Inside Asian Gaming parent company O MEDIA has launched a new media brand to cover CSR efforts in Macau. We catch up with Project Director Rita Pun.
Inside Asian Gaming: A lot of people in Macau were taken aback when a press release hit their inboxes in December announcing the launch of Macau CSR. Tell us a bit about the new media brand.
Rita Pun: Actually, the O MEDIA team has been working on this project behind the scenes for nearly two years. I joined the company in April 2021 and have been working on nothing but R&D for Macau CSR since then. We’ve developed it to be “The definitive record of CSR initiatives in Macau,” because the Macau government is placing so much importance on CSR.
IAG: During the recent re-tendering process there was a lot of pressure put on the Macau concessionaires to get involved in CSR. Will the new product be measuring how the concessionaires meet those commitments?
RP: It’s not just about the concessionaires. Yes, we will definitely be looking at their CSR initiatives but we’re open to covering any type of CSR in Macau, by any company or organization.
IAG: How would you define CSR?
RP: The Macau and central governments have expressed their strong desire to see Macau diversify its economy, and we see that diversification process as a key corporate responsibility.
A healthy and sustainable Macau should not rely too much on one industry. We also have CSR categories such as support for Macau SMEs, whole person development for Macau citizens, philanthropy, environmental and sustainability initiatives, responsible gaming and many more.
IAG: How will Macau CSR get its message out there?
RP: As the first dedicated, independent media channel focusing exclusively on CSR and economic diversification initiatives, Macau CSR will seek to play a leading role in raising CSR awareness by closing the current CSR communications gap. There is a lot of great CSR out there, but often the citizenry is unaware of it. We’ll have three main channels. The first is our website at www.macaucsr.com.
Secondly, we’ll have a free weekly email newsletter – in English and in Chinese – which anyone can sign up for on the website. Thirdly, 15 days after the end of each quarter we will publish a hard-cover encyclopedia-style reference book, also called Macau CSR. We also plan to launch a Macau CSR WeChat group later in the year.
IAG: What are your plans for ongoing development and growth of the brand?
RP: After so much time working behind the scenes, it’s great to be able to finally get out there and start networking in a much more public way. I’m already engaging with government departments, NGOs such as local associations, charities and professional bodies as well as Macau industry and the community at large. We plan to sign collaboration agreements with major Macau companies and other organizations to help drive our mission of reporting on and raising awareness of Macau CSR initiatives. There is a lot of scope for the future, including the production of CSR-related events, regular video content and even CSR delivery. Exciting times ahead!
