If elected, what will be your main priorities during your term? How do you think representatives should act in the next Legislative Assembly?
Lee Koi Ian: Macau is currently at a critical juncture for the implementation of moderate economic diversification. At this time when the government and society must unite to “fight for the economy,” my first priority, if I am fortunate enough to have the support of Macau residents and enter the Legislative Assembly, will be to harness the collective wisdom of the people and bring effective economic solutions to the Assembly to help the Government drive economic development for the benefit of residents.
Macau’s economy is in a transitional phase, facing several challenges beyond gaming. What specific proposals do you have to promote more sustainable and diversified development?
Lee Koi Ian: In the long term, achieving moderate economic diversification and sustainable development in Macau depends on fulfilling the national objectives for Macau as “a hub, a platform, and a base.” At the same time, Macau should focus on developing emerging industries, including innovation and technology, “big health,” modern finance and culture, tourism, conventions and exhibitions, to overcome the current economic bottlenecks.
What measures do you advocate to create employment opportunities and promote professional development? How can we balance attracting foreign investment and talent with protecting the jobs of local residents?
Lee Koi Ian: Economic development is the most effective way to create jobs and expand professional opportunities for residents. Only with economic growth can residents find broader development prospects. At the same time, to promote upward mobility and professional development for Macau residents, it is essential to comprehensively review and improve the professional certification systems. Only by providing more learning and training opportunities within the framework of economic development, and allowing sufficient upward mobility, can local labor rights be truly safeguarded.
SMEs are an essential pillar of the economy. What policies do you suggest to help them face challenges, innovate, and grow sustainably? Lee Koi Ian: SMEs are an important part of Macau’s economy and constitute the majority of the city’s business entities. Currently, they face challenges such as sustainable development and transformation. In the future, the government should adopt more targeted measures to continuously improve the business environment for SMEs, help them innovate and operate, and achieve sustainable growth.
– The housing market faces dilemmas: falling prices are driving investors away, but residents (especially young people) still cannot afford housing. How can this be balanced?
Lee Koi Ian: The real estate sector is one of Macau’s pillar industries, but “housing is for living, not speculation.” To reconcile the function of real estate investment with residents’ housing needs, it is essential that the government establish a class-specific housing policy that responds to both economic and social needs. This should satisfy market development while providing residents with sufficient policy support and transitional measures, truly balancing industry development and housing needs.
– Integration into the Greater Bay Area and the development of Hengqin are priorities, but many projects remain unclear, while local consumption is shifting away from Macau. How can regional integration and local diversification be coordinated to generate jobs and growth?
Lee Koi Ian: Integrating into the national development agenda is the only path to Macau’s long-term prosperity and stability. The construction of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin is not only a key measure for integration into the Greater Bay Area, but also a crucial step for Macau’s integration into the national landscape. The “General Plan for the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin” clearly defines the goal of moving from “Hengqin and Macau as a single source” to “Hengqin-Macao integration.” Achieving regional integration and promoting local economic diversification go hand in hand and support each other. In the future, the Government should direct more capital from Guangdong to Macau from the perspective of deeper integration, realize industrial synergies between Macau and Hengqin, and thus boost Macau’s economic growth and create more jobs.
Regarding Macau’s role as a platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, how can representatives enhance this role?
Lee Koi Ian: The country has positioned Macau as a “platform,” and as a representative, it is crucial not only to fully understand Macau’s unique role in promoting trade and economic exchanges between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, but also to leverage the advantages of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone. By promoting the “Macau Platform + International Resources + Hengqin Space + Shared Results” model, Macau and Hengqin can create synergies for their development, achieving the city’s goal of moderate economic diversification.
There are fewer slates in the direct election this year. How can we strengthen the Assembly’s representation, legislative capacity, and effectiveness in oversight of the Government?
Lee Koi Ian: The key to improving the Legislative Assembly’s representation, legislative initiative, and oversight lies in strengthening the representatives’ ability to deliberate and govern. Only by fully listening to the views of society and the population, bringing their voices and concerns to the Legislative Assembly and pressuring the Government to improve economic, social and national integration policies, will representatives be able to fulfill their role of passing better laws, promoting social development and ensuring that the Government continues to govern according to the law.
