EDMUND HO (BBA'78) is sometimes called one of the most influential people in all Asia. He'll seal that reputation when he becomes the first Chief Executive of the newly-named "Special Area Region" of Macau in December.

Macau is a tiny peninsula near the Pearl River Delta of southern China which reverts to Chinese control after 440 years of Portuguese rule. Ho says his post-handover government will operate autonomously under the "one country, two systems" principle much like the relationship Hong Kong currently has with China. If Ho manages to keep Macau's capitalist system intact, the country will be an important staging point for trade between Europe and the rest of Asia.

Ho's rise to power began when he became director and general manager of his family's Tai Fung Bank in 1984. He also served as vice-chair of Macau's 23-member legislature. Press reports say Ho is well-respected. And he's garnered community support because of his consensus political style ? similar to his father, a famous Chinese community leader, often fondly referred to as "Mr. Macau".

Ho says he's committed to fighting gang crimes and triad turf wars, reforming the gambling industry and halting collusion between mobsters and officials.