A Portuguese expatriate residing in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), has witnessed and grown alongside the region's vigorous and remarkable progress over the past 25 years since its return to China.
Having served as a major trade port under Portuguese occupation for centuries, Macao returned to China on Dec. 20, 1999, when the Macao SAR was established.
Macao has since been governed under the "one country, two systems" principle -- a unique arrangement that allows it to maintain its capitalist system and way of life within socialist China.
José Carlos Matias, a seasoned media professional hailing from Portugal, has contributed to various media outlets in Macao and presently holds the position of director at Macao Business Media.
Having studied journalism at university, he seized an opportunity to commence work in Macao shortly after graduating in 2003.
It was at that moment when Matias arrived in Macao filled with curiosity and anticipation, embarking on a journey to witness and document the splendor of this region.
"In 2003 I could witness a couple of major developments. We had the individual visit scheme put forth by the Chinese mainland authorities for Macao and for Hong Kong, that was a game changer for Macao's tourism development and economic development. And that very same year, which was the establishment of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, and assigning Macao with this task of being a bridge. And another key focus of interest I have to tell is Hengqin integrated bay area, we have more and more stories on these developments on regional integration. I feel really lucky for being able to witness and report and tell all these stories at least once in a lifetime situation and opportunity on a personal level. Quite an exciting journey," he said.
Hengqin, an island located just across a river from Macao, is home to the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone.
Matias expressed that bearing witness to Macao's prosperity for over two decades has been the most fortunate occurrence in his life. Not only has he achieved significant success in his career, but he has also established a content and thriving family within the region.
"When I arrived I thought I'm only going to stay for a couple of years, but after some time I started feeling that this was becoming my home. Nowadays I can say it soundly Macao is my home," he noted.
Portuguese expat reflects on 25 years of vibrant development in Macao
Portuguese expat reflects on 25 years of vibrant development in Macao
