A week that redefined inclusion in Macau

The 2025 INCLUSION Conference & Festival concluded with a resounding message that reverberated far beyond the walls of its venues: inclusion is not simply a concept or a campaign, but a shared responsibility and a catalyst for lasting societal transformation.

By Charity Association of Macau Business Readers

Over four days, on June 22 to 25, more than 600 participants from 21 countries gathered in Macau—including professionals, educators, medical experts, policymakers, parents, and neurodiverse individuals and their families—united by a common mission: to foster a world where everyone, regardless of ability, is recognized, supported, and celebrated.

The first day of the conference keynotes took place at Macau Anglican College, marking a return to the heart of inclusive education in the city. This milestone was made possible thanks to the indispensable support of Melco Resorts & Entertainment and the We Can Dream Together Foundation, whose commitment to inclusive development enabled the entire event to remain free and accessible to all. More than 150 families from Macau and across the Greater Bay Area participated in sessions joined by dozens of students and led by leading international experts in neurodiversity, speech and occupational therapy, inclusive teaching, and family-centered care. The opportunity for families to engage in one-on-one consultations throughout all those days—often out of reach due to distance or cost—was deeply valued and underscored Melco’s vision of inclusion as a right, not a privilege.

Bringing families and educators together

Melco’s contribution extended far beyond funding. The company’s ongoing dedication to community wellbeing was reflected in its logistical support and active engagement in shaping the conference’s content and goals. By providing families and educators with meaningful access to the latest developments in autism support, therapy, and inclusive education, Melco demonstrated how private-sector leadership can elevate public impact. In a city often defined by its glittering skyline, Melco’s work during the conference helped illuminate something even more powerful: the potential of every individual when given the tools and environment to thrive.

The second day of the conference transitioned to MGM COTAI, where MGM served as both Title Sponsor and host. With more than 300 attendees—the majority local and regional families—this day was equally impactful, bridging global perspectives with local narratives in an atmosphere of warmth and solidarity. For over a decade, MGM has championed inclusive initiatives through its celebrated Creating Something Out of Nothing program, now in its 10th year. In 2025, this initiative took a bold step forward, as neurodiverse participants created original artworks that will be transformed into visual designs for professional motorcycle gear at the upcoming Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix.

This symbolic intersection of art, sport, and inclusion reflects MGM’s pioneering role in reimagining how individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities engage with cultural platforms. The conference also featured heartfelt parent testimonies, practical skill-building sessions, and curated support spaces—each one grounded in MGM’s belief that inclusion must be immersive, meaningful, and future-focused.

Hope, resilience, love

The 2025 INCLUSION Conference was not limited to lecture halls and meeting rooms. Across the week, the city became a living canvas for inclusion. Families and individuals participated in guided museum tours at MGM Macau, a cinema experience hosted by Galaxy, and organized excursions to Studio City Waterpark, Studio City Cinema, and the world-renowned House of Dancing Water. These inclusive experiences were generously sponsored by Melco Resorts & Entertainment, We Can Dream Together Foundation, MGM and Galaxy Entertainment Group turning the event into a city-wide celebration that integrated leisure, community engagement, and accessibility in equal measure.

Perhaps the most poignant moments came through the voices of parents who bravely shared their personal journeys. Among them, Carmen Li’s powerful story of raising her son Vincent left few dry eyes in the room. Her candid reflections on hope, stigma, resilience, and love captured the essence of what the INCLUSION Conference represents: creating spaces where vulnerability becomes strength, and silence gives way to advocacy.

Inclusion is not charity, it’s justice

Government participation also played a key role, with representatives from the Social Welfare Bureau and the Education and Youth Development Bureau attending the sessions and engaging with families and NGOs. Their presence signaled growing institutional momentum toward more inclusive public policy in the Greater Bay Area. The conference organizers, in collaboration with local and regional partners, are optimistic that the seeds planted during these two days will flourish into long-term change.

The INCLUSION Conference & Festival stands not merely as an annual event, but as a bold movement redefining how inclusion is practiced, perceived, and pursued in Asia and beyond. It is proof that corporate social responsibility, when rooted in genuine purpose, can be a force more powerful than any public relations campaign. The actions of Melco and MGM—alongside countless NGOs, schools, and individuals—demonstrate that real change is driven by collaboration, not competition.

As we look ahead to 2026, we are reminded that inclusion is not charity. It is justice. And it must be practiced not just in moments of celebration, but in the everyday structures and choices that shape our communities. The INCLUSION Conference & Festival will continue to serve as a platform for action, innovation, and unity—inviting everyone to join in building a world where no one is left behind.