Chan Oi Chi's family is an example of many families in Macao; families who love their home country, Macao and their families. During the past several decades, the Chans have adhered to their good family tradition of contributing to society, by helping those in need. Many people have been impressed by the family's power of positive energy. The Chans are happy and content, especially when they are contributing their wisdom and strength to the construction of a harmonious society in Macao.

Influenced by both society and her family, Chan grew up to be a responsible woman, who is always ready to help others. During the past several decades, she has offered a helping hand to people in need, to repay society for the care and assistance she once received. Despite her advanced age, Chan takes delight in volunteering to provide various services to residents.

In 1994, she quit her job in a bank (in Macao) and established a company dedicated to helping residents and/or organizations decorate houses, and to providing counseling services to clients. She hoped the career change would give her more time to tend her family and provide social services to residents.

Chan in 1995 began working for the General Union of Neighborhood Associations of Macao, a nongovernmental organization that helps residents solve problems in their lives. Four years later, she joined the Women's General Association of Macao (WGAM). Given her outstanding work performance, she was named vice-president of the association. She is also director of the Fu Lun Elders' Association of Macao and deputy director of the Women Sports General Association of Macao.

During the years she has served as director of the Fu Lun Elders' Association of Macao, Chan has done her best to raise funds for senior residents. To enrich their lives, she arranged for elderly residents to visit other regions of China. Many of the seniors appreciated Chan for her thoughtful, considerate assistance.

Well aware of the fact that societies inspiring patriotism play important roles in promoting Macao's stability and prosperity, Chan encouraged her husband, Ho Chek Sang, to join her in managing WGAM. In 2019, Ho was named president of the Friends of Women Association of Macao. During the past few years, he has encouraged men to join the association, and helped WGAM's workers, members and volunteers deepen their love for both their home country and Macao.

During the past two decades, Chan has gone about her work conscientiously. She has always treated others with respect and sincerity, and, as a result, she has gained the trust of many residents. Chan believes her community work is meaningful, as she is helping residents solve difficulties in their lives. Also, she is pleased to have opportunities to make contributions to her beloved hometown, the Macao Special Administrative Region, and its people.

Despite her tremendous efforts to develop her career and to participate in community work, Chan has never neglected her family. Loving each other dearly, she and Ho have supported each other in their lives and careers.

The couple has inspired their son and daughter to be patriotic. Chan and Ho have both set good examples for their kids, especially in terms of respecting, helping and caring for others. The couple has also helped their children establish correct values and a sound outlook on life. When she was a little girl, Chan's daughter watched her mother provide social services to residents. The daughter has inherited the family virtue of loving both their home country and hometown.

When asked how a couple can live in harmony, Chan says a couple should be aware of the importance of effective communication. A husband and wife should put himself/herself in the other's shoes, sohe/she can communicate better with his/her significant other. Chan also stresses a senior should listen tohis/her children's opinions about work and families, so they can live in harmony.

Chan and Ho are pleased, through their benevolent acts, their family members have grown closer together. "I hope everyone in our family will promote our good family tradition, strive to achieve career success, and serve society with one common belief: We should love our home country, Macao and our family, as we devote our lives to building our hometown into a better place," says Chan.

Source: Women's General Association of Macao