SAR honors 28 individuals and organizations

Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai on Friday presented awards to 28 individuals and organizations in recognition of their contributions to the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR), during the 2025 Decorations, Medals and Certificates of Merit Awards Ceremony held at the Macao Cultural Centre.

The recipients were selected based on recommendations from the Committee of Nomination of Medals and Honorary Titles and were honored for personal achievement, community contribution, and distinguished service to the city.

Under the highest category, the Decoration of Honour – Grand Lotus was conferred on Ho Iat Seng and Kou Hoi In. The Decoration of Honour – Golden Lotus was awarded to Raimundo Arrais do Rosário, Ho Veng On, and Vong Man Chong, while the Macau Association of Banks received the Decoration of Honour – Silver Lotus.

Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the awards ceremony, Kou Hoi In said he “truly dared not claim sole credit” for the honor, stressing that it should be shared with those who had supported him over the years, including his friends, colleagues, associations, and family.

He added that regardless of his future position, “he would continue to contribute to the country’s development, the long-term prosperity and stability of Macau, and the successful implementation of the ‘One country, two systems’ principle.”

Golden Lotus recipient Raimundo Arrais do Rosário said the award “was not mine alone,” crediting colleagues in the transport and public works sector for their support, adding, “those already retired, and even a few who are no longer with us, all deserve my gratitude.”

Former commissioner Ho Veng On also expressed gratitude for the trust of the central government, successive Chief Executives, and his family.

“There were many unforgettable moments. I was honored to witness up close, and at times, directly participate in different historic moments. I witnessed the Chief Executive elections, the establishment of the SAR government, and the step-by-step implementation of its various tasks. I am also pleased to see that the SAR government is now operating very smoothly,” he told the press.

A range of Medals of Merit were also presented across different sectors. These included awards for professions, industry and commerce, tourism, education, culture, philanthropy, and sports. Notable recipients included Nam Kwong Logistics Co. Ltd, Melco Resorts & Entertainment’s House of Dancing Water team, the Macau University of Science and Technology, and the MSAR karate team that participated in the 15th National Games.

Medals for Distinguished Service were granted under the categories of Dedication and Community Service, recognizing Tai Kam Un and the Peng On Tung Tele-Assistance Service, respectively.

Several teams and individuals were also conferred Certificates of Merit and Honorific Titles, including student teams from local schools for innovation and research projects, as well as representatives in international sports and cultural competitions.

The annual honors system aims to recognize individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to Macau’s development, social progress, and international reputation.