The Macao Observatory for Social Development of USJ Launches Project on “Anti-War and Salvation Philanthropist – Comendador Joel José Choi Anok”
The Macao Observatory for Social Development of USJ Launches Project on "Anti-War and Salvation Philanthropist - Comendador Joel José Choi Anok"
26
Oct
26/10/2023
The Macao Observatory for Social Development of USJ is launching a series of research projects on the “Anti-War and Salvation Philanthropist – Comendador Joel José Choi Anok”, aimed at inspiring the community to participate in charities and contribute to the progress of society.
The Macao Observatory for Social Development (MOSD) of the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) has launched a series of research projects on the “Anti-War and Salvation Philanthropist – Comendador Joel José Choi Anok“, which will be led by the director of MOSD, Dr. Jacky Ho, and his team together with Choi’s great-granddaughter, president of the Macau Association for Community Care Children, Ms. Rosalina Anok Novo, and deputy director of the Associação dos Conterrâneos de Sa Tau, Nam Hoi, de Macau, Comendador Joel José Choi Anok.
A press conference was held at the USJ on 24 October 2023. Honorable guests present at the conference was Mr. Chen Jian, representative from Social Work Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Mr. Au Weng Chi, secretary-general of the Macao Chamber of Commerce, and Rev. João Lau of the Diocese of Macau.
The research team stated that the project had already begun prior to the pandemic and that relevant genealogies and literature had now been collected in Choi’s hometown. The aim of the project is to launch a special exhibition on the eve of Choi’s birthday in March of the coming year. From the perspective of social charity and service development, Joel José Choi Anok was a social philanthropist with profound significance and outstanding contributions in the modern history of Macao. His forward-thinking and remarkable courage are admired by future generations.
Dr. Jacky Ho pointed out that by collecting data on the various charity and social welfare projects undertaken and participated in by Joel José Choi Anok during the Anti-Japanese War, the goal is to present to future generations the benevolent deeds of Chinese philanthropists in Macao in the last century, who overcame numerous difficulties and made unremitting efforts. This will serve as a role model for the younger generation to learn from and will also encourage more social individuals to participate in charitable causes and contribute to the progress of society.
The project has received strong support from the descendants of Joel José Choi Anok and fellow villagers. It is hoped that in this series of research projects, the spirit of Joel José Choi Anok can be better commemorated and passed on, inspiring more people to participate in charity and social development.
