Following the change in the political environment，economic development and social transformation，associations in Macau have developed themselves in an unprecedented scale. The quantity of associations has increased consistently，their forms has become diversified，with widespread structural distribution amidst ongoing changes. Modern associations emerge along with the reduction in traditional associations. Associations continue their basic functions as agents of social services and political participation. The content of their functions has changed，with social services being transformed from philanthropic to welfare services，while political participation has been fully enhanced，ranging from electoral participation，policy consultation，fostering of political professionals，safeguarding and supporting law-abiding governance of the Special Administrative Region government.