Ritchie_GLP

André Ritchie

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Born and raised in Macau, André Ritchie comes from a traditional Macanese family that embraces both Portuguese and Chinese cultures. He holds a degree in Architecture from the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Oporto, Portugal, and lived in Italy as an exchange student. Following a career in the government that saw him in charge of several large-scale infrastructure projects, he is currently the Director of Property & Works Department in STDM, overseeing the company’s large portfolio of properties. 
 
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
When everything goes according to my schedule and routine, it’s pretty much a perfect day. It may sound uninspiring, but I’m this kind of person. My day starts at 5:10am; and I go to bed before 10:00pm. In-between it’s hectic: there’s cycling, work and family logistics. Everything needs to tick like a Swiss watch. I need the discipline. I can handle changes, of course. But I can only enjoy the unexpected while on holidays.
 
If you could go back in time to any event in history, what would it be?
None. There are many good moments from the past worth revisiting, but I’m a forward-looking person. 
 
What’s your favorite book?
Two novels that left an impression on me are: Amsterdam, by Ian McEwan; and Ao Serviço de Sua Majestade, by Rodrigo Leal de Carvalho. Currently I’m reading From Third World to First: The Singapore Story 1965 – 2000, by Lee Kwan-yew. 
 
And your favorite singer/ band?
I have no favourite singer or band. But some songs seem to get better as they age, just like a good wine. Try Saturday by Yo La tengo. Undenied by Portishead. The time we lost our way by Thievery Corporation. And oh… 1996 album, by Ryuichi Sakamoto.
 
Who is your hero?
The hard-working middle-class man that goes to work diligently, every day, and performs his duties with utmost reliability. This is the real tough guy, the unsung hero. You have Bill Gates, Jack Ma, Steve Jobs… Kudos to their inventiveness. But Elon Musk is not doing preventive maintenance of your boiler so that you can enjoy a hot shower every morning. 
 
What can always cheer you up when you are having a bad day?
Nothing. A bad day is a bad day. I vent my frustration and you don’t want to be around me when that happens. But I always get a good sleep and then there’s the next day. And by then, the bad day is long gone.
 
What’s your worst habit?
I’m an architect and I feel pain when things look shabby. My assistant suffers with this: I send her photos whenever I find something that looks horrible in our office. “You guys are killing me softly”- that’s my typical message. My toothbrush, toothpaste, hand towel and hand soap all match the same colour. I’m picky about the appearance of things. Why look messy when you can look presentable? It takes the same amount of effort, so let’s do things right.  
 
If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I don’t care much about food and wine. A good meal means good atmosphere. This “one meal” would be with all my loved ones at the table, all enjoying a good time.
 
If you could retire tomorrow what would you do?
Travel around the world with my family and a camera.
 
What’s your favourite season or festival?
It used to be Christmas and I guess it still is. I get to spend time with my family, it’s a good break. It’s just that nowadays people celebrate Christmas in the most inappropriate way, like it’s some kind of carnival. I see noisy dinners with lucky draws, people eating and drinking like they just came out of jail. It annoys me.
 
What’s your favourite place in Macau?
Penha Hill, where I grew up. And the Coloane trails, early in the morning when the sun is climbing up.
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