Sam Hou-fai -- the sole candidate in the Macao Special Administrative Region’s upcoming chief executive election – has pledged to fulfill the aspirations of the city’s residents for a better life and to steadfastly implement “one country, two systems”.

He made the vow in his policy platform published on Saturday, saying he’ll enhance the efficiency of governance and leverage the SAR’s unique advantages to strengthen ties between the nation and Portuguese-speaking regions.

Sam, former head of Macao’s Court of Final Appeal, invited members of the Chief Executive Election Committee, who’ll return the next chief executive on Oct 13, to attend a session on his policy platform on Saturday -- the first day of the leadership race’s campaign.

READ MORE: Head of Macao top court resigns after showing interest in CE post

He said he’ll do his best to meet Macao residents’ desire for a better life, adding that adherence to “one country, two systems” is the fundamental guide of his governance.

He further highlighted his commitments of safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, security and development interests, while pledging to drive Macao’s appropriate economic diversification and integration into national development.

Through a 5-year tenure as chief executive, Sam hopes to lead the Macao SAR government in improving the rule of law, vitality, culture and happiness with the robust support of the Chinese mainland and the city’s own endeavors.

Elaborating his governance vision, Sam said he’s determined to strengthen public governance capabilities and standards, particularly in improving administrative efficiency and the transparency of decision-making.

He promised to actively listen to advice from residents and various sectors, and establish a mechanism for consistent dialogue. The customs, cultural traditions and rights of Portuguese-descendant residents in the city will be safeguarded as they always are.

He also outlined his initiatives in accelerating Macao’s appropriate economic diversification, refining the education and technology talent system, as well as safeguarding and improving people’s livelihoods.

Speaking of Macao’s better integration into the nation’s overall development plan, the veteran judge said he’ll strive to enhance the city’s function as a commercial and trade service platforms between the nation and lusophone regions, which have a population of over 200 million, while trying to set up government-held companies or funds and facilitate technology transfer and innovation cooperation with Portuguese-speaking countries.

For instance, Macao could be a bridge for new energy vehicles, household appliances and other technology products manufactured in the Pearl River Delta to tap into the markets of Portuguese-speaking countries and regions, he said.

Discussing measures to boost Macao’s innovation and technology sector, Sam said he’ll apply for more national scientific funds for local laboratories, and support local universities and research institutions in engaging with more national research projects.

He also plans to increase subsidies to the four national laboratories in Macao, emphasizing that the city will also create better environment that attract more high-tech professionals.

The Macao SAR can achieve high-quality development and continually pioneer a brand-new chapter in the successful practice of ‘one country, two systems’, he said, requesting members of the committee to trust and support him in next month’s election.

At the session, Sam also answered questions regarding pressing social issues raised by committee members, including promoting the healthy development of the gaming industry, establishing an international tourism and leisure hub, as well as supporting the development of local small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Election committee member Kevin Ho King-lun, who’s also one of the city’s delegates to the National People’s Congress, applauded Sam for answering the audience’s questions fluently; saying many of his initiatives will help to deal with Macao’s challenges.

READ MORE: Macao confirms ex-top judge Sam Hou-fai as sole candidate for CE election

Macao lawmaker Jose Pereira Coutinho, who also sits in the election committee, said Sam’s policy platform and responses at the session have addressed many people’s concerns. He sees regarded Sam’s vow to enhance executive-legislative communication as a conducive approach to tackling the economic and social challenges Macao faces.

The city's Electoral Affairs Commission for the Chief Executive Election confirmed on Sept 18 that Sam is the only eligible candidate for the election after he had secured nominations from over 95 percent of the election committee members.

Born in 1962, Sam relocated to Macao in the 1980s and became the city’s first group of judicial auditors in 1995. Assuming the presidency of Macao's Court of Final Appeal in 1999, he served in this capacity for around 25 years until August this year.

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com