We are certainly living in strange times. When we published our previous issue, we were just coming out of all the festivities of Christmas and New Year, and looking forward to what 2020 and the Year of the Rat had in store for us. Then, just a couple of weeks later, we found ourselves in lock down, with all Chinese New Year festivals cancelled, schools and other the public facilities closed, and the future very uncertain.
As this issue of CLOSER goes to print, the World Health Organisation has just declared a state of ‘global pandemic’, as countries all around the world struggle to come to terms with COVID-19. China, and in particular Wuhan, seem to be through the worst of the situation… for now. But in Europe and America, the challenge is just beginning.
For our cover story this issue, we decided to take a look back at the history of Macau and some of the crises it has had to face over the years, to try to put our current times in perspective. What we found was a small but very resilient city that has encountered natural disasters, outbreaks of deadly diseases, and times of great hardship and turmoil, especially when it became home to thousands of refugees during the Second World War.
Throughout these tough times, Macau has always endured, often managing much better than the surrounding areas, through hard work, innovative measures, good governance and probably a bit of good fortune too. We hope that by looking back at past crises, it can inspire us to carry on staying hopeful and working towards a brighter future.
Also in these pages, we travel to the Artic with local poet and artist Un Sio San, on an amazing artist residency program. We also catch up with Singaporean movie director Tomas Lim to learn about his latest success in Hollywood. And we delve into the world of eco-friendly fashion at the launch of the Redress Design Award 2020.
In Gourmet, we speak with two accomplished chefs, Chef Lou Chi Seng who previously cooked for six of Macau’s governors over 25 years, and Executive Chef Kelvin Au Yeung, who heads up one of Macau’s amazing Three Michelin Star restaurants, Jade Dragon at City of Dreams. And in Home Affairs, we visit the cozy two-bedroom waterfront Ocean Gardens apartment of Australian, Liz Lycette.
Saddened by the untimely death of a great sporting hero in January, we reflect on happier times when Kobe Bryant visited Macau in 2008 and 2011, much to the delight and excitement of his local fans.
Finally, we commemorate the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic and influential properties in Macau, Hotel Lisboa, which opened to an excited public in February 1970.
This issue, Macau CLOSER is also celebrating our 13th anniversary, so to all our readers and partners, thank you for your support over the years. It continues to be our pleasure to cover all the interesting aspects of our great city, in the good times and the tough times. Stay safe and healthy! Happy Reading!
*This issue's cover is a painting by renowned Scottish painter George Chinnery who lived in Macau in the 19th Century,entitled "A Chinese Woman with Fan and Birdcage by a Circular Window", published in Chinnery in China by Peter Moss. We photoshopped the mask onto her face to give a contemporary connection between this beautiful image and our cover story examining how the people of Macau have shown great strength and resilience in times of crisis over the centuries.
