Today (27 November) Dr. Ambrose So Shu Fai gave a Doctor honoris causa Lecture on “Macau’s Evolving Tourism Brand: Integration and Diversification” at the University of Macau (UM). He shared his insights on Macao’s evolving tourism brand as well as the importance of regional integration and diversification in Macao’s development into a world centre of tourism and leisure.
In his speech, UM Rector Wei Zhao commended Dr. So for his contributions to advancing the exchange and cooperation among mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Portugal, to promoting the inheritance and innovation of the Chinese culture, and to the sustainable socio-economic development of Macao. He mentioned that Dr. So has always cared deeply about UM, as reflected in his numerous donations of his calligraphy works to UM and his serving as the keynote speaker at many forums and seminars organised by UM. He thanked Dr. So for taking time out of his extremely busy schedule to contribute his wisdom to the Faculty of Business Administration in his capacity as a member of its Advisory Board. He said that in doing so, Dr. So has played an important role in co-creating the success UM has achieved today.
According to Dr. So, Macao’s tourism brand will, with the continuing support of the government of China, evolve into a “world center of tourism and entertainment”. Two processes that are driving this transformation are integration and diversification. As Macao integrates in terms of transportation and communications with the surrounding region of China, visitors will be attracted by a wider range of tourism activities. At the same time, it will be important for Macau to retain its unique character and remain Macao.
Dr. So serves as member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, honorary consul of the Republic of Portugal in Hong Kong SAR, vice-president of the Chinese Culture Promotion Society, committee member of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, member of the Economic Development Council and of the Cultural Consultative Council of the Macao SAR government, president of the Macau Military Club, and CEO of SJM Holdings Limited. UM conferred a Degree of Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa on Dr. So on 16 November this year, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to economy, and to the development of culture and education. Over the years Dr. So has organised many cultural activities. A well-known calligrapher, he has been awarded the Medal of Cultural Merit by the Macao SAR government.
