With persistence, commitment and pursuit, Ma Sing Yuen (Malone) and his wife Fong She Mei has published more than 200 high-quality editions of White Cat Black Cat comics.
Malone's passion for caricature began 38 years ago, when he managed to publish his first work on an evening newspaper in Hong Kong. In fact I knew him after reading his humorous works. Recalling the 1970s and 1980s when many newspapers and periodicals in Hong Kong had their own cartoon sections, it was indeed a golden period for humorous and satirical caricature. Many caricaturists emerged during that period by publishing their works on these newspapers and periodicals. Malone dedicated himself to caricature creations full-time from the 1980s, and had made great progress. He even began creating his own White Cat Black Cat series since 2004.
I found out during a chat with him that the major power behind his publishing dream was from his wife Fong She Mei. As a publisher and Editor In-Chief herself, she has consistently supported and encouraged her husband by undertaking full initiatives and planning. Without delegating others, their publishing firm has stood out even without government sponsorships. They maintain the business by their own remuneration and limited capital. It is equally difficult and arduous to promote cultural and publishing causes in Hong Kong and Macao. Without faith, persistence and enthusiasm, such causes are difficult to maintain.
The couple even had the idea to give up when their business were first set up, owing to limited capital, over-expenditure and the lack of sales channels. But careful budgeting and planning to expand their White Cat Black Cat series to other independent editions, namely on general knowledge, Chinese idioms, world geography, Chinese poetry, etc, managed to turn their fortunes around. After years of hard work, the White Cat Black Cat series and the independent editions have become a favourite choice for readers in Hong Kong.
Malone's concept of White Cat Black Cat comes from a famous quotation of a distinguished member of the community. Guiding with the principle of those who make children happy and enhance their knowledge at good cats regardless of being White or black? the dedication of the couple is highly impressed and appreciated. I hope fellow enthusiasts would be able to learn from their example, by trying out boldly, by managing their causes carefully, and by creating endlessly. The development of the caricature and animation industry in any part of the world begins with drawn cartoons. I hope there will be more and newer comic series emerging in Macao's market in the near future, and for this I appeal to all enthusiasts to exalt their full efforts.
A Cheng
Macau Director-General
10 Fantasia
