Our Desk: ‘Shiny, happy people’

Catarina Pinto

A recent survey shows that Macau’s happiness index is set at 6.99 on a scale of 0 to 10. Unsurprisingly, the people of Macau are mostly dissatisfied with the city’s public transport system, rising cost of living and, the mother of all concerns, housing.
The study concluded that Macau’s happiness index is above average when compared to similar lists, such as those compiled by the OECD.
Behind Macau’s colorful neon lights, however, lies a more complex reality. And at times happiness isn’t the first word to come to our minds.
One cannot avoid looking at all the faces surrounding us.
What we often see on board a public bus is the tired face of an old man whose features reveal more than he intends; the face of a mother with a little girl, almost falling asleep as the bus cuts through Macau’s narrow streets; or the high school students with their heavy backpacks browsing websites on their phones, listening to music, or playing a game.
We are compelled to believe that behind a bustling economy does not necessarily lie a happy society. Since the city’s rapid change into the world’s gambling capital, people have found it difficult to keep up with the city’s pace and still put on a smile.
They may not always look happy, but after a long and tiring day in a packed city, maybe no one does.
Macau’s economy used to be the one thing that could inspire confidence in people’s voices: it’s developing, it’s vibrant, it’s booming. Casinos surely helped bring prosperity and development over the past fifteen years, many argue. But now that casino revenue has dropped for a sixth consecutive month in November, a certain uncertainty awaits Macau’s society in the New Year to come.
The Macau Special Administrative Region was established fifteen years ago. The people of Macau are now relying on a new government – soon taking office – to tackle some of the city’s oldest unresolved issues. Ultimately, they’re hoping these five new secretaries are in a position to not only address their greatest concerns, but also to truly step up efforts to resolve the worrisome matters that will eventually dictate Macau’s fate.
Diversifying Macau’s economy, for instance, has always been one of the government’s top priorities, judging by official statements, with even Beijing leaders highlighting its importance.
But how easy is it to diversify an economy that has been relying heavily on the gaming industry for the past fifteen years? It’s unquestionably hard to find solutions in such a small yet complex territory, particularly one that is so densely populated – not only by its residents, but also its millions of tourists.
It requires talent and a clear vision to disentangle Macau’s major issues. But most importantly it requires a deep deference toward the city’s inhabitants and a true commitment to improving their quality of life.
From lawmakers to the Macau government and Chinese leaders, we often hear that Macau residents should love the city and their nation. But a city is nothing without its people. So perhaps they should advocate love for the people.
Tourism and the gaming industry have shaped the Macau we know today. The city’s skyline will always unveil the neon lights of a casino. Its streets may yet see growing waves of tourists.
But a city is ultimately owned by its inhabitants. They’re the city’s soul. It’s not only about giving them priority when accessing the job market, or sharing Macau’s gaming industry profits. It goes well beyond that. To be happy, they possibly need to feel the city as theirs; to feel at home. The city in itself should give them a glimpse of hope for a better tomorrow. The people have spoken so many times. Transport, housing, cost of living. It now requires determination to guide Macau’s population on the road to happiness.