Hoffman Ma slams “residents first” rule

The government decision to favour local workers in the job market will affect Macau’s overall competitiveness, says Hoffman Ma Ho-man, the deputy chief executive of Ponte 16. "It’s true that more locals may have work because of the by-law, but they are people who haven’t received much training in languages, hospitality, and food and beverage," Mr Ma told the Sunday Morning Post. "Given how heavily Macau depends on the service industry, I believe that this requirement sacrifices its advantages," he added. "As soon as the new casinos open, the government must reassess, or revise, the new by-law because it’s apparent we won’t have enough local workers," Mr Ma argued.