Event Overview

An essay competition organized to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the promulgation of the Macao Basic Law. The theme "My Chinese Dream" invites participants to share their personal journeys and perspectives on pursuing dreams and building a better Macao under the principles of "One Country, Two Systems" and a high degree of autonomy.

Competition Details

Theme & Content

Participants are invited to write essays on topics related to the achievements of the Macao Basic Law over its 20-year history, the development and changes in Macao following its implementation, or issues concerning its enforcement. The writing style is flexible (narrative, lyrical, or argumentative), but poetry is not accepted. Participants may choose their own titles.

Categories & Word Limits

• Junior Secondary Group: For students currently in Form 1 to Form 3 in Macao schools. Word count: 1,000–1,500.
• Senior Secondary Group: For students currently in Form 4 to Form 6 in Macao schools. Word count: 1,500–2,000.
• Open Group: For Macao residents and students enrolled in Macao tertiary institutions. Word count: 2,000 or more.

Submission Guidelines

• Manuscripts must be typed on a computer; handwritten submissions are not accepted.
• Format: A4 paper size, standard Microsoft Word margins, single line spacing, MingLiU font size 12 in black.
• No personal identification marks are allowed on the manuscript.
• Participants may submit multiple entries but are eligible for only one prize.

How to Enter

Participants must complete the entry form and submit it along with their manuscript to one of the designated collection points during the submission period. Student group participants must also submit a copy of their student ID card (waived if submitted collectively by the school).

Prizes

Junior Secondary Group

• First Prize (1 winner): MOP 2,500 cash and a trophy.
• Second Prize (1 winner): MOP 2,000 cash and a trophy.
• Third Prize (1 winner): MOP 1,500 cash and a trophy.
• Merit Award (5 winners): MOP 200 cash and a trophy each.

Senior Secondary Group

• First Prize (1 winner): MOP 3,000 cash and a trophy.
• Second Prize (1 winner): MOP 2,500 cash and a trophy.
• Third Prize (1 winner): MOP 2,000 cash and a trophy.
• Merit Award (5 winners): MOP 300 cash and a trophy each.

Open Group

• First Prize (1 winner): MOP 5,000 cash and a trophy.
• Second Prize (1 winner): MOP 4,000 cash and a trophy.
• Third Prize (1 winner): MOP 3,000 cash and a trophy.
• Merit Award (5 winners): MOP 500 cash and a trophy each.

Practical Information

• Submission Deadline: October 31, 2013
• Results Announcement: November 29, 2013, via major Chinese newspapers and the official websites of the Macao Basic Law Promotion Association (www.basiclaw.org.mo) and the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (www.iacm.gov.mo).
• Award Ceremony Date: To be announced.
• Submission Locations:
  • Macao Basic Law Promotion Association (G/F, Veng Tak Building, No. 4-6 Rua de João de Araújo)
  • Wong Ieng Kuan Library (Taipa)
  • Wong Ieng Kuan Library at Sun Yat Sen Park
  • Wong Ieng Kuan Library at Jardim de Luís de Camões
  • Wong Ieng Kuan Library at Hac Sa Wan Park
  • Ho Yin Garden Library
  • Hà Ván Library
• Enquiries: Tel: 28727338