The Bachelor of Science in Cultural and Heritage Management Programme at IFTM showcases the interconnected worlds of heritage and the cultural and creative industries. To provide Year 1 students with a deeper understanding of local heritage resources, Dr. Vicky Chen Zhaoyu invited Mr. Rex Lam, Director of External Affairs at the Macao Heritage Ambassadors Association, to give a guest lecture on 25 October. His presentation covered the history and value of Macao’s heritage and was delivered as part of the Introduction to Cultural and Heritage Management course.
At the start of the guest lecture, Mr. Lam introduced the fundamental concepts related to ‘world heritage’ as defined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and investigated the elements of its outstanding universal value, thus enriching the students’ comprehension of this topic. As the presentation progressed, Mr. Lam transitioned into an exploration of local heritage, with a particular focus on the Historic Centre of Macao, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005. Mr. Lam noted: “Macao offers a unique testament to the convergence of cultural, aesthetic, and architectural influences from both the East and the West.”
Throughout his presentation, Mr. Lam introduced information on various local heritage sites, to deepen the students’ understanding of local heritage resources. These included the A-Má Temple, the Cathedral, St. Dominic’s Church, the Ruins of St. Paul’s, and St. Anthony’s Church. By providing historical context for each site and sharing their background stories, Mr. Lam inspired students to go and explore each place, so they could gain a deeper understanding of how local heritage sites are managed and interpreted.
One significant outcome of the lecture, as explained by the students, was the clarification of a common assumption about the origin of Macao’s name. When Mr. Lam had asked them about the term ‘Macao’, most undergraduates believed it derived from the Portuguese sailors who, upon arriving in Macao, heard locals refer to the area near the A-Ma Temple as “Maa Gok”. This led them to believe that the entire city was named after this location. However, Mr. Lam offered a critique that challenged this view. This was that the Chinese sea goddess presently known as ‘Mazu’ – to whom the temple is dedicated – was not known by that name at the time the Portuguese arrived. This dispelled the faulty conception regarding the origin of Macao’s name. The story highlighted to students the importance of critical thinking, showing that widely-spread tales can sometimes be inaccurate.
To conclude the guest lecture, Mr. Lam presented an engaging map that used Chinese terminology to identify heritage sites. This sparked students’ curiosity and encouraged them to contemplate the reasons behind the choice of terms to name specific heritage sites. Mr. Lam emphasised that understanding heritage’s value is paramount regarding interpretation and management of it. Only by grasping the historical significance and values associated with each site, can people effectively convey their stories to others.
Students in attendance expressed their appreciation for the guest lecturer, as he broadened their perspectives on heritage-related topics.
In addition to guest lectures and seminars, IFTM places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, providing undergraduates with various opportunities to engage with academic experts and industry professionals, to enhance students’ professional knowledge and skills.
