Our Team

Publisher & CEO

Mariana was born and raised in Macao. After studying politics and international relations at the University of Bath, in the UK, she started her publishing career with Macao magazine in 2014, where she eventually became the Managing Editor and launched a non-profit social justice magazine in Hong Kong in 2018. In 2021, she spearheaded the relaunch of Macao News and established the company’s marketing communications arm Ruca Studio – Macao’s only homegrown English language agency. Day to day, she runs Macao News and all of its affiliates as the publisher, explores new business opportunities, launches new products and manages client projects. She also has a second career as a model, having fronted campaigns for brands like Cartier, HSBC, UOB and Nivea.

Managing Editor

Born in Hong Kong and educated at Christ Church, Oxford, Aidyn (they/them) has had a lifelong love of Macao and a varied career in journalism and communications. Before joining Macao News, they were the Asia Managing Editor of Time magazine. In previous roles, Aidyn has been a copywriter at the ad agency Leo Burnett; a senior consultant at the Capital Group, one of Australia’s leading corporate communications consultancies; and was the London-based Pan-European Communications Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Their poetry has appeared in VS: 12 Hong Kong Poets (Big Weather Press, 1992), City Voices: Hong Kong Writing in English, 1945 to the Present (HKU Press, 2003), and Voice and Verse (2022).

Founder and Editor-at-Large

Founder of Macao News, Gonçalo has been a journalist since 1973. Born in Mozambique, he was a lieutenant in the Portuguese army during the African country’s colonial war before working in its Ministry of Information during the period before independence. He later worked for companies like the BBC, Agence France-Presse, RTHK and Lusa Portuguese News Agency and has lived across the world, settling in Macao. Since 2009, Gonçalo, who has made video documentaries on the Portuguese in Asia as well as books on Macao and Japan, has been director of Macaulink Media Group. His best memories after such a varied career? “The 70s in Macao,” he says. “Having breakfast at the Caravela Hotel, facing the river.”

Senior Manager of Lifestyle & Client Relations

From the northern Portuguese city of Espinho, Sara is responsible for curating lifestyle content at Macao News, across web, newsletter and social media platforms. Although her position has its glamorous, sybaritic side, what she loves the most about her job is the chance to connect with people and listen to their stories. Sara has lived in Macao for nine years and both her children were born in the city.

Vienna Sou

Brand Partnerships Manager

Vienna holds a Bachelor of Communications degree from Chicago, and began her career in her hometown as a Public Relations and Marketing Executive at the St. Regis Macao, before moving to Shanghai to join W Shanghai as Marketing Communications Manager. While there, she successfully launched several high-profile events, which sparked her passion for content creation. With a strong background in relationship-building, networking and market trend analysis, Vienna has collaborated with top brands like Rosewood, Ritz Carlton, and BBC Story Works. In her free time, Vienna loves to travel, box and spend time with her family.

Features Editor

Based in Wellington, New Zealand, Amanda has written for Monocle, the Telegraph and the New York Times, among other publications. In her spare time, she loves to explore, write, and ride horses.

Senior Editor

Since joining Macao News in 2020, Kate has contributed to everything from editorial strategy to article commissions, features editing, sponsored content creation and special projects. She also writes for CNN, Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide, Ink magazines, and several clients in the travel industry. In her free time, Kate can most likely be found hanging out with her kids, listening to Audible books, or exploring Philadelphia, where she moved in 2021.

Web Producer

Erico came to Macao News as an intern in 2021 and stayed, taking on a reporter role with special interests in culture, city life and sports. Today he is the Macao News web producer and is also part of the newsletter team. During his time off, Erico plays football, coaches younger players, and enjoys walking in nature. He reads widely on the topic of mental health and wellness.

Senior Chinese Editor & Production Manager

Born and raised in Macao, Don earned degrees in Journalism and Macau Studies. He began his career in two non-profit online news outlets in Macao, before joining Macao News in 2024. In his free time, Don is an avid reader, with a particular fondness for the works of Haruki Murakami.

Reporter

Kenny was born in Macao, but spent his formative years in Brisbane, Australia. In 2015, he returned to Macao and worked as a teacher at various schools, including Macao Anglican College and Colegio Dom Bosco. In order to further pursue his love of writing and current affairs, he joined Macao News as a reporter in 2023. In his spare time, he enjoys watching Hong Kong movies and reading literature from all corners of the world.

Social Media Editor

Tanja joined Macao News in 2020, writing features and profiles. Now based in Penang, Malaysia, she is the platform’s Social Media Editor. Tanja’s work has been published in the South China Morning Post, Ariana magazine, Echelon, Macau Closer, and more. With a love for all things sustainable, she’s also working on a startup in Singapore to shake things up in the fashion industry.

Video Content Producer

Pierre has 10 years under his belt in the video production industry. His career has taken him and his camera on assignment to parts of Asia and Europe. He first collaborated with Macao News in 2021 as a freelancer, and today he’s the video content producer, responsible for video shoots, edits, and growing the platform’s video arm. In his free time, Pierre enjoys listening to music, playing video games, and pursuing his love of street photography.

Sandra Norte

Senior Designer

Sandra first collaborated with Macao News in 2019 on a one-off project, then joined the team as its in-house designer. Specialising in publication design, she’s created layouts for a number of magazines, books and booklets. Since being promoted to senior designer, she oversees all design projects across print and web platforms. Sandra spends her free time creating with her hands, be it watercolour paintings, embroidery, woodwork or whichever new medium she feels like exploring.

Annisa Leong

Finance Manager

Annisa, a seasoned accountant with 15 years of experience in Macao’s gaming and integrated resort industry, joined Macao News in 2024 as our financial lead. She has a proven track record in corporate financial reporting and has worked with top companies, including PricewaterhouseCoopers. Annisa holds a Master’s degree in Professional Accountancy from the University of London and is a fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Outside of work, Annisa enjoys staying active with fitness and pilates, and loves exploring new places to eat and visit in Macao and beyond.