In an article published in this column in April, I suggested introducing Macau’s cultural heritage and Historic Centre into school curricula, either as a standalone subject or perhaps even a compulsory one. Fortunately, many schools are already doing this by inviting civil society organizations and cultural associations to introduce these topics to younger generations.
These initiatives help deepen students’ understanding of Macau’s historic monuments, whose Chinese and Portuguese roots have been carefully preserved by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC). They also highlight the city’s multicultural character and strengthen Macau’s cultural identity among residents and the many tourists who visit the Historic Centre every day.
Given that Macau’s cultural and historical heritage is also protected under the Basic Law of the Macau SAR, it is only natural not only to preserve it but also to combine culture and education in order to strengthen local residents’ sense of belonging to their own city.
Bringing Macau’s heritage more firmly into schools would ensure that future generations receive this knowledge through a collaborative effort involving families, teachers, students, the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ), universities and the city’s cultural associations.
It would be regrettable if future generations were unable to share their pride in Macau—and the story of its more than 400 years of cultural heritage—with visitors from the Greater Bay Area and international tourists.
Beyond cultural education, businesses could also benefit from future professionals specializing in cultural heritage, helping reshape the local economy through genuinely “Made in Macau” products that distinguish the city from the rest of the Greater Bay Area. Macau has every opportunity to build on what makes it unique: the convergence of two worlds, Chinese and Portuguese.
This knowledge could also contribute to the long-sought goal of economic diversification by encouraging the training of educators, guides and ambassadors for Macau’s cultural heritage and tourism, while fostering an industry dedicated to promoting and producing goods inspired by the city’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
If Macau is to build a strong, creative and sustainable cultural identity supported by local talent, its people must first understand their own heritage and cultural identity.
Those who fail to understand these values cannot truly understand Macau—or its future.
