A stint that lasts a lifetime: an American’s journey in a changing Macau

Timothy Simpson never expected his stay in Macau would turn into such a long haul.

He arrived in 2001, thinking of it as a good stepping stone to greater adventure in Asia. Two decades later, the American from Alabama is firmly rooted in the city that has become his home.

“I came to Macau 18 months after its return to China in 1999,” Simpson recalls the days when he took up a job at the University of Macau (UM). “I thought I’d stay for just a couple of years.”

But life had other plans.

The city’s energy and growth, the university’s expanding opportunities, and the unique cultural mix kept him here for far longer than he had intended.

Simpson, now an associate professor of communications at the UM, has spent much of his career teaching classes and conducting research in Macau, focusing on topics like media, culture, communication, and the gaming industry.

When he first arrived, the university was located on its old campus, a modest space compared to the sprawling, modern facilities that UM occupies today.

“I’ve witnessed the university’s growth firsthand,” Simpson says. He’s seen the university evolve over the years, with rising academic standards and an influx of talented students from both Macau and the mainland.

“The students are incredible, bright and motivated,” Simpson says. “Actually, they’ve improved dramatically over the last two decades. Today, getting admitted to the university is very stiff competition.”

Simpson’s ties to Macau go beyond his professional role at UM. He met his wife through the Thai community in Macau, and he credits this personal connection as a major reason for making the city his home.

As an expatriate, Simpson’s experience of living in Macau has been shaped by the city’s unique blend of cultures. Centuries’ of Portuguese influence have left their mark, resulting in a vibrant multicultural atmosphere that Simpson has come to cherish.

The Lusofonia Festival, an annual event that celebrates Portuguese-speaking cultures, is one of the many expressions of Macau’s multicultural identity that Simpson enjoys. The festival features music, dance, and food from countries as diverse as Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique.

“It’s moments like these that give me a real, vibrant sense of how diverse Macau still is today,” Simpson says. For him, Macau’s diversity isn’t just in its history — it’s alive in the present, in the people and traditions celebrated every day.

In Macau, Simpson chose not to live close to the university but in the historic center of the city, near Senado Square, one of the most popular tourist areas. “It’s sometimes difficult to navigate the sheer number of visitors, but these tourists have contributed to Macau’s development in the last 20 years.”

Despite his growing roots, learning the local languages has been a challenge.

“The biggest failure of my life is that I don’t speak Chinese fluently,” he admits. “I’ve taken both Mandarin and Cantonese lessons over the years, but I still struggle.”

English is widely spoken in Macau, especially among younger generations, which has made it easier for Simpson to navigate his daily life.

Despite the challenges, Simpson’s relationship with the city has only deepened over time.

“Macau’s growth has been astounding,” Simpson says. “I happened to live here during this massive transformation of the city, the economy, and the population. It’s a place that’s constantly changing, constantly expanding.”

The city’s skyline has now exploded with towering resort complexes, and Simpson has observed a gradual yet significant shift in the economy. As the government seeks to balance the gaming industry with other emerging sectors, Macau is navigating its path toward diversification.

“It’s a big experiment,” Simpson says, noting that it will likely define the city’s future trajectory. “What’s truly fascinating is watching how the policies and strategies unfold, and seeing how these efforts can create alternative economic drivers for the city.”

Simpson’s experience as an expatriate has also shaped his teaching philosophy. Drawing on his own experiences navigating cultural differences in Asia, he teaches students about the complexities of intercultural communication.

“I often share my mistakes with students,” he explains, noting that it helps them understand the realities of adapting to new cultures, whether in Macau or elsewhere.

For Simpson, what began as a temporary stint has blossomed into a unique life in Macau.

As he looks to the future, Simpson has no plans to leave. “I’ve made Macau my home. It’s where I built my life, my career, and my family. I plan to stay here until I retire.” Guo Likun, Xinhua

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