Ho Iat Seng receives Grand Lotus Medal of Honour for Covid-19 response efforts

Former Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng was awarded the Grand Lotus Medal of Honour upon leaving office, following in the footsteps of his predecessors Edmund Ho and Fernando Chui, in recognition of his efforts in effectively addressing the severe challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and his commitment to driving economic recovery and social development in the post-pandemic period.

Current Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai announced the 2025 Honours List on the last day of 2025, based on recommendations from the Committee of Nomination of Medals and Honorary Titles.

The official profile noted that Ho Iat Seng dedicated himself to optimizing and upgrading the integrated tourism and leisure industry, ensuring the lawful and orderly development of the gaming sector, enhancing the legal framework and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security, and initiating the implementation of the “1+4” economic diversification development plan.

In response to the list of honorees, Ho’s office issued a press release stating that Ho Iat Seng was deeply honored to receive the award.

The statement said that the distinction represents the collective achievement of the entire community working together for the better development of the Macao Special Administrative Region, with his government uniting all sectors of society to overcome challenges.

The statement also noted his gratitude to Sam Hou Fai and the Macau government, expressing particular thanks to the central government for its consistent trust and steadfast support.

According to the statement, Ho holds a sincere belief in promoting core values such as patriotism and love for Macau as essential for the region’s future development and unity, and he believes these values will continue to be supported and emphasized in Macau’s progress.

The fifth group of government officials to receive the Grand Lotus Medal includes former Legislative Assembly president Kou Hoi In, former Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raimundo do Rosário, former Auditor-General Ho Veng On, and former director-general of the Macau Customs Service Vong Man Chong. The conferment ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Macau Cultural Centre later this month.