‘I hope people will see beyond my surname to recognize my ideals, abilities’

The indirect elections for the new Legislative Assembly (AL) on September 14 have prompted several nomination committees to submit candidate lists and election platforms, including the business and financial sector group, which recently presented four candidates. Among them was noted the presence, for the first time, of businessman Kevin Ho.

Ho is the grandson of the renowned Macau social activist Ho Yin and the nephew of former Chief Executive Edmond Ho, who is currently the vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

As the fourth-generation heir of the Ho family, he serves as the chairperson of the Industry and Commerce Association of Macau. He is also a local representative to the National People’s Congress (NPC), a post he was elected for in 2022 with 454 votes.

If Ho is elected, the eighth Legislative Assembly will reunite the three most prominent families of Macau —the Ho, Ma, and Chui families —with their descendants, including Kevin Ho, Ma Chi Seng, and Chui Sai Peng.

Considering this matter in light of Ho’s background, the Times has interviewed Ho to understand his intentions for the upcoming election, especially since only one list of candidates is competing for the four seats in his district, making his victory almost certain.

According to Ho’s responses, he hopes that people will look beyond his surname and focus on his ideas, abilities, and tangible contributions to Macau. As a representative to the NPC, he aims to engage more directly in decision-making processes, leveraging his dual roles to effectively bridge the gap between Macau and the Central government in his position as a lawmaker.

Macau Daily Times – As a representative to the NPC, why did you decide to run for the AL? What role do you think the Legislative Assembly plays in promoting the development of Macau?

Kevin Ho – I aim to participate more directly and concretely in the decision-making processes of local affairs. Holding both positions will allow me to bridge the gap between Macau and the central government effectively. As a representative to the NPC, I can reflect Macau’s actual conditions and development needs while seeking support from national policies. As a member of the AL, I can ensure that Macau’s development aligns with the country’s strategic goals through local legislation. This dual role provides a direct platform to promote improvements in local livelihoods and the growth of local industries.

I believe legislators should act as “unifiers,” serving as the primary link between citizens and the government. They must listen to and understand the needs and expectations of the community and translate these into constructive proposals and inquiries.

MDT – What do you think are the main differences between the duties of an NPC representative and a lawmaker? In your opinion, what are the respective roles of these two bodies in promoting policies?

KH – I believe the difference lies in the operational focus. The NPC operates at the macro level, while the AL functions at the micro level. NPC representatives concentrate on the country’s overall development strategy, the relationship between the Central government and Macau, and promoting Macau’s integration into the national development framework. In contrast, AL members focus on specific local issues such as housing, transportation, healthcare, education, employment, and the gaming industry, all of which directly impact local livelihoods and economic concerns.

NPC members communicate Macau’s development aspirations and challenges to the highest levels of government through policy recommendations, thereby fostering a favorable environment for development. Legislative Assembly members, on the other hand, engage directly with residents, translating their concerns into concrete legislative proposals and policy inquiries to ensure that policies are effectively implemented and genuinely meet the community’s needs.

MDT – If you are elected as a lawmaker, how do you plan to balance the responsibilities of an NPC member and a legislator? How will you ensure coordination and cooperation between the two roles?

KH – If I am successfully elected to the new AL, I will leverage my dual roles to serve as an effective bridge between Macau and the central government. Through my position in the NPC, I can gain a deeper understanding of national development strategies and policies relevant to Macau. Returning to the AL, I will propose forward-looking and feasible legal and policy recommendations to ensure that Macau’s development aligns with national strategic objectives.

Additionally, I will compile the social opinions and challenges gathered during my work to convey Macau’s realities to the Central government. The primary goal is to align the nation’s needs with Macau’s unique strengths. By doing this, the outcome will be greater than the sum of its parts, symbolized by “1+1 > 2.” This will be my guiding direction.

MDT – Given your family background (e.g., you are former Chief Executive Edmund Ho’s nephew, what expectations or pressures do you think this will bring? How do you view the impact of this background on your candidacy?

KH – Indeed, my background brings both high expectations and significant pressure. The deep affection for the nation and Macau demonstrated by my grandfather, Ho Yin, and my uncle, Edmund Ho, has been instilled in me from an early age and is deeply ingrained in my heart. I recognize that many expect me to inherit their integrity and sense of responsibility, as well as to continue their philosophy of serving society.

I aim to build on the strong foundation laid by previous generations and make contributions that reflect our unique perspective. This drives me to work harder, be pragmatic, and stay closely connected to the community, responding to public needs with concrete actions and results.

At the same time, I hope people will see beyond my surname to recognize my ideals, abilities, and the tangible work I have done for Macau. I will approach my responsibilities with humility and a willingness to learn, drawing inspiration from my predecessors while striving to contribute to Macau’s future development through my expertise and relentless efforts.

MDT – How confident are you about your candidacy? What value do you believe your professional background and experience can bring to voters?

KH – I am running for the post with unwavering confidence, grounded in my deep love for Macau and the extensive experience I have gained over the past two decades in business, social services, and national affairs.

In the current economic climate, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, challenges like consumption outflow, rising operational costs, and digital transformation are significant.

Upon entering the AL, I aim to focus on optimizing government support measures, ensuring the effective implementation of policies, and creating a more favorable business environment for enterprises. This will help stabilize employment and promote harmonious relationships.

As an NPC member, I also seek to align national policy benefits with Macau’s development opportunities. My goal in the AL is to advance initiatives that contribute to Macau’s long-term growth. Additionally, as a social activist, I plan to leverage my influence within various local organizations to unite diverse sectors and build a harmonious society.

I firmly believe that Macau’s future lies with its youth. While providing platforms and opportunities for young people, we must prioritize education, employment, housing, and other critical issues affecting residents’ livelihoods.

I will bring the voices of grassroots communities into the legislature, urging the government to improve the well-being of all residents continually.