Hong Kong and Macau: Same system, different outcomes

Both have more liberties than mainland cities but face their own societal, economic issues

Chinese President Xi Jinping appearing on a screen during a variety show in Macau yesterday. The city will today celebrate the 20th anniversary of its handover with an event attended by Mr Xi. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Macau (at left), sees barely
Macau (above), sees barely any street protests, much less large-scale ones. In contrast, Hong Kong has, in the past six months, been rocked by often-violent protests sparked by an extradition Bill that has since been withdrawn. PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Chinese President Xi Jinping appearing on a screen during a variety show in Macau yesterday. The city will today celebrate the 20th anniversary of its handover with an event attended by Mr Xi. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Macau (at left), sees barely
Yesterday, protesters (above) in the city marched to foreign consulates with a petition for support on human rights in Hong Kong. PHOTO: REUTERS
Chinese President Xi Jinping appearing on a screen during a variety show in Macau yesterday. The city will today celebrate the 20th anniversary of its handover with an event attended by Mr Xi. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE Macau (at left), sees barely
Chinese President Xi Jinping appearing on a screen during a variety show in Macau yesterday. The city will today celebrate the 20th anniversary of its handover with an event attended by Mr Xi. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Elizabeth Law
China Correspondent
Updated
Dec 20, 2019, 07:54 AM
Published
Dec 20, 2019, 05:00 AM
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University graduate Calvin Chan works in a casino.

He graduated in 2012 with a degree in engineering but found it difficult to find work in Macau, where the biggest employers are the government and the casinos. A friend had recommended him for the job of a croupier.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 20, 2019, with the headline Hong Kong and Macau: Same system, different outcomes. Subscribe

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