Top 10: If you could choose a celebrity to be the ambassador for a historical site in Macau, what is one initiative they could host to promote its legacy?
- Readers share with us how they think celebrities can contribute to promoting tourism in Macau
- This week’s question: If you could choose one dish from Macau to showcase to the world, which would it be, and why?
The Ruins of Saint Paul’s are a big tourist attraction in Macau. Photo: AFPThis week’s question: If you could choose one dish from Macau to showcase to the world, which would it be, and why?
This question has been sponsored by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), which is responsible for implementing the city’s tourism policies, enhancing its reputation as a quality destination, and promoting local tourism services to attract diverse visitors. Find out more about the MGTO on their website.
To take part, drop us a line via this form or email us at [email protected] by 11.59pm on January 17. Tell us your name, age and school.
Here are the celebrities our readers picked ...
Au Yat-hei, 15, Chinese YMCA College: Rico Link, a well-known YouTuber from Macau, can effectively promote the Ruins of Saint Paul’s. The artist could produce a series of YouTube videos, starting with a captivating vlog exploring the site and sharing its rich history. The religious complex has an interesting history behind it – from its 16th-century origins as a Jesuit complex to its destruction and subsequent status as a symbol of Macau’s diverse cultural heritage. In addition, Rico could host interactive segments, perhaps a treasure hunt or a historical quiz, directly tied to the site’s past.
Issac Ho Siu-fung, 15, Shun Tak Fraternal Association Yung Yau College: I would invite Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo to introduce the Ruins of Saint Paul’s. Macau used to be a colony of Portugal, so there are many buildings full of Portuguese characteristics. I suggest inviting him to perform some football tricks in front of the historical site in Macau and upload them to the internet to attract people to learn more about Macau.
Kasim Yuen, 15, Shun Tak Fraternal Association Yung Yau College: I would like to choose veteran Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat to be the ambassador for a historical site in Macau to promote its legacy. Not just because he is a legendary actor in Hong Kong, but one of his well-known films, God of Gamblers, is closely related to Macau’s gaming industry. The casinos in Macau are always attractive and if Chow Yun-fat becomes the ambassador, it will probably get more people to have a deeper understanding of Macau’s legacy.
Man Chun-mei, 12, Immaculate Heart of Mary College: Laurinda Ho, daughter of casino magnate Stanley Ho. She actively promotes the city’s heritage and culture through her involvement in arts, fashion and philanthropy. As a socialite and entrepreneur, Laurinda has represented Macau internationally, raising awareness of its historical sites. Choosing her as an ambassador for a historical site would be fitting, and her hosting of an exhibition with free admission would attract visitors and highlight Macau’s legacy.
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Hui Man-kwan, 12, Immaculate Heart of Mary College: Maria Cordero, a renowned singer, actress, TV host and DJ from Macau, can leverage her popularity and influence to endorse these historic sites. Her widely watched cooking show, Maria’s Kitchen, further enhances her ability to assist Macau in showcasing its rich legacy to tourists and visitors. She also has a positive image in promoting unity and love, so she is the best choice.
Carson Poon, 12, Maryknoll Fathers’ School: One initiative would be to promote Macau’s legacy by organising a fun challenge at the Ruins of Saint Paul’s with a cash prize. American YouTuber MrBeast would be the best fit. He has a big following on social media and could easily get his fans to participate in the challenge and learn about the legacy of the historical site while they are doing the challenge. It also helps promote the legacy to the international audience when the content is broadcast on YouTube.
Cherry Ho, 16, Leung Shek Chee College: I would choose American-French actor Timothée Chalamet, who made it to the top spot of the Most Handsome Men of 2023 list compiled by content creator giant TC Candler. I believe that as long as he takes photos of Macau’s attractions and uploads them to his social media pages, his fans will learn about Macau’s historical sites.
Louison Co Luck-yi, 15, STFA Yung Yau College: Hong Kong feng shui master Mak Ling-ling for the historical site of Sam Kai Vui Kun. It was a meeting place for Chinese merchants during the olden times. The reason that I chose Mak Ling-ling is because I’ve been obsessed with Chinese feng shui for a long time, and she is the most famous master in Hong Kong. Having her sit there and read people’s palms can definitely attract people to Macau.
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Natalie Lam Hiu-fu, 16, Leung Shek Chee College: I would invite Taylor Swift. She’s famous and influential and she’s one of the people with the most followers on social media. She’s very close to her fans and she often has some conversations with her fans online. If Taylor Swift could hold a meeting in Macau and talk about the historical site in Macau, it would be very successful in promoting Macau’s history. Also, it can attract more people to visit Macau and promote the economy.
Yoyo Lee Lok-yi, 12, Pope Paul VI College: I will choose Isabella Leong to be the ambassador for A-Ma Temple because she is a Macanese actress and former singer. A-Ma Temple is one of the oldest temples in Macau which was built to honour Mazu, the holy sea goddess who blesses the fishermen. Isabella Leong could host a session about the history of the temple and the relationship between the city’s name and the temple. The organisers could also conduct a tour of the temple to introduce the various poems carved on the stone.