Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A. (“SJM”), joined by SJM Staff Welfare Consultative Committee and SJM Joint Consultative Committee, celebrated the 71^st anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China with its staff members at a reception held on 7 October 2020 at the Grand Ballroom of Grand Lisboa. Managing Director of SJM Ms. Angela Leong, Director Mr. Arnaldo Ho, Secretary-General Dr. Rui Cunha, Consultant of SJM Joint Consultative Committee Mr. Vong Hin Fai, senior management and department heads of the company, totaling approximately 200 persons, attended the reception.

Ms. Daisy Ho, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SJM, delivered her sincere congratulations to the Motherland via video. In her speech, Ms. Ho remarked that this extraordinary year has witnessed the prompt and concrete actions of China in fighting the virus as well as the solidarity and strength of the Chinese nation in forging ahead amidst challenges and difficulties. The world has acknowledged China’s wisdom, experience, strength and commitment, as well as China’s selfless support to other countries. She expressed gratitude to the Central Government and to the SAR Government led by the Chief Executive for their strong support to Macau in overcoming the pandemic. “The resumption of nationwide travel from Mainland China into Macau and the opening of the new Hengqin gateway, coupled with the SAR Government’s plans to expand visitation and stabilise employment, have continuously injected new impetus into Macau’s tourism and economy.” She reiterated SJM’s support to Macau’s integration into the national development plan, as she said, “We are committed to developing the Grand Lisboa Palace into a major tourism brand in the Greater Bay Area. The resort’s East-West theme, encompassed with Chinoiserie design elements, aims to reflect Macau’s rich cultural heritage, and SJM’s long term role in promoting Chinese culture and multi-cultural exchanges in Macau.” She vowed that SJM, with its roots in Macau, is committed to uphold Dr. Stanley Ho’s spirit of loving the Motherland and Macau, and will continue to dedicate more efforts to deepen young people’s understanding of China’s history and development, and of its relationship with the rest of the world, as well as to increase their awareness of the importance of national security, to ensure the cause of “one country, two systems” will be continuously advanced. She thanked the staff members for their support during the pandemic, and urged them to continue to tell Macau’s story well, a story of happiness, intelligence, sustainability and resilience.

Ms. Angela Leong, Managing Director of SJM and Chairman of the SJM Staff Welfare Consultative Committee, praised China’s decisive and effective response to the virus outbreak which had led the country’s victory over the battle against the pandemic. She said, under the support of China and the leadership of the Chief Executive, Macau managed to control the spread of virus. Tremendous efforts were also seen in promoting Macau’s role as a core city in the Greater Bay Area, and in implementing the “one country, two systems” principle with Macau characteristics. She expressed SJM’s full support to the government in building a “world centre of tourism and leisure” and in economic diversification. She hoped that the staff members will uphold the spirit of the Chinese nation in making pioneering efforts and in striving for self-advancement. She also stressed that SJM, following Dr. Stanley Ho’s “people-oriented” principle, will continue to support the government’s localisation policy and offer increasing opportunities to local people for employment and for upward mobility, resulting in a win-win situation for both employees and employer.

After the speeches, the directors and senior management of SJM, joined by other staff members at the reception, made a toast to extend their best wishes to the Motherland and to Macau.

In strict adherence to the government’s preventive measures, SJM scaled down the size of this year’s reception, with its highlights recorded and broadcasted at staff rest areas and canteens, celebrating the National Day with all team members while expressing the company’s love and passion for the country.