In recent major national celebrations and gala events, Elvis Chao stands out with his poise and charisma. An alumnus of Bachelor of Arts in Chinese-Portuguese/Portuguese-Chinese Translation and Interpretation, this young host has captivated audiences with his fluency in multiple languages, sharp wit, and exceptional public speaking skills. He has become a sought-after figure at cultural festivities, government functions, and commercial events across the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao, presiding over more than a thousand events. How did he rise to prominence, and how has his multilingual ability shaped his career? Discover the story of Elvis Chao, a master of ceremonies who commands the stage.
Rising to Prominence in the Hosting World
Chao has always loved talking, joking that he was a chatterbox as a child. His journey into the world of hosting began in 2012 when he won an emcee competition. Over the past decade, he has honed his craft, evolving from hosting small-scale events to commanding the stage at major galas. His versatility extends beyond hosting – he has dabbled in films, theatres, micro movies, and commercials. His talent caught the attention of China Central Television (CCTV), China’s premier broadcaster, earning him invitations to host high-profile celebrations for four consecutive years, where he shared the stage with renowned emcees.
Last year marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to China – an occasion Chao considers his most unforgettable experience yet. CCTV invited him to be one of the hosts at the official celebration gala. Reflecting on this prestigious opportunity, he explained that these events usually feature CCTV hosts paired with local presenters, but this time, only Macao-based hosts were chosen and he was the first to speak, making the opportunity particularly precious. “The preparation time for the event was limited, numerous festivities happening simultaneously. Even though I had worked with CCTV multiple times before, the event’s standards were much higher and Mandarin is not my native tongue. I had to put in extra effort to perfect my delivery up to the level of professionalism the event expected. It was an incredibly memorable experience.”
From a Rookie to a Seasoned Professional
When asked how he managed to seize so many career opportunities, Chao emphasised the importance of being willing to go the extra mile – a mindset that, he believes, plays a key role in his achievements. He unexpectedly connected with CCTV when he agreed to assist a friend in a last-minute situation. A youth event organiser urgently needed a host but couldn’t find a suitable candidate. Chao stepped in just a week before the event, and his performance impressed a CCTV director, leading to a host invitation. “I truly believe that opportunities come to those who give their best without expecting immediate rewards. Success is the result of dedication and professionalism,” Chao shares.
Time is the best witness to personal development, and experience is the key to mastery. Throughout his career, Chao has faced numerous unexpected challenges while hosting live events. He recalled moments like a stage backdrop nearly collapsing toward the end of a show and a power outage that lasted for hours during a day-long music festival. How does he handle these sudden crises? “Unexpected situations are an inevitable part of a host’s career, and life in general. Embracing these moments is a skill that comes with experience,” he said. During his host training sessions, students often ask how to stay calm under pressure. He chuckled, “We don’t like surprises, but we prepare to be ready for them. Preparation is everything. The more experience you accumulate, the more naturally you can handle the unexpected. A host is more than just someone who speaks. We are the glue that holds an event together. Our ability to control the flow and the atmosphere directly impacts the audience’s experience.”
Multilingualism Elevates Career Development
Chao has a deep passion for languages and enjoys striking up conversations in different tongues. His decision to study Chinese-Portuguese translation at MPU was motivated by his desire to master Portuguese professionally. Little did he know that this academic pursuit would open doors to hosting opportunities in the Portuguese-speaking world. After graduation, he landed various Portuguese-language hosting and interview gigs, allowing him to interact with prominent figures from around the world and effortlessly switch between languages on stage. Fluent in six languages including Chinese, Portuguese, English, Japanese, Korean, and French, Chao’s linguistic skills have given him a competitive edge in the hosting industry. His career is a testament to the diverse career paths language professionals can explore.
Chao credits MPU for its emphasis on both theoretical and practical language training. He remains grateful to his first-year professor, who taught him that language learning is not just about memorising textbooks – it’s about applying knowledge in real-world scenarios. This philosophy has shaped his hosting approach, allowing him to navigate multilingual events with ease. In his hosting work, Chao seamlessly integrates his translation expertise. At trilingual events, he can concisely summarise Chinese speeches in English or Portuguese, mastering the art of consecutive interpretation. He acknowledged that his Chinese-Portuguese translation studies provided invaluable training in distilling key messages for precise interpretation.
As Macao positions itself as a “bridge” between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, Chao’s work contributes to this vision. He has been invited multiple times to host Portuguese-language events in the Chinese mainland, including a China-Brazil trade forum in Zhuhai. Speaking fluent Portuguese, he engaged with Brazilian mayors and officials, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. Chao believes that translation training enhances language skills and fosters cross-cultural understanding. By identifying common ground between cultures, he can better connect with international audiences, adding value to events and clients alike.
Building the “Rome” of His Vision
As his career was taking off, Chao took on an even greater mission. He established the Macao Master of Ceremonies and Host Association and serving as the president, while also founding his hosting company to nurture the next generation of hosts. His goal is to elevate the professionalism of the hosting industry in Macao and enhance its overall standards. He firmly believes that being a host is not just about clear articulation or voice control. It’s about ensuring the seamless execution of an event. He explains that a skilled host must be able to handle unexpected situations smoothly, ensuring that the audience remains unaware of any behind-the-scenes hiccups. This invisible effort, he emphasises, is what truly defines the value of a great host.
Throughout the interview, Chao frequently mentioned phrases like “there’s always room for improvement” and “we can do even better”, whether in his career or in language learning. Looking ahead, he remains committed to refining his skills, expanding his linguistic abilities, and further advancing the industry. “Rome wasn’t built in a day. The pursuit of excellence is a continuous journey. As long as I keep pushing myself and striving for progress every day, I believe I will reach the vision I have in mind.” His story inspires every young person to pursue their dreams and develop their positive values.
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