The ties that bind

Thriving together

Ng Wan-hei, 19, has deep roots in Macao, with her family tracing back to her grandfather's generation. She learned from her elders that before 1999, Macao struggled with poor security and an unemployment rate consistently above 5 percent.

"After Macao's return to China, the most noticeable change was the improvement in the social environment. People found stable jobs, which gave Macao renewed confidence and hope for the future," Ng said.

She added that, over the past 25 years, Macao has made great strides in housing and education, significantly improving the quality of life for its residents.

Ng was actively involved in the General Association of Chinese Students of Macao, where she represented students in public consultations with the Macao SAR government. This experience sparked her passion for political studies and deepened her understanding of Macao's society and the wellbeing of its people.

Now pursuing international politics at Renmin University of China in Beijing, Ng hopes to become a policy researcher in the future. "I truly value the development opportunities Macao has today, and after graduating, I aim to use what I've learned to contribute to Macao's growth," she said.

Chan is currently preparing for a special performance on Dec 19 at Hou Kong Middle School in Macao, his alma mater, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China. The school is historically significant, as the first place in Macao to raise the Chinese national flag on Oct 1,1949, the day the People's Republic of China was founded.

"Returning to my alma mater at such an important time, performing with friends from both Macao and the mainland, and sharing our experiences with the younger students in Macao — it really fills me with pride," Chan said.