Macau, 25 October 2026

The 5th edition of the “Rummikub Competition”, co-organized by Companhia de Electricidade de Macau (CEM), the Macao Federation of Trade Unions, and the Macao Volunteers Association, welcomed players today (25th) at the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre. Now a staple annual community event in Macao, the mind-sport competition once again brought together citizens across generations to connect through game play, bridging generational divides through intellectual exchange and lighthearted rivalry while rallying support for local charitable causes.

Since its launch in 2022, the “Rummikub Competition” has enjoyed immense popularity among Macao residents. Reaching its 5-year milestone, this year’s edition received an overwhelming response. The competition continued its dual-category format: the “School Group” drew 78 teams representing 48 schools, while the “Open Group” attracted over 800 individual sign-ups, pushing the total number of applicants past a record high of 1,100. Participants spanned in age from 6 to 97, underscoring an inclusive community spirit where young and old share in the fun without barriers. To accommodate more players, the venue expanded from 40 to 44 competition tables, with a total of 352 contestants selected for both groups via a computerized random draw.

CEM hopes that the event will inspire all sectors of society to care for and support diverse community needs, fostering an inclusive and harmonious social environment. The event venue featured charity sale and fundraising zones, with all registration fees and proceeds donated to this year’s beneficiary, Cradle of Hope Association, turning event enjoyment into tangible support for Macao’s charitable work.

The atmosphere on site was vibrant and energetic. During the morning’s “School Group” competition, young players focused intently and stayed composed, demonstrating sharp logical thinking and sportsmanship. The afternoon’s “Open Group” competition saw equal excitement, as contestants of varying ages and backgrounds competed together, narrowing the distance between one another through mental acuity in an atmosphere of warmth and harmony.

To encourage active participation and mark the event’s milestone, this edition offered a robust lineup of rewards. In addition to generous cash prizes for the champion, 1st runner-up, 2nd runner-up, 3rd runner-up, Merit Awards, and the “Most Games Won Award” in both categories, CEM introduced a special 5th-anniversary gift: a limited-edition “CEM x Rummikub” commemorative pack presented to all semi-finalists to thank them for their enthusiasm and offer a lasting keepsake of this special occasion.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Ms. Cecilia Nip, Director of CEM’s Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Communications Office, expressed her gratitude to the co-organizers, supporting organizations, and the general public for their active involvement, which ensured the smooth success of the event. Ms. Nip noted how inspiring it was to see residents of different generations and backgrounds form connections and display such vibrancy through Rummikub. Moving forward, CEM will continue working alongside all sectors of society to host diverse, meaningful initiatives that build a better, more cohesive Macao community.

Ms. Leong Soi Chi, Representative of the Cradle of Hope Association—the beneficiary organization—sincerely thanked CEM for its meticulous organization and full support. Director Leong stated that the Association is dedicated to providing safe and welcoming residential care and daily life support for children and adolescents aged zero to eighteen who are unable to grow up in their biological families due to family crises. The significance of this competition goes far beyond the funds raised; more importantly, it conveys the care of enterprises and the general public for vulnerable youth, using warm, practical actions to guide the children in thriving and growing.

The winners of each award category are as follows: 

The 44 participating schools include Escola Luso-Chinesa Técnico-Profissional; Santa Rosa de Lima Secondary School (Chinese Section); Yuet Wah College; Macau Sam Yuk Middle School; Our Lady of Fatima Girls’ School; Macau Baptist College; Escola Secundária Técnico-Profissional da Federação das Associações dos Operários de Macau; Fong Chong School of Taipa; Escola dos Moradores de Macau; Escola de Santa Teresa do Menino Jesus; Sacred Heart Canossian English Secondary School; Lin Fong Pou Chai School; Lou Hau High School; Colégio Diocesano de São José (No. 2); Kwong Tai Middle School Macau; Choi Nong Chi Tai School; Matteo Ricci College; Colégio Diocesano de São José (No. 5, English Section); Escola dos Moradores do Bairro do Patane; Tak Ming School; Instituto Salesiano; Pui Va Middle School; Keang Peng School (Secondary Section); Chan Sui Ki Perpetual Help College; Pui Ching Middle School; Seac Pai Van Public School; São Paulo School; Escola Secundária Ilha Verde da Associação Comercial de Macau; Escola de Santa Madalena; Colégio Diocesano de São José; Kao Yip Middle School; Xin Hua School (Secondary Section); Escola Tong Nam (Secondary Section); Escola Estrela do Mar; Escola da Sagrada Família; Santa Rosa de Lima English Secondary School; Hou Kong Middle School; Pui Ching Middle School (Coloane Campus); Escola São João de Brito (English Section); Pui Tou Middle School; Escola Dom Luís Versíglia; The Affiliated School of the University of Macau; Premier School Affiliated to Hou Kong Middle School; and Sacred Heart Canossian College.