The findings of a survey released on Friday show that 36.2 per cent of local residents have participated in volunteer work.
The General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau (UGAMM, commonly known as Kai Fong), alongside the United General Association of Macao Community Volunteers (UGAMCV), held a press conference on the survey at its headquarters in Toi San district on Friday.
The survey, which aimed primarily to assess the current state of volunteering and social participation among Macau residents, interviewed a total of 1,004 respondents.
The findings showed that 36.2 per cent of respondents had volunteered in the past year. Among them, the participation rate for young people aged 18 to 24 reached 57.5 per cent. This rate declined with age to 11.1 per cent among those aged 55 to 64, before rising again to 25 per cent among those aged 65 or above. Associations and organisations were the main channel through which people volunteered, accounting for 75.4 per cent of responses.
However, the survey also revealed that the main reasons for not volunteering were being “busy with daily life” (46.1 per cent) and “busy with work or studies” (44.7 per cent). As respondents’ age increased, the proportion citing “physical inconvenience” also rose.
Regarding participation in community associations, the findings showed that about 27.4 per cent of all respondents were members of an association, with young people and the elderly again being the most active groups.
On receiving social information and raising issues, “family and friends” was the most common channel (54.9 per cent). Young people tended to use news apps, social media platforms, and online forums, while elderly residents preferred television, newspapers, and community forums.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the press conference, UGAMCV President Tang Man Kei pointed out that the survey shows a relatively high proportion of Macau residents take part in volunteering, with young people making up the majority.
However, channels for participation remain relatively limited, with young working people in particular reporting a lack of accessible pathways, Tang noted. He recommended that the government add volunteer service information and participation methods to the “Macao One Account” app, using technology to empower service delivery.
Tang also highlighted that many residents participate in volunteering through community associations and enterprises. He suggested promoting corporate social responsibility and encouraging the healthy development of community associations.
The relevant recommendations will be submitted to the government as a reference for the policy address and the city’s third five-year plan, with a view to promoting social harmony and stability, he added.
The 3rd Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Macao Special Administrative Region (2026–2030) is structured around four main pillars: “Law-based Macao”, “Vibrant Macao”, “Cultural Macao”, and “Blissful Macao”. It outlines eight major development goals and 35 key performance indicators spanning economic diversification, urban renewal, and social welfare.
United General Association of Macao Community Volunteers (UGAMCV) President Tang Man Kei speaks to reporters at the headquarters of the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau (UGAMM) in Toi San district on Friday. – Photo: Armindo Neves
