Let’s be honest, if you ask me what the most profitable business in the world is, I would have to say it’s the gambling industry. But any society that grows based on the gambling industry alone needs to think ahead about what it plans to do with that money in the longer term. Because in the end, when gamblers turn to another more attractive place to play, it will be a rude awakening for that society.

The place I am talking about is obviously this city of ours. After a decade of rapid growth in the gambling industry, which has pushed up the cost of living all around, Macao now faces a tough period of readjustment as gaming revenue growth slows. The government has finally realised that creative industries can be another future for Macao—even if that realisation has come late. It is a sad truth that a couple that wants to live a comfortable life in Macao—someone who wants to start a family, buy a car and a parking space, hire a helper to look after their kids, for example—would need about MOP100,000 to make that dream a reality given the cost of living here. But what kind of industry can pay that kind of salary apart from gambling in Macao? It is simply a waste that well-educated young people have no choice but to work in the world of gambling. I hate to admit it, but the truth is that for most people, casinos are the only way forward in Macao.

Even if you don’t believe what I’m saying, the evidence is now clear to see. For example, casinos in Macao are full of employees standing idly by. And as the gaming industry starts to post slower growth, those casinos that are under construction will without doubt need to make some adjustments. Not only are casinos unlikely to keep paying crazy high salaries, but their hiring demands are likely to get tougher too. Are you willing to let all your years of studying go to waste like that? And what useful skills will you learn from working in a casino that could be applicable to other industries?

The reality is brutal. Too many of us cannot face the fact that we are headed straight for a wall. So rather than waiting for the government to rescue you, you should think about how to position yourself to make the most out of a more economically diversified Macao. Use the time to think about what are the things that might sell in this city. With as many as 30 million tourists a year, creative products can surely find a market in Macao. So what would a couple have to create and sell in order to make a profit of MOP100,000 a month? Black truffle beef jerky? Almond cakes in the shape of the Ruins of St. Paul’s? What about self-heating trays that contain Macao delicacies like wontons and soy sauce pigeons? You’ll be able to think of something to sell if you think hard about it from the perspective of a curious shopper. However, it’s important to consider whether you really want to become an entrepreneur, as it’s definitely much tougher than a nine to six office job. If you’re interested and want to learn more about getting into the creative industry, stay tuned for the next installment.