In view of Macao residents’ enthusiastic concerns about the pair of giant panda cubs with the desire to know their names as early as possible, the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding selected proposed names from the 1,718 pairs of names collected from residents, among which the Macao SAR Government decided to name the pair of giant panda cubs “Jian Jian” and “Kang Kang”, representing the sincere wishes, care and love of residents offered to the cubs.

The activity “Let’s think of names for the giant panda twins”, which was organised by the IACM, drew enthusiastic response. A total of 3,587 qualified application forms were received with 1,718 pairs of unrepeated name combinations collected, demonstrating residents’ passion and love for the giant panda cubs. The selection criteria of the IACM and Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding included residents’ preference for name combinations, the meaning of names, level of good pronunciation and readability, past naming patterns, and prevention of repeating used giant panda names announced by the Central Government, etc.

There were 1,117 proposals for the selected names “Jian Jian” and “Kang Kang”. The name combination had the largest number of proposing residents, which was 4.3 times the name combination in the second place. According to the explanations of some residents on the proposed names, “Jian Jian” and “Kang Kang” carried the meaning of the healthy growth of the pair of giant panda cubs, while wishing all Macao residents good health and happy lives. In addition to the blessing in meaning, the names also match with the names of the cubs’ parents. Being simple and easy to read, they also wish everyone a happy and healthy life at all times.

Two of the proposers of each of the names “Jian Jian” and “Kang Kang” will win the grand prizes, with each winner receiving MOP 5,000 in cash and a souvenir. The list of winners will be drawn by computer under the supervision of Members of the Administration Committee of the IACM afterwards. The prize presentation ceremony will take place in the “Giant Panda Cubs’ 100-Day Celebration” activity on 3 October.

“Jian Jian” and “Kang Kang” are now in good physical conditions. At the ages of 83 days now, they are 4,115g and 3,335g in weight respectively. They have changed completely into the black-and-white suits as members of the giant panda family.