[July 27, 2014, Macau] Organized by Young Men's Christian Association of Macau (YMCA), sponsored by the Social Welfare Bureau of the Macau SAR and MGM MACAU, “The 3^rd Macau Outstanding Teenagers" Award Presentation Ceremony was held on July 27 at MGM MACAU’s Grand Ballroom.

The 3^rd Macau Outstanding Teenagers Election aims to recognize and encourage teenagers who have gained extraordinary performances in personal achievements and skill development, as well as those who have positively overcome difficulties and are committed to take responsibility and serve the society of Macau. Through this election, Macau’s outstanding teenagers are recognized for their hard-work and perseverance.

The judging panel of the preliminary and final elections consists of social and community professionals in various fields and expertise, and judges assessed the ability and experiences of candidates. After the two stages of interview by the judging panel on April 20 and May 18, 10 outstanding teenagers and five outstanding performance award winners have been awarded by Mr. Iong Kóng Io, Director of Social Welfare Bureau of the Macau SAR, and the Chair-judge of the Election together with other judging panel members.

On July 27, the award presentation ceremony was hosted at MGM MACAU. Officiating guests included Ms. Vong Yim Mui, Representative of the Chair-judge and Acting Director of Social Welfare Bureau of the Macau SAR; Mr. Lei Kin Kei, Representative of the Prosecutor General and Consultant of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Macao SAR; Dr. Johnson Yip, Director of YMCA of Macau; Mr. Chan Va Lon, Vice Chairperson of Supervisory Committee of YMCA of Macau; Mr. Grant R. Bowie, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, and Ms. Cheung Yeuk Tip, Chief Development Officer (Pioneer Services) of Hong Kong Playground Association, the judges, the event ambassador RubberBand, representatives of schools and supporting organizations, as well as the elected teenagers and their families and friends.

At the ceremony, all guests entered the venue led by the Outstanding Teenagers of the first year. Then, a video retracing the entire election process was played followed by a speech from Ms. Kuan Sok Leng, General Secretary of YMCA of Macau. In her speech, she said this election could not have taken place successfully without the active participation and tremendous support from the judging panel and the nominees, while the association hopes that through this activity, Macau residents will further support teenagers so that more opportunities will be given to them for more achievements and contribution to the society. 

Mr. Grant R. Bowie said, “MGM MACAU puts an emphasis on nurturing youths and inspiring their self-development. One of our missions is to help foster an environment in which they can shine with their talents and gain confidence, through mentoring initiatives. The youths will be the ones to uphold the bright future of Macau. ”

At the ceremony, the organizer presented souvenirs to advisory organizations and judges to thank them for their selection work for the election. At the meantime, Ms. Vong Yim Mui from Social Welfare Bureau, Mr. Lei Kin Kei from the Office of the Prosecutor General and all of the attendees watched the 2014 outstanding teenagers to conduct an oath-taking ceremony. They will accord with the spirit of Outstanding Teenagers: positively influence other teenagers in Macau to keep learning and reaching their goals as well as contribute and give back to the society. In addition, three candidates of the contest and their nominees were invited to share their stories.

Finally, this year's Outstanding Teenagers sang the song "Waiting Outside the Lines" not only to give back to the attending guests and their relatives for their coming, support and recognition, but also show their determination to move forward to strive for their dreams. After that, RubberBand from Hong Kong encouraged all of the teenagers and gave performance at the ceremony. After the ceremony, the 2014 Outstanding Teenagers will take part in various exchange programs and produce a video "One person, one story” together with the organizers to share their inspirational stories.

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Photo Captions:

1. Mr. Grant R. Bowie, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited posed for a group photo with three outstanding performance award winners.

 

2. Ms. Vong Yim Mui, Representative of the Chair-judge and Acting Director of Social Welfare Bureau of the Macau SAR presented the awards to 10 outstanding teenagers and took a group photo with them.

 

3. Mr. Grant R. Bowie, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, invited guests, judges and event ambassador RubberBand came on stage to have a group photo with the 10 outstanding teenagers of 2014.

 

For media enquiries, please contact:    

 

From MGM MACAU                                                                        From YMCA

Karen Lam                                                                                           Brenda Cheong

Assistant Public Relations Manager                                          Young Men’s Christian Association of Macau

Tel: (853) 8802 3801                                                                      Tel: (853) 2830 2600

Fax: (853) 8802 3859                                                                     Fax: (853) 2830 2914                                      

Email: karenlam@mgmmacau.com                                          Email: brenda@ymca.org.mo

 

Juliana Kung

Assistant Public Relations Manager

Tel: (853) 8802 3803

Fax: (853) 8802 3859                                                                                                                                                            

Email: julianakung@mgmmacau.com