During a recent presentation to the Electoral Commission and the press, Sam Hou Fai, the sole candidate for Chief Executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR), shared his plans to foster the gaming sector and diversify the economy.
The candidate emphasized the importance of a regulated and responsible approach to gaming, stating, “We will strictly enforce the new gaming law and improve the related complementary legal regulations.”
As during the candidate’s official candidacy announcement, the new policy presentation contained few direct references to the gaming sector, with a larger emphasis on economic diversification.
Previously, Sam reiterated that the development of the gaming sector in Macau has made the city’s economy “unbalanced”, with economic diversification away from the industry being an imperative from Chinese central authorities.
In the Saturday press conference, Sam highlighted the need for “intelligent and digital management” within the gaming sector, aiming to ensure its “healthy, orderly, and positive development in compliance with the law.”
The former judge pledged to rigorously assess compliance with commitments made by gaming concessionaires, urging them to fulfill their social responsibilities.
“We will periodically review the overall situation regarding the fulfillment of the concession contracts.”
Sam Hou Fai
In addressing the challenges posed by illegal activities, Sam committed to promoting responsible gaming and mitigating the negative impacts of the gaming sector on youth and communities. “Our goal is to prevent and combat illegal activities while exploring non-gaming elements that contribute to Macau’s economic diversification,” he remarked.
Plans for tourism and economic integration
Sam’s vision includes enriching the tourism product offerings and integrating various sectors such as culture, sports, and retail. “We will cultivate a new ‘tourism +’ business model and promote deeper integration of tourism activities,” he said.
He also emphasized collaboration with Hengqin and the Greater Bay Area to enhance “multi-destination” tourism products.
In his remarks about international tourism, Sam stated, “We will actively explore international tourist markets, especially in Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and South America.” He plans to strengthen infrastructure, including airport expansion and an improved international flight network, to facilitate greater access for visitors.
Beyond gaming, Sam laid out a comprehensive strategy for industrial diversification, reinforcing the government’s leadership role in the “1 + 4” industrial diversification policy. “We intend to enhance the advantages of the convention and exhibition industry, consolidating Macau’s status as Asia’s best convention city,” he declared.
He aims to promote the “commercialization, professionalization, internationalization, digitalization, and greening” of the convention sector, establishing a joint development mechanism with Hengqin. “This will help us play a driving role in tourism and trade,” he explained.
