Executive editor-in-chief of Fantasia Magazine Jesse Cheong Sio Pang told The Macau Post Daily in a recent interview about his professional experience and the magazine’s recent exhibition.
The interview was held in a restaurant on the University of Macau (UM) campus.
Fantasia Magazine is a cultural and artistic magazine founded by the Creative Industries Promotion Association of St. Lazarus Church District in 2013, with print and digital publications. Fantasia Magazine strives to become the “encyclopaedia” of local artists and aims to be an important channel for readers in Chinese-speaking places to learn about local artists.
According to Cheong, the exhibition, which opened on May 20, will run until July 30, comprising three activity spaces located at the 10 Fantasia art space in São Lázaro district. In the first space, visitors have access to all past issues of the magazine, which are chronologically sorted and available for physical browsing. The second exhibition space features stories from Fantasia Magazine in the past decade, including editorials, features, and significant moments in the magazine’s history. The third exhibition space showcases works by young artists featured in Fantasia Magazine.
Cheong noted that the exhibition has been organised by the editorial team of Fantasia Magazine, together with curator Fong Wai Peng and intern Yuan Xinzhou.
Cheong pointed out that since the launch of Fantasia Magazine in 2013 as a bimestrial publication, it evolved into a monthly magazine in early 2020, with the addition of cover stories that incorporate the perspectives of local artists. Cheong noted that these stories have provided targeted commentary on cultural and artistic trends in Macau.
According to Cheong, in 2021 Fantasia Magazine held its inaugural annual art awards ceremony, honouring multiple organisations and individuals in Macau for their contributions to the art industry. Cheong added that in early 2023, the total number of views on the Fantasia Magazine website surpassed 1.5 million, pointing out that the latest issue marks the magazine’s 60th edition.
Cheong said that he’s grateful to have very active colleagues handling the curation of the exhibition, pointing out that holding the exhibition has required much planning and work to be successful. “My colleagues are really happy and enthusiastic to celebrate the 60th issue of Fantasia Magazine, they have the spirit that money can’t buy.”
In 2019, Cheong became the executive editor-in-chief of Fantasia Magazine and immediately recognised the challenges of running a local media outlet. “Working in the media industry is not financially rewarding in Macau and requires a lot of energy. We still pay our reporters per article, but being a journalist alone can hardly provide a living,” he said.
Since assuming his role, Cheong has prioritised giving opportunities to young people. “Young people often make mistakes, but many of them are energetic and passionate about their jobs. They need a place to grow and connect with others in society, and we aim to provide that in Fantasia Magazine.”
Cheong values every journalist’s work in the Chinese-language magazine and believes that working with a sense of fulfilment is crucial. However, he also thinks it is essential for journalists to be compensated for their work. “I know the media business is very challenging in Macau, but I cannot agree with some media outlets that do not pay their staff. It is illogical to expect work from others without any compensation.”
One of Cheong’s joys of being in the cultural circle is helping allocate resources to beneficial communities. As he has worked quite a long time for the magazine, he has got to know more people and can provide crucial assistance to them. “Many artists face difficulties, and sometimes I have the resources or connections to help them out. Such a healthy relationship within the community, where people help each other, is far more significant than merely providing financial aid,” Cheong said.
Admission to the exhibition is free. For more information, visit: fantasiamacau.com
These photos show works by young artists featured in Fantasia Magazine at 10 Fantasia. – Photos: William Chan
These photos show the covers and magazines of past issues.
Jesse Cheong Sio Pang gives a speech during the opening ceremony of the exhibition at 10 Fantasia on May 20.
– Photo provided by Cheong
