He never performed in Macau but the ‘King of Pop’, Michael Jackson is set to make a posthumous appearance. Next month Ponte 16 presents “Asia’s first Michael Jackson gallery”.
A total of ten items related to the singer will go on exhibition from February 1, exactly two years after the casino-resort opened.
Among the Jackson items bought by Ponte 16 will be the sparkling white glove he wore in 1983 at the Motown record company’s 25th anniversary TV special, where he performed Billie Jean and showcased his legendary ‘moonwalk’ for the very first time.
The left-handed accessory is made of cream leather and despite reports to the contrary, does not feature hand sewn crystals, but instead a mesh web of faceted rhinestones, hand cut to the shape of the glove.
“We are delighted that Ponte 16 has successfully bid for the famous jeweled glove that Michael Jackson wore when he premiered his trademark ‘moonwalk dance’, as well as a collection of nine other iconic Michael Jackson items,” said Macau Ponte 16 chairman, Ambrose So.

Cultural mission
So believes the addition of the gallery will add to the appeal of Macau and extend the historical-cultural mission of the InnerHarbour district, while drawing more visitors.
And, there is a hope that the Michael Jackson portfolio can be expanded.
“Ponte 16 will continue to collect more iconic Michael Jackson items,” So said.
Hoffman Ma, the company’s deputy CEO added: “Michael Jackson’s distinctive musical sound, vocal style and choreography inspired numerous pop, rock, R&B and hip hop artists. We aim to create a ‘rendezvous’ to reminisce about this great 20th century
performer”.

Top secret
Although bullish on their display of ‘Jacko’ memorabilia, Ponte 16 hasn’t divulged much information about the investment, aside from the US$420,000, (taxes and fees included), it paid for the glove.
Despite requests, details about research into how big a market such a gallery will have and the number of visitors it expects to attract were not available.
But it is clear that this is a new marketing strategy for Ponte 16.
The joint venture between Sociedade de Jogos de Macau and Success Universe Group Limited, a Hong Kong listed company, has been fighting to attract more visitors since it opened
in 2008.
The integrated casino-entertainment resort comprising a five-star hotel, casino and restaurants, has failed to become a new landmark in the area.
Also, the project’s third phase, which is expected to feature a wide variety of shops and entertainment facilities, is running late due to clashes with some neighbouring shop owners.
The Michael Jackson gallery at Ponte 16 will not be the first project in Macau to bet on memorabilia attracting visitors. Since June 2009, the Cotai Strip has had its own Hard Rock Hotel and casino which features memorabilia from a host of international rock-stars, including Michael Jackson.

Asian memorabilia fever?
Ponte 16 bought the 10 Michael Jackson items at a Julien’s Auctions sale.
The company’s president and CEO, Darren Julien, believes there is huge potential in the Asian memorabilia market.
With a decade of specialising in memorabilia behind them, the company has auctioned items like Marilyn Monroe’s phonebook, Elvis Presley’s microphone, and a pair of Bono’s sunglasses.
At present, up to half of those in attendance at Julien’s auctions in the United States are Asians.

Difficult to define
It’s a difficult market to define as it stretches from celebrity autographs to items that belonged to historical figures.
The buyers are also diverse: from hardcore fans to investors who wish to diversify their portfolios. Estimates say that the memorabilia market presents an average annual global turnover of around US$50 million.
Despite this growth, the Asian market for memorabilia still lags far behind that of the West, according to industry insiders. However, the future seems bright.
With disposable income rising in many Asian countries, the increasing access to auctions via the internet, and more widespread use of credit cards, the signs are positive.
Increased exposure to the western media in Asia will also help stimulate the market, experts say.
Then there are the potential financial returns.
There are already investment products backed by memorabilia that offer a minimum guaranteed return of 5 percent per year over a 10-year period.
The last barrier for memorabilia in Asia is whether there will eventually be a specific market for items from Asian celebrities. For the time being, buyers from Asia are more focused in acquiring items with high return potential, which means having global exposure.
This means Madonna or Charlie Chaplin, not Korean singer Rain or Hong Kong artist Andy Lau Tak-wah.

by Emanuel Graça