News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that total visitor arrivals increased by 14.5% year-on-year to 2,181,476 in June 2011. Same-day visitors (1,142,014) accounted for 52.4% of total visitor arrivals, with 641,186 coming from Mainland China. Analyzed by place of residence, visitors from Mainland China increased by 21.7% year-on-year to 1,198,754 (55.0% of total), mostly coming from Guangdong Province (617,887), Fujian Province (67,767) and Zhejiang Province (45,114); those travelling to Macao under the Individual Visit Scheme totalled 465,218, up by 23.2% year-on-year. Visitors from Hong Kong (620,004); Taiwan, China (111,684); the Republic of Korea (31,114) and Singapore (28,086) increased by 8.9%, 4.2%, 45.9% and 8.5% respectively; however, those from Japan (27,051) decreased by 15.8%. Total visitor arrivals reached 13,246,656 in the first half year of 2011, up by 8.3% year-on-year. Visitors from Mainland China (7,475,086), Hong Kong (3,720,902) and the Republic of Korea (195,384) increased by 14.9%, 3.9% and 26.0% respectively, while those from Taiwan, China (600,310); Japan (179,493) and Malaysia (154,205) decreased by 8.1%, 10.8% and 9.5% respectively. In the first half year of 2011, same-day visitors accounted for 54.3% of the total, at 7,190,962. Analyzed by mode of transport, visitor arrivals by sea totalled 5,225,256 in the first half year of 2011, up by 3.8% year-on-year. Visitors arriving at the Outer Harbour increased by 7.4% to 3,398,234, with the majority coming from Hong Kong (54.2%) and Mainland China (23.9%); meanwhile, those arriving at the Provisional Ferry Terminal in Taipa decreased by 5.0% to 1,609,016. Visitor arrivals by land increased by 13.4% to 7,214,350 in the first half year of 2011; those arriving through the Border Gate totalled 6,679,144 and the majority were visitors from Mainland China (80.7%) and Hong Kong (13.3%). Visitor arrivals by air decreased by 2.9% year-on-year to 807,050. Visitors arriving at the Macao International Airport decreased by 3.2% to 794,918, with the majority coming from Mainland China (36.3%); Taiwan, China (34.6%); and Malaysia (6.4%).
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2011 Population Census (2011 Census) will take place from 12 to 26 August. To ensure smooth operation of the census, officials of the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) visited local associations recently; moreover, DSEC invited representatives of the media to a luncheon on 21 July, showing premiere of the 2011 Census television advertisements. Kong Pek Fong, Director of DSEC, says that full support of the media is vital to the success of the census operation. She wants to extend DSEC's gratitude for the media's continuous support to the work of official statistics and takes the opportunity to strengthen the liaison and cooperation with the media. Ms Kong also indicates that the preparatory work for 2011 Census is ready, and the promotional campaign starts on 22 July, including outdoor advertising, shows, as well as newspaper ads, radio and television advertisements. Television advertisements tend to deliver the message that "Participating in Census is simple and easy", "Census data are essential to a better future of Macao" and "Census is a complete count of the population". In addition, DSEC officials went to visit the União Geral das Associações dos Moradores de Macau (UGAMM), the Macao Federation of Trade Unions, The Women's General Association of Macao, the Industrial Association of Macao, the Macao Importers & Exporters Association, and the Associação dos Familiares Encarregados dos Deficientes Mentais de Macau (AFEDMM), introducing 2011 Census and listen to the comments and suggestions of the associations. Representatives of the associations state that statistics are essential public goods that are important to the development of Macao. Results of the census are valuable reference to the government in policy formulation; therefore, they will give their full support to the 2011 Census. In addition, there were suggestions to DSEC about informing the public that identification documents of the respondents are not required; concerns about the safety of the census officers; special care with the dogs, etc. And Ms Kong replies that DSEC is well-prepared to take care of these issues.
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The Summer International Exchange Programme 2011 was jointly organised by Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT), Macao, and Taiwan Hospitality & Tourism College (THTC), Chinese Taiwan, from 4 to 8 July in Hualien, with 55 participants coming from Chinese Taiwan, Macao, Hong Kong and Japan. The objectives of the Programme are to enhance the professional knowledge and practical skills of participants about tourism, hospitality, and local cultures in Hualien; to cultivate those participants who are interested in devoting themselves in this industry; to help them understand the content of the tourism and hospitality programmes as well as the trends of future development; to promote and popularise professional practicum, with an aim to aid potential high calibers in their career planning for the industry. During the Programme, participants attended seminars, culinary tournament, field trips, etc. to learn the theme, and professionals and senior lecturers from various related fields are invited to share their experience to strengthen the learning impact. The Programme was well concluded by participants' sharing what they had learnt as well as the certificate presentation. Since 1998, this Summer Programme has been launched with different annual themes. It brought students from various places to Macao for cultural exchange. Starting from 2009, IFT collaborated with an overseas APETIT partner to jointly orgainsed the Programme, which was an eye-opener for students. With our rich cultural heritage in Macao, the opportunity to experience other cultures and gain further international exposure is certainly beneficial to those who will step into the tourism industry in the future. Until this year, students from 22 countries and regions have joined the Programme. This is the third year that IFT had the Programme partnered with an institution beyond Macao. IFT strives to elevate and globalise its tourism education in the region through organising different types of exchange programmes to broaden the horizon of the students. The cultural diversity thus acquired can definitely help prepare them for their career in the tourism industry.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the Composite CPI (110.29) for June 2011 increased by 5.65% year-on-year. The increment was attributable to higher charges for meals bought away from home and rising gasoline prices. For the 12 months ended June 2011, the average Composite CPI increased by 4.34% from the previous period; the CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 3.96% and 4.51% respectively. In comparison with June 2010, notable increase was observed in the price index of Miscellaneous Goods & Services (+9.69%); Transport (+9.32%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+7.52%) on account of dearer prices of fresh fish, fruit, gold jewellery, gasoline, airfare and LP gas, as well as higher insurance premium of motor vehicles, rising charges for meals bought away from home, and hairdressing and grooming services. On the contrary, price index of Communication decreased by 8.32% year-on-year. The CPI-A (109.35) and CPI-B (110.68) for June 2011 increased by 5.30% and 5.82% respectively. The Composite CPI for June 2011 increased by 0.76% month-to-month, of which the price index of Clothing & Footwear rose by 2.13% upon rising prices of women's clothings and footwear; however, price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco; and Communication decreased by 0.16% and 0.10% respectively. The CPI-A and CPI-B for June 2011 increased by 0.75% and 0.76% respectively month-to-month. The average Composite CPI for the first half year of 2011 increased by 5.13% over the same period of 2010, with marked increase in the price index of Transport (+8.55%); Miscellaneous Goods & Services (+8.27%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.65%). On the other hand, price index of Communication registered a decrease of 8.28%. The CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 4.78% and 5.31% respectively. The Composite CPI, with base year April 2008-March 2009, reflects the impact of price changes on the general population. The CPI-A relates to about 50% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP6,000 to MOP18,999. The CPI-B relates to about 30% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP19,000 to MOP34,999.
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The Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government presents the 25th Macao International Music Festival (MIMF) from October 7th to November 5th, 2011. Each year the Macao International Music Festival brings internationally renowned artists from all over the world to Macao. Over the course of a quarter century, the MIMF has gradually evolved into the major musical event in the territory, promoting a balanced range of performances that reflect the diversity and uniqueness of Macao. The Festival strives to enrich the cultural life of the region while meeting the expectations and aspirations of the community. This year marks the Silver Jubilee of the MIMF, and in honour of the occasion, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has organised a fascinating programme on an unprecedented scale. This year's season encompasses grand opera, musical theatre, symphonic, choral and chamber music and performances in the contemporary, folk, pop, fusion and jazz genres, offering the public yet another dynamic encounter between East and West. Twenty diverse programmes – from Germany, Austria, Portugal, Switzerland, Lithuania, the USA, Israel, Japan, Hong Kong, Macao and Mainland China – bathe the Region's stages in both ancient and modern sonic colours. Inaugurating this 25th edition of the MIMF is a brand new full-scale production of the acclaimed hit show FAME – THE MUSICAL (7~9/10, Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, 8pm) from BARKLEY KALPAK ASSOCIATES, INC, the creative team that brought Macao Chicago and Guys and Dolls in seasons past. Since its debut in New York, this pop/rock musical, based on the hit motion picture and long-running television series, has been pleasing audiences across the globe, from several sold-out runs in London's West End to a myriad of successful international tours. Then, from 9 to 15/10 (Mandarin's House, 3pm [9, 15/10], 8pm), the MIMF presents RISING SUN – THE MUSICAL, a revolutionary drama recreating an intensely keen yet little-known period in the life of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Hong Kong's SPRING-TIME STAGE PRODUCTIONS joins hands with Macao's THEATRE FARMERS to present this portrayal of Dr. Sun, from his rebellious youth until the crucial moment when the buds of revolutionary thought began to blossom within him. After its acclaimed 2008 premiere in Hong Kong, the show was revived to even greater enthusiasm. A highlight of this MIMF season is ITZHAK PERLMAN'S VIOLIN RECITAL (20/10, Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, 8pm). Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman is known for his brilliant technique, direct interpretation and precision. He enjoys a superstar status rarely afforded to a classical musician, and he has appeared with every major orchestra in the world, showcasing his talent at music festivals, recitals, and concerts on six continents. The man who plays sitting down has never ceased to bring audiences – and truly, the world – to their feet in appreciation of his gifts. The MIMF is also proud to have invited a representative heir to China's National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Li Xiangting, the most influential Guqin master of the contemporary era. He joins celebrated Pipa performer Zhao Cong and Dizi performer Chen Yue for the CHINESE FOLK MUSIC RECITAL, to be held in the World Heritage-listed Mandarin's House (30/10, 8pm). Having stood the test of time for over a century, the Mandarin's House in the UNESCO World Heritage-inscribed Historic Centre of Macao is now host to each of these masters of Chinese folk music. The Festival's offering of symphonic music begins with a concert by the VIENNA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA (10/10, Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, 8pm), conducted by Christoph Eschenbach. There is perhaps no other musical ensemble more consistently and closely associated with the history and tradition of European classical music than the Vienna Philharmonic. In the course of its more than 160 years of history, this most prominent orchestra of the capital city of music, and its musicians, have been an integral part of a musical epoch, which, due to an abundance of uniquely gifted composers and interpreters, must certainly be regarded as unique. The symphonic feast continues with the MACAO ORCHESTRA performing THE PERFECT MATCH – F. MATTEO RICCI COMMEMORATIVE CONCERT (16/10, Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, 8pm). The Perfect Match, a symphonic suite for chorus and orchestra penned by celebrated composer Liu Cong with lyrics by renowned academic Ruan Zhenming, recalls Matteo Ricci's wonderful experiences during his 28 years of missionary work in China and his immensely significant contribution to the exchange between Chinese and Western cultures. On 22/10 (Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, 8pm), the MACAO ORCHESTRA returns to the Festival stage presenting the Kindertotenlieder and the Faust Symphony in a concert titled A CELEBRATION OF TITANS: GUSTAV MAHLER AND FRANZ LISZT. The performance of these two renowned classics is a testament to the musicians' skill and a showcase of the group's remarkable achievements. Early music is also featured on the 25th MIMF programme. With a unique success story, the AKADEMIE FÜR ALTE MUSIK BERLIN (Akamus), founded in 1982, is recognised as one of the world's leading chamber orchestras. This early music consort gives a stirring performance of Baroque instrumental music (9/10, Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, 8pm) and then joins a talented cast of singers for ACIS AND GALATEA, an OPERA IN 2 ACTS BY GEORG FRIEDERICH HÄNDEL (14~16/10, Dom Pedro V Theatre, 3pm [16/10], 8pm). A Baroque Western opera, now a featured genre on the MIMF programme for the second year running, Acis and Galatea (1718) was one of Händel's most popular works, revived no fewer than eight times and performed at least seventy times by the middle of the 18th century. It was also one of the few large scale-works to remain popular after his death. An exciting new production not to be missed! The MIMF joins hands with the international non-profit volunteer organisation ORBIS for the first time to host a charity concert honouring World Sight Day, titled DONDE TENGO EL AMOR: THE SACRED AND THE PROFANE IN MEDITERRANEAN TRADITIONS, performed by Portugal's early music consorts ENSEMBLE VOCAL INTROITUS and SETE LÁGRIMAS (13/10, Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, 8pm). This concert is a visit to a crossroads in our musical history, one that witnessed dialogue, competition, conflict and harmony between religious and secular music, featuring choral pieces that provide insight into the vast musical panorama of the Mediterranean region. All ticket revenues of this concert will be donated to ORBIS for their new medical project in Nepal. As always, THE MACAO CHINESE ORCHESTRA takes the Festival stage, this time in commemoration of the founding of the Republic of China. For the XINHAI REVOLUTION COMMEMORATIVE CONCERT (15/10, Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, 8pm), the Orchestra has specially commissioned new work from each of four distinguished Chinese composers of contemporary folk music – Liu Changyuan, Kuan Nai Chung, Hao Weiya and Li Binyang – and will present the world premieres of their works in Macao in solemn remembrance of the centennial anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution. THE LITTLE SINGERS OF TOKYO (18/10, St. Dominic's Church, 8pm) have a long history of arduous, thoughtful training dating back to 1951. Since their founding, they have performed in more than twenty countries and regions worldwide on continents including Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania. Offering an immensely rich experience, the chorus never fails to earn warm applause where ever it goes. This year marks this remarkable choir's 60th anniversary. Visiting Macao for the first time, they will perform a collection of celebrated sacred music. On 26/10, even more voices will soar. Fine tuned by choirmaster Česlovas Radžiūnas, the singers of the LITHUANIAN NATIONAL OPERA AND BALLET THEATRE CHORUS (St. Dominic's Church, 8pm) perform a diverse programme of sacred music. The classical and contemporary chamber music programme of the 25th MIMF begins with a concert by the JUILLIARD STRING QUARTET (23/10, Macao Cultural Centre Small Auditorium, 8pm). Long recognised as the quintessential American string quartet, the Juilliard is internationally renowned and admired for performances characterised by clarity of structure, beauty of sound, purity of line and an extraordinary unanimity of purpose. As Quartet-in-Residence at New York City's celebrated Juilliard School, the Juilliard String Quartet is widely admired for its seminal influence on aspiring string players around the world. Two days later, FESTIVAL STRINGS LUCERNE (25/10) will charm the public at the Macao Cultural Centre Small Auditorium (8pm). Established in 1956, Festival Strings Lucerne (FSL) has for decades been regarded as one of the world's leading chamber orchestras. Known for performances of the highest quality, filled with enthusiasm, the FSL owns several master instruments, which, along with a long-standing performance tradition, help define the group's unmistakable "golden sound" (Washington Post, 2003). Completing the chamber music programme of the Festival, the FAURÉ QUARTETT promises a magnificent concert at the Macao Cultural Centre Small Auditorium (3/11, 8pm). Founded in 1995, and choosing Gabriel Fauré as its namesake in honour of the French composer's much–cherished works for piano quartet, it wasn't long before this ensemble joined the ranks of prize-winners and award recipients. Ten years later, the Fauré Quartett had already climbed to the top of its field as the only German chamber ensemble of its kind. On the jazz front, the 25th MIMF presents the unique sound of the DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND (28/10, Macao Cultural Centre Small Auditorium, 8pm). This world famous music machine, whose name is synonymous with genre-bending romps and high-octane performances, has revitalised the brass band in New Orleans and around the world, progressing from local parties, clubs, baseball games and festivals in their early years to touring nearly constantly in the US and more than 30 other countries on five continents. This year, the renowned Hac Sa Beach tourist spot will serve as a performing venue for the first time, hosting a Portuguese fado, rock and pop music marathon and a rock'n'roll double-bill. On 29/11 (6pm) ANTÓNIO ZAMBUJO, whose honeyed tones and sensitive interpretation have propelled him to the vanguard of modern fado singers in international circles, performs with his quintet on the Hac Sa Beach stage. Zambujo will be followed by RUA DA SAUDADE, a project uniting four of Portugal's most renowned female vocalists – Susana Félix, Viviane, Luanda Cozetti and Mafalda Arnauth – assembled by producer Renato Jr. in homage to the late poet José Carlos Ary dos Santos on the 25th anniversary of his death. The Portuguese supergroup released their smash hit debut, Canções de Ary dos Santos in 2009, with the singers taking turns interpreting jazz-pop settings of the revolutionary poet's words by such composers as Fernando Tordo, Nuno Nazareth Fernandes and Tozé Brito. Canções de Ary dos Santos peaked at number two on the Portuguese charts and spent ten weeks in the Top Ten. The final group in the marathon is AR DE ROCK – named in honour of the "Father of Portuguese Rock", Rui Veloso – a journey through time via the best in modern music from Portugal. Musicians from a number of Portugal's most celebrated bands join forces to recreate live, on stage, some of the most cherished songs in Portuguese rock culture. Ar de Rock invites audiences on an unforgettable musical voyage filled with surprises, and the opportunity to witness blockbuster Portuguese artists from various groups in a rare musical collaboration. The BEACH ROCK CONCERT (1/11, Hac Sa Beach) features CUI JIAN, the "Father of Chinese Rock" (Mainland China), followed by Macao's own musical hometown hero JUN KUNG (Macao SAR) displaying his flair for composition and superb drum playing and singing skills, backed by a six-piece rock band featuring Hong Kong's top players. The MIMF's production of Carl Maria von Weber's DER FREISCHÜTZ, one of the great milestones in the history of opera, brings this Silver Jubilee season to a close, offering what is sure to be one of the major highlights on this year's programme. Der Freischütz runs for three nights (2, 4, 5/11, Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, 8pm). Maestro Lü Jia conducts the Macao Orchestra, and an energetic cast sings in this unforgettable piece of musical theatre, a manifesto for German Romantic opera. The MIMF has invested renewed effort to provide master classes, and other activities to accompany its events, with the aim of stimulating public interest in the arts. With the support of the Macao Post, the MIMF will also be releasing a set of Commemorative Stamps honouring this Silver Jubilee Festival Season in October, in order to promote Macao's music culture throughout the world. This set of commemorative stamps includes postmarks, stamps and souvenir sheets. In celebration of the Silver Jubilee Festival Season, the Cultural Affairs Bureau is recruiting Music Festival Ambassadors for the first time. This campaign is launched with a variety of training activities, aimed at enriching the musical knowledge and enhancing the artistic qualities of selected entrants. Applications for the Ambassadors will be accepted from now until 10th August. The training for the Music Festival Ambassadors will be conducted in September and October. All residents aged 16 or over are welcome to participate in this recruitment campaign. Outstanding candidates will act as Music Festival Ambassadors in the 25th Macao International Music Festival in October, providing docent services at exhibitions held during the Festival and introducing residents and tourists to the extraordinary path that the Festival has trod over the past quarter century. Chosen candidates may also have the opportunity to participate in arts exchange activities and visit the arts and cultural facilities of neighbouring regions in an attempt to broaden their horizons and enrich their knowledge. Tickets for the 25th Macao International Music Festival go on sale at 10am on July 24th, 2011, at all Kong Seng Ticketing outlets. Telephone and online bookings will be available from 1pm onwards. A variety of discount plans will be offered. Publicity materials available at the ticket counters can provide more detailed information about the programme. For more information related to the 25th MIMF, please visit the website of the Cultural Affairs Bureau at: www.icm.gov.mo/fimm
E-mail: fimm@icm.gov.mo
Information: (853) 2855 5555 Macao (852) 2380 5083 Hong Kong (86) 139 269 11111 Pearl River Delta Region Online Reservations: www.macauticket.net Hotline: (853) 8399 6699
The 25th Macao International Music Festival has the kind support of the Macao Government Tourist Office.
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To further strengthen Macau's tourism connection with Southeast Asia and attract more visitors to Macau, Macau Government Tourist Office launched promotions in four Southeast Asian countries from July 14 to 19. MGTO employed the theme of "Experience Macau" for a series of promotional activities targeting the source markets in Southeast Asia, including Macau tourism product presentations, mini marts and dinners to promote Macau to the local travel trade. MGTO Director João Manuel Costa Antunes, Head of Promotion and Marketing Department Cecilia Tse and Head of Marketing Division Betty Fok, joined by over 20 representatives from Macau's travel agencies, airline, hotels, large scale resorts and business tourism venues, kicked off a 6-day promotional event in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. MGTO hosted a series of promotional activities in four countries respectively, with over 400 local travel trade partners and media representatives took part. Participants were updated with the latest tourism information of Macau at the Macau tourism product presentations while mini marts provided a platform for travel trade members to exchange and seek business opportunities. Travel trade and media were invited to gala dinners at night. Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia were among Macau's top 10 source markets last year as well as in the first half of this year. Preliminary statistics show that there were about 100,000 visitors from Thailand, about 150,000 from Malaysia, about 120,000 from Singapore and about 90,000 from Indonesia visited Macau in the first half of 2011. In early July, MGTO joined hands with Hong Kong Tourism Board to organize a large scale familiarization trip for travel agencies from Southeast Asia to visit tourism facilities of Hong Kong and Macau. Over 30 travel agencies from Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand engaged in a three-day itinerary to experience the charm of Macau. The promotional activities will further enhance the communication and cooperation between Macau and the travel trade in these four Southeast Asian
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The first Guangzhou-Macao Co-operation Meeting was held today in Nansha where focal points of the next co-operative working phases were discussed in detail. The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, and the Mayor of Guangzhou, Mr Wan Qingliang, led the official delegations at the meeting, which was jointly presided by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, and the Vice Mayor of Guangzhou, Mr Chen Mingde. During the meeting, both sides confirmed that Nansha was an important platform to enhance bilateral co-operation, which has a positive impact on the substantial social and economic development of the two areas. It also acknowledged the contributions of the specialised group for co-operation, which was set up in April to prepare for and follow up on the co-operative projects. Significant results have been achieved on the tourism; trade and convention and exhibition. Four agreements and memorandums were signed in the meeting. Both sides have exchanged views on the next working phase, such as the co-operation on trade, tourism, education and culture. After the meeting, Mr Chui met with the Guangzhou Municipal Party Committee Secretary, Mr Zhang Guangning. Mr Zhang said Guangzhou should make use of this valuable opportunity to promote co-operation with Macao in Nansha. Mr Chui said his administration would fully support the Guangzhou and Macao co-operative project. He also said that Nansha should be taken as an example for the project with Hengqin.
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Since the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation" took effect on August 13 2010, the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has sealed a total of 144 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally, and one more management staff was seized. Inspections involved investigations to a total of 684 occupants of premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally, including 36 overstayers and 29 illegal immigrants, whose cases are being follow up by police authorities. Macau Government Tourist Office has waged a total of 144 sanctions and 32 operators who provided accommodation illegally were fined 200 000 patacas each according to the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation". To date, two operators have voluntarily paid the fine of 200 000 patacas within the statutory period. At the same time, 21 occupants who failed to fulfill their duty of cooperation were fined 3,000 patacas each, among which 11 have already paid the fine. For those who failed to pay the fine within the statutory period, MGTO has notified the Financial Services Bureau to enforce the collection of fine and informed PSP to deny reentry of the involved persons into Macau if they are non-residents. MGTO, together with PSP, will carry on operation to crack down illegal accommodation. Staff of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) continues to check the premises to ensure they remain sealed and supply of water and electricity suspended. MGTO stressed that damaging the seal and resuming supply of water and electricity is a criminal offence which will be submitted to judicial entity for follow up. The public can report suspected premises by calling the 24-hour hotline 2833 3000 or using the online report service launched in April by MGTO. Complainant can log on to MGTO's website (Chinese/English) http://www.macautourism.gov.mo and click the banner of "Online Complaint against Illegal Accommodation" to file a report. To further facilitate reporting by the public, MGTO has produced key chains printed with the hotline and website to be distributed by the General Union of Neighbor Association of Macau.
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Following the success of its Binding Workshops in 2010, the Historical Archives of Macao will organize two Bookbinding Workshops in July and August. Each workshop consists of two morning sessions over a single weekend, held in the Historical Archives building on Tap Seac Square. The workshops give participants a chance to learn how to create and protect handmade books, and at the same time gain a deeper understanding of how the Historical Archives of Macao safeguards Macao's documentary heritage. An experienced conservationist working in the Historical Archives, will introduce and demonstrate traditional techniques and support participants as they sew their own book and create a protective cover. Participants should attend both sessions in order to complete the workshop, at the end of which they can take home their own work. No previous experience is required but participants must be at least ten years old. (* Please find the attached file.) To register and pay the workshop fee please visit the Historical Archives of Macao (open Mon-Fri, 09:30-18.30) on Tap Seac Square. Places are limited and will be distributed according to order of registration. For further details, please contact Ms. Ally Lai at 85986539.
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The University of Macau (UM) conferred Doctor of Letters honoriscausa on Dr. Louis Cha, a renowned martial arts novelist better known as Jin Yong, in recognition of his distinguished contributions to Chinese literature and culture. The award ceremony took place at the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong, attended by the UM leadership and Dr.Cha's family and his friends. At the award ceremony, Dr. Cha received the certificate of the honorary degree from Rector Wei Zhao and the UM's University Council Chair Dr. Daniel Tse.Dr.Tse was also representing the Chief Executive of Macao, Dr. Chui Sai On who is the UM Chancellor. A scroll of citation handwritten in cursive style by Prof. Zhu Shoutong, head of the Chinese Department of UM, was also presented to him. In return, Dr. Cha gifted to UM a complete collection of his works. "I really thanked UM for this title," said Dr. Cha in his speech, adding that "actually I feel closely related to Macao – a place I've been to for quite a few times and a place which also houses a 'Jin Yong' library". He also expressed a keen interest to pay a visit to UM in the future. In the citation, Rector Zhao paid tribute to Dr. Cha's admirable achievements in Chinese literature and his promotion of Chinese culture. "In almost a uniquely Chinese way, Dr. Cha's creative worksare a grand spectacle of imagination,and with his extraordinary creativity,they display to the world the wonders of the Chinese language," Rector Zhao noted. Moreover, he was admired for his relentless effort in the pursuit of knowledge. "Even though at a senior age, Dr. Cha still in no way relaxes his effort to go toward the highest stage of education which crystallizesChinese culture learning in the mode of western orthodox education," Rector Zhao added. Dr. Cha's outstanding achievements won him accolades internationally. Rector Zhao pointed out that we should learn from his incessant quest for knowledge which is a reflection of his homage to the sanctity of Chinese culture and his zeal for knowledge learning. Finally, Rector Zhao said that in view of Dr. Cha's extraordinary accomplishments in the fields of literature, scholastic studies and news media, it was the honor of UM to have the opportunity to confer the honorary doctoral degree of Letters on him and UM was proud to have him inducted into the community of UM as one of its members. "From now on, a relationship is forged between Dr. Cha and our University – the one which is forever striding forward," Rector Zhao concluded. A native of Haining, Zhejiang Province, Dr. Cha was a journalist and editor and finally a publisher. Alias Jin Yong, Dr. Cha is one of the most influential contemporary Chinese novelists and his name is almost ubiquitous in the Chinese-speaking world. A distinguished literary writer aside, Dr. Cha is also a well-known political commentator. He is a founder of Ming Pao in Hong Kong. The editorials he wrote for the newspaper were taken seriously and commended for their sharp and critical analysis. During the late 70's and early 80's of the last century, he also participated actively in the political affairs of Hong Kong. The ceremony was attended by the First Vice Chair of University Council and Chair of the Honorary Degrees and Titles Committee Mr. Lei Pui Lam, University Council Treasurer Mr. Wong Chong Fat, Vice Rector (Research) of UM Prof. Rui Martins, Department Dean of Chinese of UM Prof. HaoYufan,UM Registrar Mr. Paul Pang Chap Chong. In addition, the family and friends of Dr. Cha, including Mrs. Cha, Mr. Andrew Cha, Ms. Edna Cha, Mr. Ng WaiCheong, Ms. Cheung Man-yee, Mr. Chip Tsao, Mr. Chua Lam and Mr. Li Chunen were present to witness the conferment.
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