What Sort of Creative and Cultural Products Are Consumers Seeking?

11 2015 | Issue 11
Text/Yuki Ieong, Jason Leong and Roy Lei

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Music

 

Allison Chan

 

Classical music lover; working in the field of music education after graduation from university.

 

“Macao is definitely a good place for music lovers. World-class musicians are often invited to perform in Macao, and concert tickets are the cheapest in Asia. It’s good value for money. Every large-scale music festival is a must-go event for me.”

 

“But the availability of musical instruments and accessories such as sheet music is limited in Macao, and products in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan are more competitive. I usually buy them outside Macao and each time I spend about MOP$1,000.”

 

Ip Kim Kuok

 

Studied in England and majored in music; has been working in the field of music composition and education since coming back to Macao. A member of Macao A Cappella Association.

 

“I bought a lot of records when I was studying in England. I once bought records that were worth several hundred pounds in a store’s clearance sale. But I ain’t shopaholic. I listened to the music online first and only bought those I thought worth collecting. But I buy less in Macao. Choices are limited here.

 

 

Fashion

 

Jessica Lam

 

Indulged in Japan’s visual-kei style since junior high school, Lam’s preference of fashion is simplicity now, and her passion for fashion has never changed.

 

“I buy new clothes every month and each time I spend 40% of my income on fashion. I am not a follower of a particular brand. I buy clothes that look good regardless of what brand they are.”

 

“I usually buy clothes from the brands’ online shops; sometimes I like going to the shopping arcade in the Venetian. I don’t really pay attention to local fashion brands. It’s not because of the design, but if there’s no big difference in terms of pricing, I would prefer buying foreign brands.”

 

Eugenia Lo

 

Independent journalist and editor, Lo nurtured her fashion sense by watching fashion shows in other countries. She loves Japan’s mori-kei style (literally forest style) and vintage clothing.

 

“I usually buy my clothes in Hong Kong or online. With a focus in the gaming industry, Macao’s shopping malls are targeted mostly at the deep pockets and are full of big brands. There aren’t many shops with character, and that’s why I rarely shop in Macao. Sometimes I make my own clothes, like the one I am now wearing.”

 

“I think fashion supporters are already there in Macao. The only thing is the fashion industry here doesn’t have enough channels to reach consumers yet.”

 

 

Literature

 

Wong Io Man

 

A loyal reader of Ni Kuang’s work and a lover of literature, Wong recently has published a literary magazine with a group of his friends.

 

“I usually buy books in the mega-bookstores in the mainland. I spend MOP$300 to MOP$400 each month on books. Books are cheap in China. Each costs just a few bucks. I read any kind of books. Recently I love reading books about diplomacy.”

 

“I am especially interested in buying local literary works because I found a sense of belonging when I read them. But the book cover design and packaging are substandard. It won’t attract people to buy even the content is excellent.”

 

Leo Lei

 

Amateur poet in Macao. Inspired by teachers in secondary school, Lei discovered the aesthetics of literature and has become a writer since then.

 

“I read books about literature and history in my leisure time. I read books about economy and marketing for the sake of my work. I think I spend an average of MOP$2,000 on books every month.”

 

“I have also paid attention to local literature. Comprehensive marketing strategy is needed to promote a book. It’s not just about letting the book sit quietly on the shelf.

 

 

Comics and Animation

 

Ricky

 

Ricky is a manga fan and often pays attention to what’s new in the manga publishing industry, both in and outside Macao.

 

“I spend about MOP$1,000 to buy manga and anime products every month. A comic book costs MOP$30, and a pictorial book costs over MOP$200. I think that’s the amount what a manga and anime lover would usually spend.”

 

“I also notice what is happening in the manga and anime industry in Macao, but I don’t think it’s worth the time talking about. There aren’t any companies here willing to cultivate the industry, and readers in Macao don’t really support it. The quality of local manga works is not good either. It’s a vicious cycle.”

 

Aya Lei

 

Shojo manga artist in Macao and has self-published a book once.

 

“I spend MOP$300 to MOP$400 a month on comics. Reading comic books is a kind of entertainment and I feel happy when I read them. The pricing of the comic books are reasonable. I have also published my own work once and understand how much effort you have to put in in order to publish a book.”

 

“A manga artist in Macao can apply for government funding to help publish his/her work, but promotion has to be self-financed. There aren’t any manga publishers in Macao, so it’s not easy for a newbie to get into the industry.”

 

 

Performing Arts

 

Zoe Ieong

 

Performing arts have become part of Zoe’s life since she was a high school girl. She has in-depth knowledge of Macao’s theatre, both on the stage and behind the scene.

 

“I spend about MOP$5,000 annually on programmes related to performing arts, including watching plays and attending workshops. I also watch performances in neighbouring cities. When I travel, theatres are on my must-see list.”

 

“With a small population, Macao can’t compare with other performing arts markets. But Macao has its own character. For example, the Old Court Building and Ho Tung Library are very unique performing venues. Together with its special background, I believe that Macao has a lot of opportunities yet to be discovered.”