Sole candidate Sam Hou Fai to unveil political platform Sept. 28

Sam Hou Fai, the sole candidate for Chief Executive, is set to publicly present his political program on September 28.

The event will include a briefing session with Sam, specifically for the 400 members of the Electoral Committee.

This meeting will be held at the Complex of Commerce and Trade Co-operation Platform for China and Portuguese-speaking Countries.

Over the weekend, the sole candidate for the sixth term, met with technology leaders to discuss the sector’s future.

The gathering, held at the Man Kei Industrial Building, featured prominent figures, including Chui Sai Peng Jose, president of the Association for Promotion of Science & Technology of Macau, and Xu Aoao, president of the Macau Youth Science Education Association.

A total of 21 representatives from various technology associations participated in the discussions, which focused on key issues such as technological innovation, scientific research, and collaboration with Portuguese-speaking countries.

The meeting underscored the necessity of fostering new productive forces centered on innovation, establishing regulatory frameworks for the Greater Bay Area, and modernizing traditional Chinese medicine.

Participants emphasized the importance of nurturing talent in scientific research to support Macau’s diversified economic development.

Meanwhile, according to lawmaker José Pereira Coutinho, in their “private conversation,” Sam expressed his commitment to being more receptive to various segments of society.

As cited in a TDM report, Coutinho conveyed his personal support for Sam’s candidacy, adding that his willingness to engage with diverse perspectives is crucial.

Also, last week, Sam met casino industry leaders, advocating for a “healthy, orderly and sustainable” development model.

This initiative aims to promote economic diversification in a sector often scrutinized for its societal impact.

Key figures from major gaming companies reiterated their commitment to enhancing non-gambling offerings and supporting local businesses.

Sam’s extensive judicial background sets him apart from his predecessors, who primarily emerged from business sectors.

He is focused on integrating Macau into the national development landscape, steering the city toward a sustainable and diversified future.

Sam has previously issued a stark warning about the region’s gambling industry.

He emphasized the urgent need for economic diversification, particularly considering the gaming sector’s unchecked growth.

Responding to questions about the industry’s impact, he described it as having become “uncontrolled.”

He stressed the Central Government’s call for Macau to diversify its economy is not optional but a necessary directive for the government.

His campaign continues to emphasize its commitment to gathering input from various sectors of society as he prepares for the Oct. 13 election. Nadia Shaw