“He knows what Beijing expects from him,” says Ieong Meng U, professor of Public Administration at the University of Macau, “but he needs a clearer strategy to achieve that with the resources he has.”
Taking direct control of two of the six interdepartmental coordination groups — those dealing with Public Administration Reform and cooperation with Hengqin — reveals “a clear adaptation of leadership mechanisms used in mainland China, where top-down accountability ensures that implementation failures weigh on political performance assessments,” says Ieong Meng U. However, the scholar warns: “The question is whether this model, effective in China’s context, will be functional in Macau’s reality.”
During the presentation of the Policy Address, “the Chief Executive responded to the legislators’ questions in a measured, cautious, and calm tone. The public was satisfied with his overall performance,” notes Lou Shenghua, professor at the Macao Polytechnic University, who also highlights the stylistic contrast with his predecessor: “With the support of his team, the Chief Executive has already generally established the authority due to his position. Compared to his predecessor, his style is friendlier and more restrained, reflecting the rigor of a legal professional.”
Sam Hou Fai cited the example of Sentosa in Singapore to justify a strong investment in the redevelopment of both riverbanks. The ambition includes creating an International Integrated Cultural and Tourist District, with museums and art centers, and boosting nightlife as a factor of economic growth. For Lou Shenghua, the proposal makes sense: “Macau has long lacked large-scale cultural and leisure infrastructure. The land and resources are there. The question is whether it will be possible to attract sufficient private investment, since these infrastructures can hardly be directly managed by the State.”
Ieong Meng U, however, is more skeptical: “I don’t see the need for Macau to copy tourism models designed for other contexts. International tourism has different expectations. What foreign visitors seek is historical authenticity, not a city of Instagrammable sets.”
Integration with Hengqin
Macau’s dependence on Hengqin as a lever for economic diversification was reaffirmed by Sam Hou Fai. According to Florence Lei, professor at the University of Saint Joseph, this should be seen as a complementary process rather than a merger: “Macau and Hengqin have different specializations, and that should be leveraged. The goal is not full integration but functional cooperation, where Macau contributes tourism and services, and Hengqin offers space, infrastructure, and incentives.” For Lou Shenghua, the connection is inevitable: “It’s difficult to diversify within Macau’s limits. Hengqin represents an opportunity, not a risk.”
However, Ieong Meng U warns, “the risk isn’t in integration itself but in the cost-benefit balance of investments.” Still, he admits that “the door is open” for local entrepreneurs, especially in health and technology sectors, “if they can be competitive in the market.” António Monteiro, president of the Macanese Youth Association, also sees the Hengqin link as an opportunity that requires vision and political courage: “Macau was hit hard during the pandemic, and investing in international tourism is essential. Being stuck with regional tourism is not enough for anyone who wants to become a global center.”
Deficit on the Horizon
The Chief Executive acknowledged the risk of a deficit in 2025, promised to increase social subsidies, and announced investment in major projects. Monteiro recognizes the dilemma: “Sometimes you have to invest to get a return.” Lou Shenghua points out that “some of these projects are long-term and can be supported by private investment,” reminding that the Government still holds financial reserves “capable of covering project expenses and social support.” However, Ieong Meng U warns: “It all depends on the sustainability of revenues. The previous model, reliant on VIP gaming, collapsed. It’s not possible to maintain public investment levels without rethinking priorities.”
This need for rethinking is also visible in the consumer support policy. The end of consumption vouchers and the upcoming overhaul of cash handouts indicate a new direction. “The voucher measure was exceptional, in a pandemic context. Society understands the need for a policy shift,” says Lou Shenghua. Ieong Meng U adds: “The Government is trying to balance what remains of gaming revenue with economic support.” Still, Lou Shenghua believes that “the 4% bonus for SME loans is a concrete and pragmatic support,” although he acknowledges the impact would be greater “if local consumption could be more effectively promoted.”
The idea of Macau as a platform for Portuguese-speaking countries remains in the discourse but lacks effective implementation. For Eduardo Ambrósio, president of the International Business Association for Lusophone Markets, the lack of concrete tools undermines the goals: “Macau should have a physical support center in mainland China, where Forum delegates can meet with entrepreneurs and promote e-commerce with Lusophone countries. We have potential, but we lack operational capacity.”
He also points to the absence of consistent business missions to countries like Angola or Brazil: “There’s a gap between rhetoric and action. Without risk coverage mechanisms and active delegations, it’s hard to close deals.”
For António Monteiro, the future lies in education and cultural creativity. “Training young people is essential for economic diversification. And leveraging Macanese and Portuguese cultures can generate unique products in the arts, gastronomy, and music. But it requires investment with strategy and vision.”
