Macau Grand Prix Committee pays tribute to Cheong Vai Kei

The Macau Grand Prix Committee (MGPC) paid today a tribute to the departed Cheong Vai Kei, with the unveiling of a sculpture of his face at the Macau Grand Prix Museum. Macau SAR Chief Executive Edmund Ho was present at the ceremony along with Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture and president of the MGPC, Chui Sai On, director of Macau Government Tourist Office and coordinator of the MGPC, João Manuel Costa Antunes, members of the MGPC, among other individuals. Cheong Vai Kei is the latest individual to be honored at the Macau Grand Prix Museum with a sculpture of his face. The Museum pays tribute to those who contributed extensively to the success of the Grand Prix during its more than 50 years of history. Sculptures of the face of Teddy Yip, John Corsmit, Arsenio Laurel and Paul Dutoit, are also showcased at the Museum. As member of the Macau Grand Prix Committee, from 1988 to 2005, Cheong Vai Kei has committed himself, through his contacts and influence, to garner the support of the local community for the event, which he firmly believed to be more than just a mere sports spectacle. While Deputy of the Legislative Assembly of Macau SAR, Cheong Vai Kei once again was the fundamental bridge to further the cause of the Macau Grand Prix as an important sports event, with return on investment beyond comparison in raising the city’s international profile. The Macau Grand Prix Committee was but one of the many prestigious roles undertaken by him for the city. Born in Macau, he passed away on 22 December 2005, victim of disease, at the age of only 48. A Bachelor of Business Administration, he was director of various companies, was a legislator nominated by the Chief Executive, exercised the role of Secretary General of the Macau Olympic Committee, was president of the Military Club, among many other distinguished titles. In a multicultural society like Macau, those who know him unanimously agree that he was a vital link between the Chinese and Portuguese communities, friendly and always accessible.