A Promising New Year NEW GENERATION MEANS BUSINESS IMPERIAL PORCELAIN, PRICELESS LEGACY GBA RAIL NETWORK: PICKING UP SPEED - Macao Magazine
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A Promising
New Year
NEW GENERATION
MEANS BUSINESS
IMPERIAL PORCELAIN,
PRICELESS LEGACY
GBA RAIL NETWORK:
PICKING UP SPEED
Macao MOP 30 | Hong Kong HKD 30 | Mainland China RMB 30 | International USD 4 02/2022
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STAFF WRITER PHOTOGRAPHERS
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Vivianna Cheong, Erico Dias, Tony Lai,
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2 | Macao Magazine 68 February 2022
Contents
14 48 64
COVER IMAGE
The sun rises over Macao as the city
welcomes a new year. Photo by Sean Hsu
04 China praises Macao leadership over
economy and pandemic response
Chinese leadership acclaim Macao's chief executive
and government efforts over the past year during
high-level meetings in Beijing.
08 Macao amends law for gaming licences
Protecting national security, strengthening
government oversight and clarifying the concession
system are some of the key proposals.
14 New generation means business
Macao's efforts to diversify its economy depend to a
large degree on the dedication and innovation of a
38 Pulling the strings
Macao's first professional Chinese puppetry
theatre group create performances based on
64 Tracking the growth of the Greater Bay Area
Macao stands to reap multiple benefits from China's
great rail network expansion, much of it centered on
new generation of locally based entrepreneurs. local stories. the Greater Bay Area.
24 Healing in harmony
Therapist Cristal Chiang helps those affected with
a range of physical and mental concerns using the
48 Delicate art, unbreakable legacy
The Macao Museum of Art showcases 120 pieces
of Ming dynasty imperial porcelain to celebrate
74 Way of the mind warriors
Kendo, a Japanese martial art, has a small but loyal
band of followers in Macao, dedicated to mental as
soothing power of music. the history of ceramic art. well as physical self-improvement.
30 Global goals, local action
Two young Macao women are promoting the United
Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals within
56 K-9: New breed of hero
Macao's Police Dog Group trains dogs for all
kinds of specialist security and crime-fighting
82 Zoom
A delegation of Team China Olympians visited Macao
to an enthusiastic welcome from local people and
their own community. operations. even showed off some of their medal-winning skills.
4 | Macao Magazine 68 February 2022
POLITICS
China praises Macao on
economy and Covid efforts
Macao’s chief executive and government performance acclaimed
by Chinese leadership during high-level meetings in Beijing.
Text Christian Ritter
Photos Xinhua News Agency C hinese President Xi Jinping and
Premier Li Keqiang expressed
their support for Macao’s efforts to
The Chinese president met
Ho at the central government’s
Zhongnanhai compound in
diversify the city’s economy and Beijing, during which Ho reported
praised the local government for its on Macao’s current situation and
Covid-19 control and prevention the work of the Macao Special
work during a visit to Beijing by Administrative Region’s (MSAR)
President Xi Jinping (right) Macao Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng government.
praises Chief Executive in December 2021. President Xi underlined that
Ho Iat Seng’s governance
On his return, Chief Executive Ho Macao has been able to maintain
of Macao
said that President Xi and Premier stability and a strong development
Li had also highlighted the problem momentum despite the pandemic.
of Macao’s overdependence on a The Chinese president pointed
single industry [gaming] and that out that Macao was also working
the central government would hard to normalise cross-border
continue to fully support Macao’s travel between the mainland
diversification of its economy. and Macao.
The pandemic had created
STABILITY AND MOMENTUM tough challenges for the global
economy, but also created a
President Xi Jinping praised Chief moment for reflection, Xi said.
Executive Ho’s governance of Macao, He added that, due to the Covid-19
in particular his administration’s pandemic, Macao’s people had
development strategy and the gained a clearer understanding of
effective prevention and control problems in the region’s existing
of the Covid-19 pandemic by economic structure, resulting in
implementing the “dynamic zero- a deeper consideration of its
Covid” policy. future development.
6 | Macao Magazine 68 February 2022 Politics | 7
The central government lay a solid foundation for lasting This was Ho’s first official Premier Li Keqiang
will continue to support Macao prosperity and stability for the visit to Beijing since he became (right) and Chief
Executive Ho Iat Seng
accelerating its economic region, according to Li. Macao’s chief executive in
discuss the city’s
diversification, the Chinese leader Chief Executive Ho expressed December 2019. In 2020, the development
said, adding that this approach appreciation to Premier Li for the annual visit to Beijing was
implements the “One Country, Two central government’s concern postponed due to the coronavirus
Systems” principle with Macao and support, adding that Macao restrictions and the meetings with
characteristics. would maintain effective control President Xi and Premier Li took
The central authorities fully “The central authorities fully over the pandemic, ensure a stable place by video.
acknowledge the work that Ho and economic recovery, and seize the President Xi last visited Macao
acknowledge the work that Ho and the
the Macao SAR government have opportunities offered by China’s for Chief Executive Ho’s swearing-
Macao SAR government have done. done,” President Xi said. national development. in ceremony in December 2019.
– President Xi Jinping
MEETING WITH PREMIER LI KEQIANG
In a second Beijing meeting,
Premier Li Keqiang expressed to
Chief Executive Ho the central
government’s appreciation of Ho and
Macao’s work regarding economic
development, supporting people’s
wellbeing and its control of Covid-19.
The central government will
continue to implement the policies
of “One Country, Two Systems”, with
“the people of Macao administering
Xi also pointed out that Macao’s Macao”, and maintaining a high
economy had enjoyed a gradual degree of autonomy for the region,
recovery in 2021 and that the Li said.
local government had assisted Li pledged to improve the region’s
disadvantaged groups and small systems for enforcing the National
businesses. Constitution and Macao SAR’s
The president highlighted the Basic Law. He said that the central
fact that Macao’s legal and executive government fully supports the chief
mechanisms safeguarding national executive in leading the Macao SAR
security had been upgraded, and government to administer the city
that the 2021 Legislative Assembly based on the rule of law.
elections had been held successfully, Li hoped that Macao would
upholding the principle of “patriots initiate coordination with national
governing Macao”. development strategies as well as
The central government’s participating in and advancing
General Plan for the Development the Guangdong-Macao Intensive
of the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone in Hengqin Island.
Cooperation Zone in Hengqin Premier Li also hoped that
will offer a new path for Macao, Macao would continue its efforts
furthering its integration into national to curb the pandemic and improve
development, President Xi said. people’s livelihood. These efforts will
8 | Macao Magazine 68 February 2022
ECONOMY
Macao to amend gaming Text Christian Ritter and
Gonçalo César de Sá M acao’s Legislative Assembly passed the first
draft of Macao’s gaming law amendment
bill on 24 January 2022. The amendments to
licensing legislation Law No 16/2001 are intended to strengthen
government oversight of the industry to protect
social interests, defend national security and to
ensure the gaming industry's future aligns with the
While Macao is seeking to develop alternative industries to city's broader plans for economic diversification
diversify its economy, restructuring the city’s gaming sector and sustainable development.
Key points of the draft bill are that it caps the
has been identified as a key mission for the government.
number of gaming concessions at six, cuts the
length of licences to 10 years, extendable by three
years in exceptional circumstances, and also
curtails the role of junkets, restricting these gaming
promoters to working with a single concessionaire.
However, Macao will keep its gross gaming
revenue tax rate at 35 per cent, the same level as
the past two decades. The additional payment
of 4 per cent of casino operators' gross gaming
revenues as "contributions" (dues) to the
government's social, cultural and other activities
will also remain unchanged.
Successful gaming concessionaires will
also be assessed by the Gaming Inspection and
Coordination Bureau (DICJ) every three years
to ensure that they are complying with all the
obligations of their licence. Concessionaires must
also report any financial operations which go
beyond those stipulated in their contracts to the
Macao SAR chief executive, before they take place.
Secretary for Administration and Justice
Cheong Weng Chon outlined the details of a
proposed bill to amend the 2001 Gaming Industry
Law in January after a 45-day public consultation
on the gaming sector, which is Macao's largest
industry and major source of tax revenue.
Macao's current gaming industry
consists of 42 casinos run by
Lei Heong Ieong
the three concessionaires and
three sub-concessionaires
10 | Macao Magazine 68 February 2022 Economy | 11
All images on this spread courtesy of Government Information Bureau
The government is determined
to control the size of the gaming
industry to ensure that it benefits
Macao as a whole. The sector
remains the most important element
of Macao’s economy although
the government is committed
to diversifying development.
Additional concerns have focused
on ensuring that the industry
benefits the wider social interests
of Macao and also conforms to the
needs of national security.
RESTRUCTURING THE GAMING
SECTOR
Macao's gaming industry
represents the single most important
segment of the city's economy in
terms of employment (about 12 per
cent of the total workforce in mid-
2021), taxation and contribution
to gross domestic product (GDP).
However, for many years, both the
central government and Macao
government have warned of the
danger of over-reliance on this
sector, which has been illustrated 20 years, with the possibility of an (SJM Resorts, S.A.; Wynn Resorts have the chance to win a licence 5 billion (US$625 million) instead Macao Assembly debating
by the recent impact of Covid-19 extension to 25 years. (Macau), S.A.; Galaxy Casino, S.A.) in the upcoming tender. of the previous level of MOP 200 the new bill to amend the
restrictions on the city’s economy. Macao has established itself and three sub-concessionaires According to the latest 2001 Gaming Industry Law
million (US$25 million).
The gaming sector contributed as a pioneer of integrated resorts (Venetian Macau Limited; MGM available data from the Gaming He also said that all casinos (Opposite page) Secretary
51 per cent of Macao's GDP in pre- – a concept that brings together Grand Paradise, S.A.; Melco Resorts Inspection and Coordination must be located in real estate for Administration and
pandemic 2019. casinos with substantial hotel (Macau), S.A.), with each full Bureau Macao's gaming industry owned by the concessionaires. Justice Cheong Weng Chon
In 2020, its GDP share was down accommodation, retail, conference concessionaire selling one sub- consists of 42 casinos run by the Gaming operators' so-called
to 21.3 per cent due to the impact of and exhibition facilities, dining, concession. However, it is now three concessionaires and three satellite casinos, which number 18
the Covid-19 pandemic on Macao's and entertainment venues within a proposed that sub-concessions, sub-concessionaires, with 6,302 and are housed in buildings that
economy, according to Statistics and single complex. However, gaming by which a concessionaire gaming tables and 11,449 slot they do not own, will be given three
Census Service data. revenue has always been the partners with another operator, machines. years to comply with the process.
The new gaming bill proposes most lucrative one and the Macao will be prohibited. The new The bill also proposes that
that the government can grant up government has signalled for some simplified structure allows for six CONCESSIONAIRE CAPITAL concessionaires' managing director
to six gaming concessions by public time that operators must focus on concessionaires, the same number must be a Macao permanent
and open tender for a period of 10 other revenue streams, creating a as current individual operators. Secretary Cheong also said resident and hold at least 15 per
years, with a possible three-year more diverse range of attractions. Cheong said that each of Macao’s that Macao's future gaming cent of their company’s capital,
extension, whereas the existing law Currently, Macao’s gaming current six gaming operators, three concessionaires must have a compared with the present 10 per
allows gaming concessions for up to industry has three concessionaires of which have US business links, minimum capital stock of MOP cent minimum.
12 | | 13
Lee Yiu Tung
Macao Magazine 68 February 2022 Economy
Under the new bill, in the future, gaming interest, the national interest and the city's The proposals put an end to a prolonged Casinos in the
concessionaires can only list up to 30 per ongoing efforts to diversify its economy, period of speculation about the future of gaming Macao Peninsula
cent of their shares on the Hong Kong Stock which continues to be marked by its in the city, speculation that greatly increased
Exchange. overdependence on gaming. as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The
Cheong said that all bids for future gaming The draft legislation, which has been government’s public consultation initiative
concessions must meet a range of conditions, discussed by the government's top advisory allowed a forum for local people to voice their
including being in the Macao public interest, Executive Council, must now be debated and views and the bill has also been welcomed by
safeguarding national security and the city's voted on by the Macao Legislative Assembly the six current operators for consolidating the
drive for economic diversification. (AL) for amendment and final vote by industry’s position in the city’s development.
The concessions must also ensure the lawmakers. The proposed legislation, therefore, appears to
gaming industry's sustainable development Cheong said the government hoped that have created a consensus about how Macao’s
and promote corporate responsibility. the Legislative Assembly would pass the bill gaming sector can move forward as a healthy
The policy secretary noted that the bill as soon as possible, taking into consideration and sustainable component of the region’s
will strengthen government supervision of that the three gaming concessions and overall economic growth for decades to come.
the gaming industry, pointing out that casino three sub-concessions will expire on 26
operators “are not common companies.” June and that the government will need to
Gaming experts have pointed out that initiate a tender process to invite bids for the
Macao's casino permits are not conventional concessions. Cheong said that the tendering
business licences but concessions that, to a process could be postponed if necessary.
certain degree, are similar to those granted to The proposed new legislation comes at
public utilities by the government. a time when the gaming sector has reported
No government representatives will sit improved figures year on year, although they
on the concessionaires' management boards fall short of the city’s historic highs. DICJ
although the government had initially floated reported in January 2022 that Macao's gross
this possibility during its public consultation gaming revenue (GGR) rose 43.7 per cent
process last year. However, the policy secretary to MOP 86.8 billion (US$10.8 billion)
stressed that the gaming concessionaires will during 2021.
have to inform the government regularly and That figure was a marked improvement
in detail on any major financial issues. on 2020, when GGR plummeted 79.3 per
The policy secretary stressed that the cent to MOP 60.4 billion (US$7.5 billion) due
concessionaires are barred from leasing to the Covid-19 pandemic. In pre-pandemic
some of their gaming facilities out to others. 2019, GGR dropped 3.4 per cent year-on-year
Currently, many so-called VIP rooms for high- to MOP 292.4 billion (US$36.4 billion).
stakes gamblers are said to be leased out to The proposed bill has been broadly
second-party junket operators. welcomed as a balanced approach to
Cheong said that the government planned meeting the needs of the business interests
to introduce a separate bill on the tighter of current and future operators as well as
supervision of junket operators, whose protecting the overall interests of Macao’s
operations are currently regulated by an social and economic development.
administrative regulation (by-law) only. The changes clarify the tightening of
Cheong also repeated the point that the regulations but also allow sufficient flexibility
bill aims for a “healthier” development of the in tendering timetables for operators to
gaming industry in line with Macao's public adjust their business model as needed.
14 | Macao Magazine 68 February 2022 Businesss | 15
BUSINESS
Text Tony Lai
O pening a snack bar, cafe,
restaurant or clothing store
and expressing the tremendous
vitality and imagination of the
New generation
Photos António Sanmarful
used to be among the first choices city’s younger generation of
of many local young people starting corporate pioneers.
their own business, but in recent
means business An aerial shot of
years, the options have multiplied.
From the Young Entrepreneurs
Aid Scheme to the establishment
PAYBOY — A BIG CHANGE
FOR SMALL CHANGE
Macao’s NAPE area of the Macao Young Entrepreneur Most people from time to
Macao’s changing business environment is Incubation Centre, the Macao time accumulate piles of low-
offering a range of exciting opportunities government has introduced several denomination coins in their homes
programmes in the past few years after emptying their pockets and
for young business people. We speak to
to promote the city’s economic purses of small change from
three of them. diversification. These measures supermarkets, convenience stores
have improved the environment for or restaurants. On their own,
innovation and entrepreneurship they are too awkward to carry
in the city by encouraging around endlessly for the next low-
entrepreneurs to think creatively and cost purchase and it’s too time
explore new business opportunities. consuming to queue up at the bank
We talk to three entrepreneurs to exchange for notes. One by one,
who are following the ‘Macao dream’ the pile of coins gradually gets bigger.
Cheong Chi Fong
16 | Macao Magazine 68 February 2022 Businesss | 17
Payboy founder Oscar
Leung launched the Oscar Leung, 29-year-old INEVITABLE SETBACKS IN Technological Development Bureau, are now able to convert their
service in 2021 local entrepreneur, recognised ENTREPRENEURSHIP Monetary Authority of Macao, Science coins directly into notes, which
this problem and founded and Technology Development Fund he has noticed has significantly
Payboy, which develops To encourage the public and the Macao Trade and Investment increased user interest.
self-service coin-collection to exchange coins, the Payboy Promotion Institute. In terms of Macao’s market
machines. This not only releases machines are free of charge and size, Leung expects 15-20 Payboy
the value of these hoards of the current revenue model is CASH CIRCULATION machines are needed to meet
coins but it also optimises the mainly based on the commission of demand but this year he hopes to
circulation of small change in merchants, as the machines attract Despite the rise of electronic expand to transport hubs such as
the market. people to the store. payment, particularly due to the border gate to make the
Unlike the current coin “One of the most difficult things Covid-19, Leung says that cash will process even more seamless for
conversion service offered to do was to talk to merchants about remain one of the main methods tourists so when they depart
by banks, Leung describes setting up the machine because they of transactions in the future. “The Macao, they aren’t carrying a
Payboy's service as “simpler”. didn't think it would generate much pandemic has fostered citizen's pocketful of coins with them.
While most banks require staff revenue for them. But after the first usage of electronic payments and He is also working towards
to painstakingly sort and count machine was put into use, more and they use cash less often than before, transferring the money directly
the coins by hand, Payboy more merchants were interested.” but this has simply strengthened the into bank accounts in the future
allows users to simply pour all Before starting his own business, understanding of the importance of – essentially integrating with
the coins into the machine, Leung worked as an analyst at a local coin recycling.” the government’s fast payment
which instantly recognises and company, where his job included In less than a year, he has also system. “We hope to develop
calculates their value. Users checking the daily news. “One day, successfully partnered with Bank financial self-service devices
can then choose to convert the I noticed a news story about a coin- of China and Banco Nacional in Macao and to provide more
amount into e-vouchers for changing machine launched by a Ultramarino to run coin-collection services such as self-payment,
merchant purchases or donate startup company in Hong Kong. machines for them. With six machines self-deposit and self-checkout,”
to local charities. I remembered that I had seen a spread across six branches, users Leung says.
Since the launch of the similar machine when I was studying
first Payboy machine in a large in the United States. I thought there
shopping mall in Taipa in was room for Macao to promote
mid-January 2021, the startup related businesses.”
has added eight more machines Inspired by this, he contacted The Payboy
across town, totalling nine the Hong Kong-based company machine collects
both Patacas and
Payboy machines. They collect and became its representative in
Hong Kong Dollars
all denominations of Macao Macao in 2017. However, due to
pataca and Hong Kong the Covid-19 pandemic and other
dollar coins. factors, he decided to take on this
Payboy’s three machines at venture on his own under the brand
the Original Technology stores name Payboy.
in the city have since collected “In recent years, there has
more than 1.2 million coins with been a boom in entrepreneurship.
about 60 per cent of them being Whether it's government incubators
MOP ten-cent coins. “The main or [private] accelerators, young
purpose is to help the public to people have more ideas to start their
rediscover the value of coins. businesses.” Looking back on his
They may consider that the entrepreneurial journey, there were
amount of coins accumulated bumps along the road, but Leung
is small, but the value is often is glad to have had the support of
greater than people expect,” different government departments
says Leung. and units, such as the Economic and18 | Macao Magazine 68 February 2022 Businesss | 19
reflect on why we all generate so an online sales platform for the
much garbage in our lives, so I hope store soon, so that customers can
to implement minimalism in my own buy their desired products without
life. However, it is not easy to live that leaving home. She also hopes to
kind of life in Macao. For instance, hold regular workshops on healthy
products in supermarkets usually have eating and natural products to
multi-layer packaging,” she says. Wong promote a healthy living culture
was inspired to start her own business and deepen the connection
when she came across the concept of between customers and the shop.
“shop naked” online. “Before I opened
my store, I worked in the make-up GATHERING COMPANIONS
and skin-care industry and later
became a stay-at-home mum. At that Three years ago, Less is More
time, I didn’t have the urge to start a was one of only two “naked
business.” selling stores” in the city. “Many
people would curiously hang
FROM ZERO TO ONE around outside the store when
we first opened, so we had to go
From the store name and out and talk to them about the
logo, to the location of the store, shopping model and further their
daily operations and inventory understanding of it.”
management, everything was a The store has seen the gradual
new experience for this young emergence of a few competitors.
entrepreneur. “Every day was a Wong also commented on the two
challenge, because I didn’t have the or three “naked selling stores” that
Rachel Wong began to LESS IS MORE — “NAKED SHOPPING” philosophy into practice in her own and plastic containers. For relevant experience, so I had to figure have recently opened: “The aim of
notice how much waste life, she also started a business, Less example, customers need to bring everything out myself,” Wong admits. these stores is to inspire people to
our society generates
Concepts such as Danshari is More, to popularise her beliefs and their own containers to the store However, the business was simplify life and focus on what they
after having her first
child, leading her to
(a Japanese word which means lifestyle to reduce unnecessary waste when buying cleaning liquid, disrupted by Covid-19 and the store love and what's important, so I'm
open zero-waste shop “decluttering”) and minimalism have in the city. though she also provides clean was closed for more than a month. glad to see this lifestyle becoming
Less is More in 2019 swept across the world in recent Located in Rua Nova à Guia, Less reusable glass containers at her After that, the business had to rely more popular.”
years, encouraging people to re- is More opened in May 2019 and store for convenience. on regular customers' orders for “My ultimate goal is of course
examine their relationships and other focuses on selling organic health Starting a family made Wong a period of time. Today, thanks to to make waste reduction a daily
personal matters as well as to reflect products, such as natural food, fruit notice just how much waste a Macao’s remarkable results in the fight habit for people in Macao. Not only
on what they really want in life and vinegar and oil, spices and cleansing single household could produce. against the pandemic, the business for our kind of shops, but also for
to abandon unnecessary baggage. skincare products. Unlike traditional “I have always been interested volume of the startup returned to its supermarkets and other large chain
32-year-old Rachel Wong is just one stores, products are sold packaging- in minimalism. Especially after pre-pandemic level. stores that can try ‘naked selling’, ”
example. In addition to putting the free to reduce unnecessary wrapping the birth of my child, I began to In addition, Wong plans to add Wong says.20 | Macao Magazine 68 February 2022 Businesss | 21
Marco Duarte Rizzolio
co-founded Follow Me
Macau with his business
partner in 2017
FOLLOW ME MACAU — THE exhibitions and events, the organisers services in response to the latest
Startups need BUSINESS OF TRAVEL or their companies will reserve a day market trends.
capital, both at for them in Macao for team-building In this difficult time, the
Macao's business environment activities. So, about six months to a business fortunately has the strong
the beginning not only encourages more year after we launched, we changed backing of the Macao Young
and in the middle local young people to pursue our business strategy a little bit. We Entrepreneurs Incubation Centre,
their dreams, but also attracts focused more on a B2B (business- which was funded and established
and later stages people from overseas to explore to-business) model, which means by the Macao government at the
of development. opportunities in Macao. Portuguese planning actitives for different end of 2017.
entrepreneur Marco Duarte Rizzolio companies,” Rizzolio says. The centre provides a 24-
– Marco Duarte Rizzolio took advantage of Macao's booming This change quickly received a hour shared workspace for
tourism industry, for example. positive response from the market; Macao entrepreneurs, as well as
The entrepreneur developed and the platform has successfully diversified support services such as
launched Follow Me Macau, a one- attracted companies from Singapore, professional consultations, training
stop booking platform for Macao India, mainland China as well as and coaching, access to expert
travel experiences, opening a new Hong Kong and Taiwan. Prior to the advisors, road-show marketing and
chapter in his career. pandemic, Follow Me Macau had investor-investee matching.
With years of financial an average of two clients per month Follow Me Macau was one of
experience in Spain, Italy and Brazil, that engaged them to put together the first members of the centre
48-year-old Rizzolio moved to corporate events. and Rizzolio said that he had been
Macao seven years ago with his wife fortunate enough to visit other cities
and family. “Before my departure, PANDEMIC CHALLENGES in the Greater Bay Area through
I did a lot of research on Macao the centre's exchange activities and
and I thought there was a good However, the pandemic has entrepreneurship competitions to
opportunity to grab [in the tourism disrupted this progress, with travel expand his network and raise his
market].” After a stint at a gaming restrictions and quarantine measures business to the next level.
company, he co-founded Follow having a major impact. “Since the Compared with neighbouring
Me Macau in 2017 with his business outbreak, business has come to a cities, Rizzolio, who is also
partner, offering a one-stop guide complete halt,” Rizzolio said. “There a guest lecturer at the City
to Macao allowing travellers to book have been no phone calls or emails.” University of Macau, says that
dining, shopping, leisure, cultural, Although the outbreaks have been the entrepreneurial environment
sporting and other activities on controlled in the mainland and in Macao is still in its infancy,
the platform. Macao, and some travel restrictions but with the strong promotion
The platform initially operated between the two places have been of the local government and the
on a B2C (business-to-customer) eased, entry to Macao from other rich resources of the mainland,
basis, but Rizzolio gradually places remains severely restricted. especially the Greater Bay Area,
saw more room for expansion in “A small number of companies the entrepreneurial ecosystem will
corporate events and incentive travel started inquiring about our service gradually improve.
(sometimes referred to as MICE – in February or March last year, but “Startups need capital, both at
Meetings, Incentives, Conferences the business situation is still poor.” the beginning and in the middle
and Exhibitions). Rizzolio expects to see an upturn in and later stages of development.
“Every year [prior to the Covid-19 his business in 2022 due to wider While Macao doesn't have a
pandemic], a number of visitors takeup of vaccinations and further complete capital market, Hong
come to Macao for MICE. These relaxation of travel restrictions. At Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen
business tourists usually stay this stage, Rizzolio is focusing on have a complete system, so the
in Macao for three to four days. reducing costs, as well as developing focus is on how to connect and
In addition to participating in and preparing new products and share these resources.”22 | Macao Magazine 68 February 2022 Businesss | 23
AD
The sign “Change “China is a dream market for going through a change in family
Starts Here” greets startups and many Portuguese- life cycle, these entrepreneurs have
customers as
speaking startups want a piece of the brought a new energy to Macao’s
soon as they enter
Rachel Wong's Less
pie, so Macao can serve as a bridge entrepreneurial environment.
is More store to attract startups from relevant It also raises the bar for creativity
regions to Macao,” he adds. and ingenuity in developing fresh
Macao’s drive for domestic industries and services. This is a
economic diversification and challenge the new generation of
integration into the Chinese national business people are keen to take up.
economy provides a wider spectrum However, these entrepreneurs
of business opportunities today for are not alone, they have the strong
entrepreneurs based in the city. backing of the Macao government
Leung, Wong and Rizzolio through funding and support
Scan the QR
code below represent very different business programmes of varying kinds. In
to watch the sectors, ranging from finance, to a sense, Macao’s entrepreneurial
video: no-frills retail and travel apps – the environment is itself in its early
very definition of diversity – but have stages, a period full of excitement
also brought insights from their own and enthusiasm combined with
lives, whether spotting a business imagination and growing expertise
model overseas, having international but most of all a determination
corporate experience, or simply to succeed.24 | Macao Magazine 68 February 2022
SOCIAL AFFAIRS
Healing in Text Rafelle Allego
Photos Denzel Calangi M usic’s power to stir or still
human emotions was already
noticed in ancient times. The Chinese
worked in the field for 13 years, first
encountered this style of therapy in
2003 at Michigan State University in
harmony philosopher Confucius wrote: “Music
produces a kind of pleasure which
human nature cannot do without."
the US, where she had enrolled after
finishing her education in Macao at
Sacred Heart Canossian College.
Whether making music or simply After completing her dual
Music helps those affected by Christal Chiang has been listening to it has a power to bring Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy
sharing music therapy in us together, lift our spirits, calm our and Psychology in 2008, she sat
a wide range of mental and Macao since 2008
nerves and soothe our wounds. Its for the US Certification Board for
physical concerns. Therapist
healing effects in a clinical setting Music Therapists exam and became
Christal Chiang has pioneered were recognised at least as early as a board certified music therapist.
the practice in Macao. 1789, when music therapy emerged This US certificate is recognised in
in the US. countries and territories without
According to the American Music music therapy training such as Hong
Therapy Association, the practice Kong, Japan and Singapore.
harnesses music-based treatments However, she's unable to
to help people with everything from practice clinically in Macao as music
developmental issues to depression, therapy is not recognised among
insomnia, substance abuse, mood Macao’s list of 15 qualified medical
disorders and rehabilitation. It is professional disciplines.
particularly helpful for patients with
dementia or Parkinson’s disease, STRIKING A CHORD
as well as children with learning
disabilities or behavioural concerns. Chiang returned home in 2008
Local practitioner 37-year-old and convinced the Concordia
Christal Chiang is one of just two music School for Special Education in
therapists in Macao. She provides NAPE that music therapy could
therapy sessions for those in need, help students. The school created
especially children and older adults. a role for Chiang, who soon began
Having played piano as a child, Chiang counselling children with autism
understood the power of music and and attention-deficit hyperactivity
knew it could help people. “I found disorder (ADHD).
more connections between music While her US certification is
and life – with the rhythm, melody, unrecognised in Macao for clinical
harmony, everything,” she says. services, she is able to conduct
She decided to study music therapy short-term, group therapy projects
and psychology. Chiang, who has via intermediary groups.26 | Macao Magazine 68 February 2022 Social Affairs | 27
All images on this spread courtesy of Christal Chiang
At Concordia, she helped her after, she began teaching music weaken the muscles around the physical recovery, reduce stress, which are responsible for encoding The choir at General Union of
students lengthen their attention students at the Macao Polytechnic vocal cords and affect coordination improve mental agility and rebuild memory and guiding complex Neighbourhood Associations
of Macao’s Centro de Cuidados
spans and improve their cognitive Institute, including about music and communication, rendering self-esteem. Before the pandemic, behaviours, respectively.
Especiais Rejuvenescer
abilities through music. For example, therapy. speech slow and laborious – but the choir performed popular ‘oldies’ For example, when people helps people who have had
Chiang uses the melody and changes She also leads music therapy singing can help. dating from their youth at least twice learn song lyrics, even simple ones, strokes or have dementia and
the words of the popular children’s with local associations and NGOs, “Specifically, if they have a year for family and friends. Not it activates cognitive functions, Parkinson’s disease rebuild
song “The Muffin Man” to encourage such as the General Union of Broca's aphasia [damage to the only did the choir offer participants while learning to play instruments self-esteem and connections
children to choose coloured bells. Neighbourhood Associations of areas of the brain responsible for a sense of accomplishment, but improves coordination, strength,
(Opposite page) During a music
This interactive exercise not only Macao (UGAMM). At UGAMM’s speech and motor movements], a Chiang says it also provided a fully patience, communication and mood. therapy group session at the
helped the children expand their day centres, where older residents typical characteristic of this group supportive social network. Chiang primarily helps Centro de Apoio Vocacional Kai
vocabulary, but also improved their can connect and find support, is losing fluid speech but retaining children with special needs and Lung for members of Macau
engagement and focus. she helps those with Parkinson's the ability to sing. This all comes SPECIAL EDUCATION developmental delays at inclusive Association for Intellectual
Development Services, Chiang
Chiang left Macao to work as a disease and dementia via group down to the neurological system,” education programmes and
encourages participants to
musical therapist with neurological sessions. Chiang explains. Musical therapy can prove to be nonprofit organisations, including clap to the beat
patients at Singapore General Chiang also helps patients When used in tandem with highly beneficial for young people, the Fuhong Society of Macau, a local
Hospital for three years, then recover from strokes by organising speech and language therapy, too. Music activates the brain’s NGO supporting individuals with
rejoined the school in 2014. Soon choirs at the day centre. Strokes can singing can speed individuals’ temporal and prefrontal cortices, mental health conditions.28 | Macao Magazine 68 February 2022 Social Affairs | 29
“Music is non-threatening, Using instruments and voice, Chiang
works with service users to help
non-pharmaceutical and them improve their overall wellbeing
and reach personal goals
non-invasive.”
– Christal Chiang
class, it’s not that simple. Conventional
music is about quality and performance
skills, whereas music therapy focuses
on developmental goals and evaluating
progress, says Chiang.
Sometimes the goal will be to improve
a child’s social skills such as focus, eye
At the Fuhong Society’s centre near contact, teamwork and confidence. At
Nam Van Lake, where Chiang provides other times, Chiang aims to enhance
group sessions for children under six, speech and cognitive skills – including
she incorporates a mix of instruments, learning the ABCs, colours and numbers
singing and movements. “Some [children – or physical skills, such as coordination
with special needs] have difficulties and strength.
sitting down and focusing for long Chiang is collecting data at Escola
periods of time,” she says. “But in music de Santa Madalena, where she provides
groups, they participate better because music therapy, to document the benefits
they find it more fun.” of music groups in Macao classrooms,
Musical activities with colours, and add to the growing body of research
numbers, steps and lyrics keep children on the subject. “In these few months,
engaged, while the act of singing and we’ve seen some improvements among
learning lyrics also supports speech students in the schools’ music therapy
development, says Chiang. For some session group,” she says, adding that
children, it can be hard to process results should be published this spring.
everyday language because adults talk “Music is non-threatening, non-
quickly. But, when listening to lyrics, pharmaceutical and non-invasive,” says
they have more time to process and Chiang, who hopes to share this versatile
understand each sentence. practice of musical therapy with more
Musical therapy groups also provide people. “This makes it safe to apply in
a safe, positive space for children to work medical settings, rehabilitation centres,
on social skills and collaboration, learn schools, nursing homes – as well as in
patience and work in teams. “Music can’t psychiatric settings.”
be made alone,” says Chiang. “When we And, since so many people love
play together, we have to wait for each music, patients often find it to be a social,
other so we can make beautiful music.” pleasant way to heal and learn. “Music
While it might appear like the therapy is not paracetamol,” adds Chiang.
children are simply taking a music “It's a humanistic approach.”30 | Macao Magazine 68 February 2022
SOCIAL AFFAIRS
Reaching global goals
through local action
Spurred into action by first-hand experience of the pandemic,
a pair of young Macao women set up Genervision House to
promote the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals
within their own community.
Text Rafelle Allego
Photos courtesy of
Genervision House
A chance encounter online
between two overseas
Macao students led to a dynamic
partnership – as the two young
women pooled their skills to
educate their home city about
sustainable development and
encourage a new generation to
Genervision House step forward.
arranged a tour of Oscar The local NGO Genervision
Farm in Coloane with
the Society of Food and
was founded by two students in
Environmental Health to January 2021. Their mission is to
discuss food waste and share knowledge and promote
sustainability sustainable development through
events, educational videos, field
trips and cross-sector collaboration.
The group’s work has already
won international recognition. In
October 2021, the United Nations
Sustainable Development Solutions
Network Youth (SDSN Youth)
invited Genervision House to join,
the first group in Macao to do so.32 | Macao Magazine 68 February 2022 Social Affairs | 33
After completing her
UNHCR internship in
Jordan, Christy Un
headed back to Macao
where the idea of
creating Genervision the London School of Economics During quarantine, they now pursuing a PhD in international
began taking shape and Political Science before joining constantly messaged each other relations from Tsinghua University
a UNHCR internship in Jordan, and made video calls and so their in Beijing. But they continue to plan
(Opposite page) Arianna
assisting refugees from Syria. idea for Genervision House took and invest in Genervision House in
U did her UNESCO
internship one year
The experience was a powerful shape. The pair chose the name their free time.
before Christy Un did her one. “As I worked inside the refugee “Genervision” to signal that it’s time “We really want more people
UNHCR internship camp on a daily basis, I interacted for the next generation to step up to learn about the UN SDGs, from
with refugees and learned about and create a more sustainable world, school students to corporates,” says
their respective stories. From these they explain. Un, who is the association’s chief
interactions, I learned more about After quarantine, both young operating officer while still working
Syrian culture, refugees’ difficulties women took up new jobs. Un full-time. “At first, it was just the two
as well as their determination to worked as a research assistant of us but then, in less than a year,
create possibilities for themselves.” for the United Nations University we now have 10 core members, all
Though they hadn’t met in Institute in Macau’s Cyber Resilience of whom are volunteers,” she says,
person, Un discovered her future project, while U freelanced as a adding that some work virtually
teammate’s blog online and reached communication consultant. U is while others reside in Macao.
out to her in 2019.
They travelled together in Jordan
and Egypt in 2020. U then continued
her international trip alone before
both had to return to Macao due to
the pandemic. For several months
before their return, Jordan was
under a stringent nationwide
curfew, with air-raid sirens echoing
through the capital Amman every
day, Un recalls. The country also
suffered from a supply shortage at
the beginning of the pandemic and
With 750 member organisations NO BETTER TIME Un recalls eating only warmed-up
across 127 countries, the UN frozen meals for weeks on end, apart
programme empowers young people While starting an association from occasional fresh vegetables
to plan, advocate and work towards during the Covid-19 pandemic delivered by her kind landlord.
achieving the UN’s 17 Sustainable posed a number of challenges, “It was also very difficult to
Development Goals (SDGs). Un and 27-year-old co-founder obtain real-time information as
“It feels exciting to be part of Arianna U say the devastation the situation unfolded rapidly and
[SDSN Youth] because we can do and uncertainty around the globe changed every day,” Un says, adding
more with international resources motivated them to act. how grateful she is to her Jordanian
and assistance,” says 24-year-old In the years leading up to friends who supported and assisted
Genervision House co-founder and Genervision, U, also a Macao her. “It was also not easy to fly back
Macao resident Christy Un, her eyes resident, had worked for a year in as flights kept being cancelled.”
sparkling with excitement. “We want Mozambique as one of the first Eventually, she managed to get on
to collaborate with different experts UNESCO interns from Macao, a Macao-bound plane, where she
worldwide so we can bring the best specialising in communications. was amazed to discover that U,
practices to Macao, as well as share Meanwhile, Un studied for a Politics who had been in Norway, was a
our stories with a global audience.” and International Relations BSc at fellow passenger.34 | Macao Magazine 68 February 2022 Social Affairs | 35
Genervision House founders
Christy Un and Arianna U spread
their message at a UN Sustainable
Image courtesy of the United Nations
Development Goals workshop at the
University of Macau
(Inset) U accepts a generous
donation from Wynn Macau during
the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao
Commemoration Festival on World
Environment Day in June
implementing and tracking the In the past 12 months, Genervision community of like-minded people and First proposed
Gender Equality, progress of Macao’s sustainability. House held workshops at Wynn working with policymakers. in July 2014, the
17 Sustainable
Reduced Inequality, For this reason, the group is learning Macau and Sands China. Staff from “Everyone has a role to play, and
Development Goals
Climate Action, and and sharing knowledge about the both integrated resorts participated raising awareness from different corners of build on the original
WHAT ARE THE SDGS? Sustainable Cities and Communities. technology needed to make Macao in interactive role-playing discussions society is just the first step,” says 23-year- eight Millennium
While all the goals are important, a smart city. and learned about the companies’ best old Gladys Ng, the Environmental, Social Development Goals
At the turn of the millennium, the pair believe these specific SDGs In the same vein, the pair also practices relating to SDGs. and Governance and community project
(Below) Gladys Ng
the UN established eight Millennium are the most essential for Macao. raises awareness about cybercrimes, At Wynn Macau, its sustainability manager at Genervision House. “Many
is the community
Development Goals (MDGs) to For example, the UN’s “Sustainable because they believe Macao needs efforts combine environmental people in Macao are unfamiliar with the project manager at
create a more equitable, healthier Cities and Communities” goal to protect citizens and companies. protection with community care. term ‘sustainable development’ or perceive Genervision House
and more sustainable future for all. focuses on making human habitats “This relates to the ‘resilience’ Through an innovative approach, it it as solely environmental protection. We
To build on the MDGs’ momentum, “inclusive, safe, resilient and of the city,” Un says. “It also has contributes to the SDGs by donating want to start by changing people’s minds
the UN proposed an expanded list sustainable”, which Un and U say many societal, environmental and its surplus uneaten fruit to the Fuhong through education and media exposure.”
of 17 goals in July 2014 that outlined is directly relevant to Macao’s governance benefits.” Society of Macau where they are turned While the SDGs have been translated
global targets for 2030. Some of the urban lifestyle. into fruit tea. and circulated in Chinese, many
goals focus on tackling poverty – “Macao faces floods and A SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION At Sands China, they discussed all misconceptions remain. “When they’re
such as No Poverty, Zero Hunger, typhoons,” says Un, of the the sustainable development systems just starting to learn about the term,
Quality Education and Reduced importance of addressing this SDG. Achieving the SDGs by 2030 already in place within the company, people might associate it at first
Inequality – while others tackle The group also supports “smart city” will require cooperation between with their workshop session ending with with environmental protection,”
employment, consumption, health, initiatives because smart technology the government, private sector a call to action for sustainable business says Ng.
wellbeing, climate action, clean has the power to improve and local people. All too aware and personal change. “If people have more
water and more. infrastructure, communication, of the collective efforts needed, By forging partnerships across opportunities and channels to
While it intends to address all safety and sustainability. In addition, Genervision House holds workshops different sectors, Genervision House learn about sustainability, it is
the 17 SDGs in Macao in the future, if Macao evolves into a smart city, for corporations and policymakers, hopes to reach more people. It also only a matter of time before they
Genervision House currently focuses the pair believes there would be where the NGO demonstrates how to advocates a three-pronged approach: understand the importance of the
on five areas: Quality Education, greater transparency for planning, implement SDGs holistically. raising awareness, creating a diverse SDGs,” adds Ng positively.36 | Macao Magazine 68 February 2022 Social Affairs | 37
AD
Genervision House Un agrees, adding that the group events in the future and are currently
hosted a beach potluck plans to raise awareness through offline planning another farming event.
event with the Language
activities, such as workshops, and online In addition to community events,
Exchange & Culture
Promotion Association content, for example monthly newsletters the association seeks to collaborate with
in March 2021 to and videos. “We’ve also held experiential policymakers and present solutions
discuss gender equality activities, like our Gutenberg Soap Series to bring the SDGs to the fore. While
Workshop,” says Ng. sustainable development has played a
In collaboration with local artist more central role in recent policy plans,
Oriana Cheong, participants gathered the city has yet to integrate the SDGs into
at the Centro de Cultura e Artes official strategies.
Performativas Cardeal Newman in May to “Our vision is big, and it definitely will
discuss sustainable consumption, while take time, but we are hopeful,” Un says.
carving beautiful patterns on recycled “We're just beginning, but we’ve seen
soap collected from staycations and many more new faces and heard many
quarantine stays. They then used the more new voices who care about this
patterned soap to stamp greeting cards topic... We can all adopt [the 17 SDGs] in
made out of recycled paper. our daily lives. It’s never too late to care
For International Women’s Day in about sustainable development.”
March, Genervision House organised a
potluck event at Hac Sa Beach in Coloane
with the Language Exchange & Culture Interested in learning more about
Promotion Association to discuss gender Genervision House’s activities and
equality – another SDG – over board events? Scan the QR code to visit
games. Ng says they strive to host more their website.38 | Macao Magazine 68 February 2022 Arts and Culture | 39
ARTS AND CULTURE
Pulling
new strings
We talk to Teresa Lam Teng Teng and Kevin
Chio, who opened the first professional
Chinese puppetry theatre group in Macao,
about sharing local stories through puppetry.
Text Rafelle Allego
Photos Denzel Calangi N estled between quaint townhomes and
produce stalls in Coloane Village sits an
unassuming, three-storey house. But looks can
be deceiving: inside the quiet abode awaits
a riot of creativity and artistry, music and
performances.
This is the House of Puppets Macau, a
A tabletop puppet that performance venue established in 2021 by
Teresa Lam Teng Teng Teresa Lam Teng Teng and Kevin Chio. The
and Kevin Chio made venue is home to the Rolling Puppet Alternative
while they completed
their studies in the Czech
Theatre (滾動傀儡另類劇場), the first
Republic professional Chinese puppetry theatre group in
Macao, and also serves as a creative hub for all
kinds of other artists.
The couple is on a mission to elevate Macao’s
local arts scene, build a community across
greater China and encourage critical thinking
through their socially driven productions. “Art
is about experiences, feelings and exchange
of thoughts to encourage everyone to think
on their own,” says Lam. “It is not only about
inspiring but also educating in a place with
space for everyone, like the House of Puppets.”You can also read
