Leanda Lee
For a number of years now Macau has been bent upon positioning itself as the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. Ambition and aspiration are worthy attributes, and such slogans provide a needed rallying call to direct activity; it is a symbolic device that indicates a strategic direction. We all need a vision to help coordinate our endeavours: we would not get anywhere fast without one.
Taking issue with the grammar in this slogan and assuming it to be intended, I point to the degree of aspiration signalled by the use of the definite article, ‘the’. Macau does not aim to be merely ‘a’ centre of tourism and leisure. Such a small word but such great power, ‘the’ tells us that Macau is to be the world centre, the one and only, the best, the global and international reference point and benchmark of all things touristic and leisurely. The ambition is commendable, but I fear, lofty.
In things worldly and global, with the clear exception of gaming and remnants of historical legacy, where Macau does rate a mention, it is hardly positive.
Of recent times the eyes of the world have been on us for our failings: The lack of academic freedom exemplified by the sackings from the University of Saint Joseph and University of Macau over recent years and reported self-censorship by academic staff do not bode well for the development of a strong and rigorous academic-centric education industry. Regardless of how one may view such things, the University of Macau’s drop in the recent Times Higher Education World University Rankings from somewhere in the 276-300 range in 2014-2015 to 401-500 in 2015-2016 with extremely low scores in teaching and research is unsurprising given the focus on hardware and administration rather than support for home-grown teaching and research excellence. Pockets of excellence exist but rely on individuals rather than systemic development. No longer do we see the institution promoting itself as aspiring to be world-class as once we did.
The proximity of the controversial Taishan nuclear power plant within 80 kilometres of our ‘World Centre’ of tourism has caused great apprehension for many in Macau; Fukushima is yet etched in our collective memory. Concerns about the oversight of China’s National Nuclear Safety Administration seem to have been heeded as links with international bodies in France and Finland have been strengthened to enhance supervision. Perceived sub-quality supplies of water, food and technical supervision from across the border have surely had a part to play in the fears. The fact that Macau is reliant on imports from across that border does little to support ‘a World Centre’, let alone ‘the World Centre’.
Outflowing pollutants from the Pearl River Delta both airborne and water-borne (including those bloated hogs) kills the romance of the South China Sea. Given the fiscal resources we have, Macau should be the pearl of the delta, but the filth and debris left around our streets and the spaghetti of utility wires in our urban landscape tell of little respect for our residents. There is an air of poverty in our northern streets. If “Macau Loves Locals” to this extent, how well does this suggest that we will respect and deliver the best in the world to our tourists and leisure seekers?
Very recently Macau has been portrayed as having little respect for other forms of life. Animal rights groups throughout the world have targeted Macau and the Canidrome for appalling conditions and handling of its greyhounds. This is another international embarrassment that The World Centre of Tourism and Leisure must do without.
Macau’s penchant for catch phrases like this is legendary. They say that if it’s said often enough, it becomes truth. Let’s hope the world is listening.
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