March 25, 2021 – Through different initiatives, Galaxy Entertainment Group (“GEG”) actively promotes national education and China’s development to its team members. Inspired by the Fourth Plenary Session of the 13th National People’s Congress (“NPC”) and the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (“CPPCC”), aka the “Two Sessions” that was held in Beijing earlier, GEG hosted a sharing session at the JW Marriott Hotel Macau Ballroom at Galaxy Macau™, and invited Mr. Kou Hoi In, Deputy of the NPC; Ms. Ho Teng Iat, Member of the CPPCC; and Mr. Francis Lui, Member of the CPPCC and Vice Chairman of GEG, to share with GEG’s senior executives their insights on the “Two Sessions”, which this year, marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the release of the 14th “Five-Year Plan”. The sharing session was also attended and advised by Mr. Zuo Xianghua, Deputy Director General of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government (CLO) in the Macau SAR. In addition, a total of 200 executives from different regions from GEG’s offices in Macau, Hong Kong and Mainland China, and its subsidiary – K. Wah Construction Materials, took part by joining either the in-person or online live broadcast event. These included Dr. Jorge N. Valente, Group Advisor of GEG; Mr. Philip Cheng, Director of GEG; Mr. Robert Drake, Group Chief Financial Officer of GEG; Ms. Eileen Lui, Group Director of Human Resources and Administration of GEG; and Mr. Kevin Kelley, Chief Operating Officer – Macau of GEG. 

During the sharing session, Mr. Kou Hoi In, Ms. Ho Teng Iat and Mr. Francis Lui gave an overview on the “Two Sessions”, and detailed many of the Central Government’s work reports and priorities for the 14th “Five-Year Plan”, which is considered as the starting point on a new journey to build China into a modern socialist country. As well, they also shared their views on post-pandemic economic recovery, the opportunities for Macau to integrate with the overall development of the country, the long-term benefits of practicing “One Country, Two Systems”, and insights on how Macau can leverage on its successful implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” to integrate with the developments in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (“GBA”) amid the country’s “dual circulation” economic strategy. In addition, participating GEG executives were also given the opportunity to ask the three keynote speakers some questions during a Q&A session, during which the speakers held a more in-depth discussion on the spirit of the “Two Sessions” and its significance for Macau’s overall development.

As the Deputy Head of the Macau NPC delegation, Mr. Kou Hoi In said that the Macau delegation presented many views and suggestions on various topics, including the country’s handling of the pandemic, the “New Normal” economic development, and the in-depth cooperation between the Mainland China and Macau. He said, “The National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Finance, the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of NPC, and the NPC Education, Science, Culture and Public Health Committee listened to, and valued our opinions.” In addition, he also said that the delegation will continue to promote the spirit of the “Two Sessions” in Macau so that there will be broader consensus and support for Macau’s realization of the "Macau Development" and "Macau Responsibility" in the new era, and full support of the society in helping Macau build a better and more sustainable future. 

Ms. Ho Teng Iat mentioned that during the “Two Sessions”, she deeply felt the Central Government’s care for Hong Kong and Macau’s prosperity, stability and the well-being of its residents. She said, “Macau plays an important in the country’s 14th ‘Five-Year Plan’. Therefore, Macau should actively promote the smooth and long-term successful practice of the ‘One Country, Two Systems’, integrate into the overall development of China, continue to promote the spirit of ‘loving the motherland and loving Macau’, and build a beautiful home with all Macau residents.” In addition, she perceives that the Macau community should align with the country’s strategic goals, integrate the needs of the country with the strengths of Macau, seize the historic opportunities to be brought about and strive for new progress in the new era. Ms. Ho also said that women add strength to social and economic development, and that “She Power” will become even more significant for this new development era. She encouraged women to look into their strengths and to enhance their knowledge and professionalism in areas such as finance, education, technology and arts and culture so that they remain competitive and can make new contributions to Macau’s development, and the establishment of GBA and the Guangdong-Macau Intensive Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. 

Mr. Francis Lui shared with the team members China’s achievements in the past year, including COVID-19 prevention, poverty alleviation, innovation in science and technology, infrastructure development, and the development of national systems and values. He also commented on the development of GBA, opportunities for Hong Kong and Macau, youth-related issues, and patriotic education. He encouraged teenagers to learn Putonghua, and adopt a healthy and positive attitude towards our country. He said, “The long-term health and stability of Macau rely on more in-depth exchanges and development with Mainland China, especially the GBA. GEG will continue to actively integrate into the overall national development and contribute to GBA’s development.” Regarding the concept of “patriots governing Hong Kong” and the decision to improve the electoral system of the Hong Kong SAR, Mr. Lui said, “This concept is normal for all countries. To maintain stability and long-term prosperity in Hong Kong, under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle, I believe that those residing in the Hong Kong SAR Government needs to be patriotic and uphold the Basic Law.” As well, Mr. Lui believes that the “One Country, Two Systems” is a big advantage for Hong Kong and Macau; and there are great opportunities presented by the GBA. 

Over the years, GEG has been promoting China and Macau’s development to its team members and local teenagers through a variety of means. GEG regularly organizes national education activities for its team members, including visits to national education exhibitions and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Garrison in Macau; organizing themed sessions on national education where invited experts and scholars share their unique insights on national, international and regional conditions. In addition, GEG has also been sponsoring the GEG Macau Cup – Youth National Education Competition and its educational trips for winning students for 12 consecutive years. The annual competition has attracted more than 90,000 participants since its debut. For this year’s GEG Youth Achievement Program, GEG also made patriotic education a key highlight so that participants can obtain a better understanding of China’s latest developments and visit some of China’s major cities. In the future, GEG will continue to strengthen its support to promoting national education in Macau, and help nurture the patriotism of its team members and local teenagers.