on 18 February. Following the recommendations from the government-appointed Committee of Nomination of Medals and Honorary Titles, the 2021 Honours List singled out 10 remarkable citizens and 12 organisations.
The government-appointed Committee of Nomination of Medals and Honorary Titles, the 2021 Honours List singled out 10 remarkable citizens and 12 organisations – Photo courtesy of Government Information Bureau
Golden Lotus
The Golden Lotus Decoration of Honour – the second-highest decoration in Macao – went to Chui Sai Cheong (right), a businessman who is also the vice-president of the Macao Legislative Assembly.
The Golden Lotus Decoration of Honour – the second-highest decoration in Macao – went to Chui Sai Cheong (right), a businessman who is also the vice-president of the Macao Legislative Assembly – Photo courtesy of Government Information Bureau
Golden Lotus
A Golden Lotus also went to the private health institution Kiang Wu Hospital, accepted by Ung Pui Kun.
A Golden Lotus also went to the private health institution Kiang Wu Hospital, accepted by Ung Pui Kun – Photo courtesy of Government Information Bureau
Medal of Merit
There are seven categories of Medal of Merit – Professions, Industry and Commerce, Tourism, Education, Culture, Philanthropy and Sports – that are awarded to individuals or entities, from business leaders to sports people and artists. Recipients are recognised for their great contributions and achievements in their respective fields.
Wang Yitao, Chair Professor of the University of Macau’s Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, Wang Yitao received the Medal of Merit on behalf of the University of Macau’s State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine – Photo courtesy of Government Information BureauLiu Liang, Academician Liu Liang received the Medal of Merit on behalf of the Macau University of Science and Technology’s State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine – Photo courtesy of Government Information BureauU Seng Pan, UM alumnus and businessman U Seng Pan, who is an internationally-renowned integrated circuit specialist, received the Medal of Merit in Industry and Commerce – Photo courtesy of Government Information BureauWu Tat Chong, Businessman Wu Tat Chong, who is known for his contributions to promoting Macao’s economic diversification and sustainable development, also received the Medal of Merit in Industry and Commerce – Photo courtesy of Government Information BureauAlberto Lei, The Medal of Merit in Tourism went to the pastry chain store Cinco de Outubro Pastelaria (Macao) with the medal presented to its Vice President Alberto Lei – Photo courtesy of Government Information BureauRui Paulo da Silva Martins, The Medal of Merit in Education went to University of Macau’s Vice-Rector Rui Paulo da Silva Martins, who considers the medal a recognition of his contribution to higher education in Macao over the past three decades – Photo courtesy of Government Information BureauChui Weng Chi, Artist Chui Weng Chi received the Medal of Merit in Culture – Photo courtesy of Government Information BureauAu Chon Hin, Award-winning graphic designer and co-founder of design studio Untitled Macao, Au Chon Hin, also received the Medal of Merit in Culture – Photo courtesy of Government Information BureauThe Medal of Merit in Philanthropy went to the Emergency Department of the Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre, accepted by Lei Choi Chu – Photo courtesy of Government Information BureauKuok Kin Hang, The Medal of Merit in Sports went to medal-winning karateka Kuok Kin Hang – Photo courtesy of Government Information BureauChen Yu Chia, Special Olympics medallist Chen Yu Chia received the Certificate of Merit – Photo courtesy of Government Information BureauChen Pui Lam, Medal-winning swimmer Chen Pui Lam also received the Certificate of Merit – Photo courtesy of Government Information Bureau
Medal for distinguished service
Outstanding performance in community services and duties for public entities, organisations and their staff are awarded the Medal for Distinguished Service.
Five police units were awarded the Medal for Bravery:
Civil Protection Operations Centre of the Unitary Police Service
Macao Police Department of the Public Security Police Force (PSP)
Islands Police Department of the PSP
Special Police Unit of the PSP
Judiciary Police (PJ) Crisis Response and Command Centre
Meanwhile, the Medal for Dedication went to the Laboratory Division of the Municipal Affairs Bureau, while the Medal for Community Service went to the Macau Association of Mutual Help of Myanmar Overseas Chinese and community worker Cheong Lai Chan, who is a former vice-president of the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau (Kai Fong).
Honorifics – Certificates of merit
The Certificates of Merit are presented to those who have made contributions to the ‘reputation, development or social progress’ of the city.