When the neon lights of Macao flicker to life each night, tourist police officer Chan Io Wa begins his shift – a relentless dance of vigilance and service. From crowded market squares to quiet alleyways, his navy-blue uniform weaves through the city like a thread of safety, connecting visitors and residents alike under one mission: protecting the heartbeat of Asia's playground.
\"Every tourist’s smile is our report card,\" says Chan, whose patrols stretch from dawn till long after midnight. By day, he guides lost travelers; by night, he de-escalates disputes with the calm precision of a K-drama hero.
His secret weapon? A pocket-sized phrasebook for assisting international guests in six languages.
Behind the glamour of Macao’s casinos lies a reality few see: sweltering summer patrols in 35°C heat, coordinating emergency responses across cobblestone streets, and memorizing every fire hydrant location in the Historic Centre (a UNESCO World Heritage Site, btw
). Yet for Chan, the greatest reward comes at sunrise – watching families stroll safely through Senado Square, their laughter mingling with the scent of pastéis de nata from nearby bakeries.
Reference(s):
Guardians of Macao: An ordinary day in the life of a police officer
cgtn.com