29 July 2023, Macau

Companhia de Electricidade de Macau - CEM, S.A. (CEM) hosted the CEM Rummikub Competition 2023 again at the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre on 29 July. The competition aimed to promote interactions and communications among people to help raise public awareness of and care for autistic individuals, thereby enhancing public understanding of autism and fostering a harmonious society. The competition was co-organized by the Macau Federation of Trade Unions and the Macao Youth Federation, and supported by BabyBoom. All proceeds will be donated to the beneficiary, Macau Autism Association.

The competition was divided into two categories: the Student Group and the Open Group. Both categories received overwhelming responses. The Open Group recorded over 400 enrollments, surpassing last year’s number, indicating that the event was highly popular among the public. As the number of enrollments exceeded the quota, a total of 320 participants were selected through a draw to compete for 16 awards. To encourage intergenerational harmony, this year, Open Group was extended to include participants aged between 8 and 17. Of all the participants, the youngest one is only 8 years old, while the oldest is 96 years old. The competition, with participants from diverse age groups competing in the same arena, has fostered a sense of unity and harmony, making the event truly special.

The competition was held in the morning for the Student Group and in the afternoon for the Open Group. Competition for each group was conducted in three phases: preliminary, semi-final and final. All participants did their best to put up intense competition in every game. Guests attending the awards ceremony included: Ng Chi Peng, Vice Chief Supervisor of Macao Federation of Trade Unions; Addy Chan, Vice Director of Macao Youth Federation; Sun Choi Man and Hui Chiu Yin, Director and Vice Director of Macau Autism Association (MAA); Cecilia Nip and Jaclyn Iun, Director and Senior Manager of CEM Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Communications Office.

In her speech at the award ceremony, Cecilia Nip expressed her gratitude for the support from various organizations and the enthusiastic participation of the citizens, which made the event a great success. After the successful inaugural competition last year, CEM is determined to organize an even better competition this year. Through the Rummikub competition, CEM hopes to increase public awareness of the autism community, promote communication, and foster acceptance. The event aims to call on citizens and parents to pay attention to autistic individuals’ needs for communication, as well as enrich the understanding of and care for them.  CEM is also emphatic that people from all walks of life should come together to care more about the underprivileged groups in Macau and provide them with a more inclusive and friendly environment. 

Sun Choi Man, Director of MAA also showed appreciation for CEM’s selfless dedication and care, letting more autistic individuals feel love, care, and warmth. Accordance with United Nation’s theme this year encouraging tolerance and acceptance towards different kinds of neurological illness, the event allows MAA to obtain more resources and make them greatly encouraged. Through this opportunity, the association aims to do more and better. The ultimate goal of all kind of promotion is to arouse care, understanding and needs for people with autism in the society, and build a more harmonious and inclusive society together.

Winners of each group are listed as follows: 

The participating schools included:  Colégio Diocesano de São José , Colégio Diocesano de São José  (3 Escola), Colégio Diocesano de São José  (5 Escola, English Section), Santa Rosa de Lima (Chinese Section), Pui Ching Middle School, Escola Secundária Pui Va, Fong Chong School of Taipa, Keang Peng Middle School, Macau Baptist College, Kao Yip Middle School, Lou Hau High School Macau, Escola Xin Hua, Yuet Wah College, Escola Fukien, Saint Paul School Macau, Colégio Mateus Ricci, Our Lady of Fatima Girls’ School,  Escola de Santa Madalena,  Colégio dom Bosco (Yuet Wah), the Affiliated School of the University of Macau, Macau Kung Luen Vocational & Technical Middle School, Hou Kong Middle School (Primary Section). 

Stay tuned to CEM’s Facebook fan page and WeChat for the latest updates of its exciting upcoming activities.