Local academics and sports industry representatives have told Inside Asian Gaming that they largely support a new government initiative to establish a “referral mechanism” for sports and cultural projects.
Under the mechanism, cultural organizations, sports organizations, enterprises or individuals can submit their ideas to the Macau SAR Government, with the Cultural Affairs Bureau and Sports Bureau then referring any projects it deems suitable directly to the city’s concessionaires to consider following through.
Speaking with IAG, lecturer at the Centre for Gaming and Tourism Studies at Macao Polytechnic University, Ryan Hong-Wai Ho, said it was difficult for private groups in Macau to have direct contact with the six major integrated resort operators, so this measure would help bridge the gap.
“This is a very good initiative to have government departments collect and refer the relevant projects, which will help accelerate the development of related industries,” he said.
“I believe there should be a clear division of labor among government departments and a dedicated inter-departmental working group to coordinate related matters.”
Journalist and former table tennis player Ian Johnson also sees the referral mechanism as a positive step.
However, “there is not enough information at the moment,” he said. “I suggest that the government and the concessionaires hold communication meetings to explain the future development direction with the cultural and sports industries, otherwise the future proposals will not meet the requirements of the enterprises, which will affect the efficiency of cooperation.”
He also pointed out that the establishment of a referral mechanism by the government does not mean the work of the Sports Bureau and the Cultural Affairs Bureau is over, and warned they should not just start handing all projects over to the concessionaires.
“After this announcement of the new proposal, the government should not just let go. It should continue to pay attention to and support the development of the industry,” he said.
“Nurturing sports and cultural talents is always the responsibility of the government, not the responsibility of the companies.”
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