Macao’s former top judge, Sam Hou-fai, was elected chief executive-designate of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Sunday and vowed to seize opportunities to drive the city’s prosperity.  

He also pledged to adhere to the “one country, two systems” principle, prioritize national security and development interests, and foster deeper integration of Macao into the national development.

“Every word of encouragement from the public has touched me deeply, and it is your support that has instilled confidence in me," Sam said.

He won after securing 394 votes from the 400-strong Chief Executive Election Committee as the sole candidate.

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Pending approval by the central government, Sam, 62, is set to succeed incumbent Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng, serving a five-year term starting from December 20.

During a press conference following the election, Sam said that the new-term government will address public needs through initiatives such as revitalizing old districts and enhancing residents' living conditions.

Furthermore, he plans to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in expanding online sales and collaborating with the business sector to upgrade the business environment.

In terms of collaboration with Hong Kong, Sam said that Macao has always had a close tie with the city. The two SARs should make full use of their unique strengths to mutually support one another.

When asked how to integrate Macao into the national development landscape, Sam said that the city should leverage Macao's advantages to participate in the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone.

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Additionally, Macao should leverage its connections with Portuguese-speaking countries to bolster exchanges between the nation and these countries, Sam added.

Sunday's vote began at 10 am at the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform Complex and ended within 30 minutes. 

According to the law, a candidate must obtain more than 200 votes to secure the win, with the attendance of at least two thirds of the election committee members. A total of 398 members voted in the race, with four ballots returned blank.

With so much support, Sam said he is committed to advancing the comprehensive development of Macao's society, economy, culture, and residents’ well-being.

Sam said he will persist in his pragmatic approach, and his focus will remain on upholding social equity and justice, safeguarding livelihoods, and enhancing public welfare.

Born in Guangdong province in 1962, Sam moved to Macao in the 1980s and joined the city’s first group of judicial auditors in 1995.

He was appointed president of Macao’s Court of Final Appeal on Dec 20, 1999, and held the post for nearly 25 years until Aug 28 this year.