Macau’s Chief Executive-elect, Sam Hou Fai, met with the senior leadership of all six gaming concessionaires on Thursday afternoon, expressing his recognition of their contribution to the economic development of the city.
He was accompanied by his campaign office agent, Lei Wun Kong, director Ip Sio Kai, and deputy director Chan Ka Leung.
Attending the meeting were MGM China’s Chairman and Executive Director Pansy Ho and President and Executive Director Kenneth Feng; Sands China’s Executive Vice-Chairman Wilfred Wong and CEO Grant Chum; Melco Resorts Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho; Galaxy Entertainment Group Vice Chairman Francis Lui; Wynn Resorts (Macau) Ltd President and Managing Director Linda Chen; and SJM Holdings Chairman and CEO, Daisy Ho.
During the meeting, the representatives of the concessionaire reviewed their achievements under their concession agreements, including the expansion of non-gaming elements, and made a combined pledge that “under the leadership of the Macau SAR Government, we will continue to enhance our service quality, expand our international visitor sources, and expand and improve the tourism and leisure brand of Macau in the future.”
Sam said, “We recognize the contribution of the six integrated tourism and leisure enterprises to the economic development of Macau, and hope that the gaming industry will maintain a healthy, orderly and sustainable development in accordance with the law, so as to promote the appropriate diversification of Macau’s economy.”
With current Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng having recently confirmed he would not stand for a second term due to health concerns, Sam revealed earlier this week that he had received nominations from 383 members of the Election Committee to formally stand for the 6th Chief Executive Election, essentially guaranteeing he will be the only candidate.
He has previously hinted at a less favorable view of Macau’s gaming industry, stating at a press conference on 28 August that “during the development of the gaming industry, there was a period of disorderly development, barbaric expansion and dominance, which is not conducive to the long-term development of the Macau SAR.”
