Interview with Our Graduate: Mr Paulo Cheang,
Macau Chief of the City Planning Department
|
Mr Paulo Cheang,
Macau Chief of the City Planning Department
|
 |
Background of Mr Cheang
Mr Paulo Cheang, a graduate of Chu Hai Architecture Department
in 1985, now holds the post of Architect of the Lands, Public Works
and Transport Bureau, Macau Chief of the City Planning Department.
(¿D ªù «° ¥« ³W ¹º ÆU ÆU ªø )
|
Mr. Cheang came from Macau to study architecture in Chu Hai
College more than 20 years ago. As a student, Mr. Cheang represented
Chu Hai College to compete in the volleyball inter-collegiate
competition. After graduation, he worked in an interior design
firm for 2 years. He then worked in an architectural firm
for more than a year before receiving a scholarship to continue
his studies in Portugal. He is now the Architect of the Lands,
Public Works and Transport Bureau, Macau Chief of the City
Planning Department.
In the 70's and 80's, there was no university in Macau. The
only choice for residents there to receive university education
is to either go overseas, to Mainland China or to Taiwan.
Mr Cheang soon found out that Chu Hai College has an Architecture
Department; and he decided to begin his architecture education
at Chu Hai.
|
|
Choosing to study architecture in Chu
Hai
In deciding to take up Architecture as his profession, Mr. Cheang
joked about that civil engineering requires the understanding of
more difficult mathematics. In fact, he has always shown a keen
interest in architecture. In addition, the booming Macau property
market in the 80's was another catalyst for his decision to select
this profession.
Fond memories of the campus life at Chu
Hai
There were many fond memories throughout Mr. Cheang's campus life
at Chu Hai. He remembers that he was so involved in playing volleyball
that he sometimes did not pay much attention to attending lectures.
There were also the joyful moments of staying up late many nights
to complete the first architecture exhibition in 1983.
Difference in Hong Kong and Macau construction
industry
There are fundamental differences between the construction industries
of Hong Kong and Macau. As Hong Kong properties are economically
oriented, dominated by market factors and major companies, the land
is highly utilized. In the case of Macau, the preservation of European
traditions can be found throughout the city. It results in the emphasis
of cultural and heritage conservation and restoration.
In Hong Kong, the modern city planning is highly developed. As
a large metropolitan city, it incorporates an efficient mass transportation
network and extensive infrastructure. The architectural style is
usually American and contemporary. In Macau, European style roundabouts
are often adopted where Hong Kong has many traffic lights, etc.
Working in Macau
In Macau, the starting salary for government jobs is often higher
than in Hong Kong. However, the chance for promotion in Hong Kong
is sometimes greater. Architects in Macau are responsible for the
exterior and the structure of the building, while the planners are
responsible for the detailing works. The division of labor is quite
different in Hong Kong.
New opportunities in Macau
Mr. Cheang believes that the new Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge will
greatly enhance business activities in Macau. The new casinos, hotels
and the new fisherman wharf will bring about the renewed role of
Macau as an entertainment centre. In the area of industry, Macau
has also started its computer-related industry, investing in highly
valued-added and low pollution manufacturing industries. For Hong
Kong graduates to work in Macau, working visas are required.
Many Chu Hai graduates working in Macau
There are a number of Chu Hai graduates working in the Macau Government,
spanning from junior positions to very senior management professionals.
Some Chu Hai graduates have extensive working experience working
in Mainland China. Suffice to state the obvious, our College has
been making our small contribution to the architectural profession
in Hong Kong.
 BACK
|
