The Chief Executive, Mr Sam Hou Fai, attends the opening ceremony of the "From Macao to the World – In Commemoration of the 160th Anniversary of the Birth of Dr Sun Yat-sen" photo exhibition.
The Chief Executive, Mr Sam Hou Fai, today attended the opening ceremony of the “From Macao to the World – In Commemoration of the 160th Anniversary of the Birth of Dr Sun Yat-sen” photo exhibition, which is hosted by the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government.
Mr Sam stated that various departments of the MSAR Government, in collaboration with different community organisations and institutions, had organised a series of commemorative events to enable people from all walks of life in Macao to gain a multifaceted understanding of Dr Sun Yat-sen’s life and achievements. This is to allow Macao people to fully appreciate the significance of the nation’s prosperity and stability to Macao’s development, carry forward the fine tradition of “loving the country and loving Macao”, and actively participate in the nation’s development and the implementation of the “One country, two systems” principle in Macao.
He pointed out that Dr Sun Yat-sen dedicated his life to the revolutionary cause, aspiring to saving the nation and its people. Dr Sun championed the cause of democratic republicanism, put forward the Three Principles of the People, led the Xinhai Revolution, brought an end to the autocratic monarchy, pioneered the modern national democratic revolution, and promoted the intellectual liberation of the Chinese nation. His achievements are immortalised in the annals of history, said Mr Sam.
Revisiting the principles advocated by Dr Sun Yat-sen and learning from his noble spirit — characterised by his love for the motherland, his concern for the people, his pursuit of truth and his tenacity in the face of hardships — is of great and far-reaching significance for consolidating the great unity of the Chinese people both at home and abroad, developing the broadest possible patriotic united front, and advancing the great cause of national reunification, Mr Sam added.
He noted that Macao shares a deep and special historical connection with Dr Sun Yat-sen. Macao was an important starting point for him as he set out to engage with the world, his first stop in his mission to help and save the people, and the cradle from which he orchestrated the republican cause. It was, moreover, a safe haven where he sought refuge in times of danger and a spiritual home where he cherished his family ties. It can be said that Dr Sun Yat-sen’s revolutionary career is inextricably linked with Macao while his presence adds to the richness of the city’s historical memory.
He emphasised that the best way to honour the memory of Dr Sun Yat-sen is to carry forward his precious legacy and strive for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
At this new historical juncture, we must carry forward the patriotic ideals, revolutionary resolve and enterprising spirit of revolutionary forerunners such as Dr Sun Yat-sen, thereby promoting the spirit of patriotism and implementing the principle of “patriots governing Macao”, said Mr Sam.
In concluding his remarks, Mr Sam urged Macao people to make full use of Macao’s unique advantages as a bridge linking the Chinese mainland with the outside world and its role as a window for cultural exchange. This is to effectively convey Macao’s and the nation’s stories to the outside world; and draw the widest possible circle of support both at home and abroad for the cause of peaceful reunification and the practice of “One country, two systems”, thereby making new and greater contributions to the comprehensive advancement of China’s modernisation and the great cause of national rejuvenation.
Following the opening ceremony, Mr Sam and guests toured the exhibition. The exhibition brings together over a hundred precious historical artefacts and photographs, complemented by written materials, videos, audio recordings and interactive installations. The exhibition aims to commemorate the immortal achievements of Dr Sun Yat-sen in the pursuit of national independence, social progress and the well-being of the people. It also promotes his revolutionary spirit and noble virtues, whilst passing on the ideals of “everything for the common good” and “rejuvenation of the Chinese nation”.
The exhibition will be held at the Dot Art Space in the Macao Cultural Centre. Opening hours are from 3pm to 7pm on 12 November, and from 10am to 7pm from 13 to 27 November. Members of the public are cordially invited to visit.
