News

At the just-ended 12th Meeting of the Asia Pacific Federation of Pharmacologists, Dr. Chen Xiuping from the University of Macau's (UM) Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine received the SERVIER Young Pharmacologist Award 2013. This is the second consecutive time UM academics have received this award. Meanwhile, Dr. Chen attended the oral presentation competition in the conference and received the Outstanding Oral Presentation Award of Young Scientist for his presentation. Co-founded by the Chinese Pharmacological Society (CPS) and Servier, a French pharmaceutical group, the award aims to recognise scientists with outstanding contributions to pharmacology. Every year eight outstanding young scientists are selected out of candidates from across the country to receive this award. At the conference, Dr. Chen presented his study titled "Cucurbitacin B Induced DNA Damage Causes G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest in Cancer Cells" in the oral presentation competition. He explained in detail how cucurbitacin B, a compound extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Calyx Cucumis (Guadi), induces DNA damage and cell cycle arrest. He received the Outstanding Oral Presentation Award of Young Scientist for his presentation. Dr. Chen is also a recipient of the Natural Science Award at the First Macao Science and Technology Awards in 2012. This is the second consecutive time UM academics have received the SERVIER Young Pharmacologist Award. Prof. Lee Ming-Yuen, also from the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, was last year's recipient of the award.
…

The Macao Chinese Orchestra (MCHO), under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, closes the 2012-2013 season on July 26, Friday, with the concert Classical Heritage, to be held at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium at 8pm. The talented musicians of the OCHM, under the baton of Music Director and Principal Conductor Pang Ka Pang, are joined by soprano Shen Na, guitarist Custódio Castelo's (Portuguese guitar) and by double bassist Carlos Menezes. The concert includes "Recollection" for Soprano and Traditional Orchestra by Hao Weiya, a work that describes memories and feelings from a feminine point of view. Member of the China National Opera House, Shen Na is one of China's most renowned sopranos. After an extremely successful tour of fifteen Chinese cities, the singer is now especially invited to collaborate with the MCHO in this concert. Another guest star is Custódio Castelo, one of today's highest-profile masters of Portuguese guitar who combines an exceptional technique with innovative arrangements. The guitarist and composer presents some of his own compositions in this concert, namely The Wisperer of Sorrows, where he mirrors his inner emotional world; Ventus, a celebration of the creative freedom and artistic potential of the Portuguese guitar; In Quietude, a description of the intimate relationship between people and the fast changing information world as well as between people themselves; and also Absent and Land of Dust. Joining Castelo are double bassist Carlos Menezes and MCHO's talented musicians, presenting a unique concert not to be missed. The programme of the concert also includes works inspired by the city's fusion of cultures, such as Macao Impressions, by Zhao Jiping, Taipa and Portugal Nostalgia, by Rão Kyao/ Kuan Nai Chung, among others. Tickets for the concert "Classical Heritage – 2012-2013 Season Closing Concert" may be purchased through the Macao Kong Seng Ticketing Network at the prices of MOP 100, 60 and 40 (reservation hotline: 2855 5555). A series of discounts is also available for those who qualify. For more information, please visit the Macao Chinese Orchestra website at www.icm.gov.mo/ochm.
…

Consumer Council released its 'Supermarket Price Survey' of July. When comparing the data collected in June, 33 percent of the surveyed products recorded a price decrease, 24 percent of the products remained no change in price, while 43 percent of the products had recorded a slight increase in price. The overall price increases were from below 1 percent to 3 percent. Consumer Council collected prices of about 340 products in its latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' dated18th July. In comparison with the 339 products surveyed in June, prices of 113 on-shelf products had been decreased and these items included rice, canned foods, toothpaste and tissue papers. For the 146 on-shelf products which recorded price increases, the items were mainly noodles, beverages, seasonings and snacks. Many beverage brands surveyed had recorded an increase in price of over 10 percent. 80 on-shelf products surveyed had remained no change in price. The current survey reviewed that prices of the over 300 on-shelf products remained stable, with an overall price increases of below 1 percent to 3 percent, and most staple foods had recorded a decrease or remained stable in price. The Council also analyzed the numbers of lowest price products available in the 15 supermarkets surveyed. Tai Fung supermarket in Taipa recorded the most numbers of lowest price items in which 120 items sold at Taipa Tai Fung recorded the lowest price among all surveyed supermarkets. Tai Fung supermarket at Estrada do Repouso branch ranked the second, with 61 of its on-shelf items having the lowest price, and the third place went to San Miu supermarket located at Brás da Rosa, with 55 of its on-shelf items being recorded with the lowest price. Starting from June, consumers can make price comparison in a more convenient way by accessing to the function of 'Lowest Price in Town' of the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps where they can browse the latest numbers of lowest price products found in the 15 surveyed supermarkets.
Among the 4 supermarket chains surveyed, selling prices were found to vary in different branches in different regions and price discrepancies were observed again in branches of San Miu and Tai Fung supermarkets. Price differences were found for over 180 on-shelf items sold in both Tai Fung supermarket Taipa branch and Estrada do Repouso branch, of which the items of beverages, snacks and sanitary and hygienic products were found to have price discrepancies from 1 to 25 percent. Over half of the 250 on-shelf items sold in both San Miu supermarket R. dos Mercadores branch and Brás da Rosa branch were found to have price discrepancies, with percentage differences of 5 percent to over 35 percent. From around the 280 on-shelf products sold in both Royal supermarket S. Lourenco branch and Avenida do Almirante Lacerda branch, only 7 products were found to have a difference in prices, with the greatest price discrepancy of 16 percent. 12 percent of the on-shelf products sold in the two Park'n Shop branches were found to have price discrepancies and the items were mainly canned foods and shampoos. Consumers are advised to check with the information available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo), especially the function of 'Top Ten Price Differences'. Consumers can also download the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps to make price comparisons.
The latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' is now available on Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo), and the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. The survey is also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM's Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals increased by 10.4% year-on-year to 2,324,935 in June 2013; same-day visitors accounted for 50.1% of the total, at 1,164,332. In June 2013, visitors from Mainland China increased by 20.0% year-on-year to 1,464,665, mainly coming from Guangdong Province (629,648) and Fujian Province (64,466); Mainland visitors travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) totalled 603,704. Moreover, visitors from the Republic of Korea (33,570) and India (21,724) also increased by 12.7% and 14.2% respectively, while those from Hong Kong (558,326) and Taiwan, China (75,889) decreased by 0.1% and 12.8%. Long-haul visitors from the UK (4,249) increased by 1.7% year-on-year, whereas those from the US (14,908), Australia (7,280) and Canada (4,727) decreased by 6.4%, 7.4% and 11.2% respectively. The average length of stay of visitors held stable from a year earlier, at 1.0 day in June 2013, with overnight and same-day visitors staying 1.8 days and 0.2 day respectively. In the first half year of 2013, visitor arrivals totalled 14,142,240, an increase of 4.2% year-on-year. Visitors from Mainland China and the Republic of Korea increased by 9.8% and 5.3%, while those from Hong Kong and Taiwan, China decreased by 3.3% and 8.6%. Moreover, long-haul visitors from the US (87,676), Australia (54,113) and Canada (35,842) declined year-on-year, while those from the UK (28,835), France (20,285) and the Russian Federation (16,199) recorded growth.
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, has pledged to fully support relief operations in Gansu following earthquakes this morning that claimed more than 80 lives and caused serious injuries to more than 300. Mr Chui has sent a condolence letter to the Central Government today to express concern and sympathy of the people of Macao. Two quakes with a 5.9- and 5.6-magnitude struck in Dingxi in Gansu province at 7:45 am: the shallow epicentres resulted in greater damages.
While relevant government departments and the local government were carrying rescue and relief operations, Mr Chui said the Macao Government would actively participate in relief works and provide full support.
…

The exhibition "Vanishing Techniques – Photography by Jean Baudrillard", organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government and co-organized by the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau and the Alliance Française de Macao, will be extended until the 8th of September due to a great flow of visitors since its opening in May. The exhibition, included in the 24th Macao Arts Festival and the Le French May's activities, gathers around 50 photography works by Jean Baudrillard, one of the most influential philosophers of our time. This is the most complete and comprehensive introduction to Baudrillard's work since his death; the photographs were personally selected by the last thinker's wife, Marine Baudrillard, and are curated by the Chinese-French curator Mr. Fei Danwei. The philosopher developed a unique photographic theory and practice which allowed him to demonstrate with a camera his different ways of looking at and perceiving the world, giving his photographs great impact around the world. The exhibition "Vanishing Techniques – Photography by Jean Baudrillard" will continue to run at Tap Seac Gallery, daily from 10am to 7pm. Admission is free.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (123.34) for June 2013 increased by 5.31% year-on-year, attributable to higher charges for eating out, rising rentals for dwellings, and dearer prices of fresh vegetables and fruits. In comparison with June 2012, notable increase was observed in the price index of Housing & Fuels (+8.91%); Health (+7.31%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.47%) on account of rising rentals for dwellings, higher charges for out-patient services and eating out, as well as dearer prices of vegetables, fruits and fresh meat; however, price index of Education and Communication decreased by 3.12% and 2.69% respectively. The CPI – A (123.29) and CPI-B (123.91) increased by 5.77% and 5.24% respectively year-on-year. The Composite CPI for June 2013 increased by 0.67% month-to-month. Dearer prices of Summer clothing and higher charges for domestic services drove up the price index of Clothing & Footwear; and Household Goods & Furnishings by 2.96% and 1.73% respectively. On the contrary, price index of both Recreation & Culture; and Miscellaneous Goods & Services decreased by 0.35% due to reduced charges for package tours and lower prices of gold jewellery. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.66% and 0.71% respectively month-to-month. For the 12 months ended June 2013, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.52% from the preceding period. Price index of Housing & Fuels (+8.48%) and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+7.10%) registered notable increase, while that of Education and Communication decreased by 2.27% and 2.01%. The average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.03% and 5.54% respectively. The average Composite CPI for the second quarter of 2013 increased by 5.13% year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.69% and 5.00% respectively. For the first half year of 2013, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.26% year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.81% and 5.15% respectively. The 2008/2009-based Composite CPI 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.
…

Today (20 July), the University of Macau's (UM) new campus is officially handed over to UM. As of today the new campus will be governed by the laws of Macao SAR. Cheong U, secretary for social affairs and culture of Macao SAR, noted during his inspection of the new campus that the new campus is a generous gift to Macao from the central government. He thanked the central government on behalf of the Macao SAR government for its support and said he hopes the various departments and UM colleagues can continue to work closely to ensure smooth relocation. This morning, Cheong U, secretary for social affairs and culture of Macao SAR, and Lau Si Io, secretary for transport and public works of Macao SAR, made their first, historic entry into the new campus through the underwater tunnel to inspect the various facilities on the new campus. Also in the inspection team were Choi Lai Hang, director-general of the Macao Customs Service; Chan Chi Ping, director of the Government Information Bureau; Vong Iao Lek, acting president of the Administrative Council of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau; Lei Siu Peng, commissioner of the Public Security Police Force; Ma Io Weng, commissioner of the Fire Services Bureau; Chiang Ngoc Vai, acting director of the Transport Bureau; Shin Chung Low Kam Hong, deputy director of the Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau; Tse Chi Wai, chair of the University Council of UM; several Standing Committee members of the University Council; Rector Wei Zhao; Vice Rectors Simon Ho, Rui Martins and Alex Lai; more than 20 faculty members and students; as well as other guests. Cheong U noted that with the handover of the new campus, the size of Macao increased about one square kilometre. He said the new UM campus is a generous gift to Macao from the central government, and he expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Macao SAR government to the central government for its support for the development of higher education in Macao. Cheong U said that the construction of the new campus has been an important job for the SAR government, and the Guangdong government, Zhuhai government, Lau Si Io and his team, and UM members, worked diligently and closely to overcome numerous difficulties during the process of planning and construction, and finally built a beautiful and good-quality campus, which he believes will help UM to nurture more outstanding graduates to contribute to the sustainable development of Macao SAR. Cheong U added that after the handover of the new campus, UM will carry out a lot of follow-up works and prepare for the relocation in stages. He noted that the relocation is a complex project and he hopes the various departments and UM colleagues can continue to work closely to ensure smooth relocation in stages. He said he hopes the new campus can fully open to the public in next January or February, and when that happens, some of the facilities and resources on the new campus, including the University Hall, the Sports Complex and the Library, will also be shared with the Macao community. Students and faculty members who participated in the visit felt very excited about entering the new campus on the handover day. Dr. Greta Seng Peng Mok, assistant professor of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), said that the minute the bus entered the underwater tunnel she and her colleagues on the bus were so excited that they clasped hands together, because they felt that was truly a historic moment. She remarked that the buildings on the new campus looked very grand, combining the characteristics of Chinese and Portuguese architectures. She said such a beautiful campus would make teaching all the more enjoyable. She added that she hopes UM can achieve the goal of becoming a world-class university in the not-so-distant future. Katrine Cheong, a student from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSH), said before she needed to go through immigration clearance at Hengqin Border whenever she went on a visit to the new campus, but today she entered the new campus directly through the underwater tunnel, which finally made her feel that UM is indeed a university in and for Macao. She said she looks forward to moving to the new campus and living in a residential college so she could make friends with students from different parts of the world. UM Rector Wei Zhao said that the new campus project has been a huge and complex one. He thanked the central government, the Macao SAR government, and Macao residents on behalf of UM for their great support. He also expressed gratitude to all the staff, engineers and construction workers for their hard work. Rector Wei Zhao said that after the handover, UM will gradually implement the relocation plan, and within the next several months a lot of follow-up works will be carried out, including quality inspection of the new campus buildings by the Macao SAR government in accordance with the relevant Macao laws, execution of the trial operation plan, and arranging for more than 2,000 students to move in to the new campus. Wei Zhao noted that after completion of all the follow-up works and the quality inspection by the Macao SAR government, UM will carry out full-scale relocation during the winter break. The new campus covers an area of approximately one square kilometre, with more than 80 buildings. It is 20 times larger than the current campus, with the capacity to hold approximately 10,000 students. The new campus project has attracted a lot of attention both at home and abroad. Now with the handover of the new campus, UM will be better equipped to implement the "4-in-1" mode of education, which includes discipline-specific education, general education, research and internship education, and community and peer education. Environment plays an important role in education. The excellent environment of the new campus will allow UM to provide a multifaceted education to its students and nurture more outstanding graduates for society.
…

The 19th International Postage Stamp Design Contest organized by Korea Post has begun. From now till September 13, the Communications Museum provides collection service for local participants. The main objective is to promote stamp collection and encourage people interested in design to show their creativity by participating in this postage stamp design contest. Fabulous prizes will be awarded to the winners of the contest. The design by the Grand and Gold Prizes winners will be issued as a stamp by the Korea Post. In addition, Macao residents who submit their works through the Communications Museum and win the Grand or Gold Prizes will be granted by the Macao Post a set of free Macao-Korea round-trip air tickets to participate in the awards ceremony in Korea. The 18th International Postage Stamp Design Contest, under the themes "New Year Greetings of the Year 2015" and "Stamp Collecting", is divided into Youth Category (born after 01/01/1995) and University /General Category (born before 31/12/2014). For more information, interested participants are welcomed to visit the websites of the Korea Post and the Communications Museum: http://www.koreastamp.go.kr, http://www.koreapost.go.kr, http://macau.communications.museum.
…

A total number of 3,614 cases were received by Consumer Council during the first six months of 2013. The total number of cases includes 843 complaint cases, 2,749 inquiries, and 22 suggestions. Number of cases received has dropped 4.68 percent compared to the figures from the same period of 2012. 415 cases or 11.48 percent of the total number of cases received were lodged by tourists.
Among the top five categories of complaint cases, 'telecommunication equipment and supplies' (109 cases, 12.93 percent of total) replaced 'telecommunication services' as top one of the first-half year. 'Telecommunication services' (97 cases, 11.5 percent of total) came next, followed by 'food and beverages' (78 cases, 9.25 percent of total) and 'electrical appliances' (46 cases, 5.46 percent of total). 'Tourism' and 'restaurants' (both 43 cases, 5.1 percent of total) replaced 'clothing and apparel' as number five of the first half of 2013.
For the 415 cases received from tourists, 187 were complaints. The top five complaint categories were 'telecommunication equipment and supplies' (33 cases), 'tourism' (19 cases), 'watches' (18 cases), 'photographic equipment and supplies' (15 cases) and 'clothing and apparel' (14 cases).
A detailed analysis of the number of cases received in the first six months of 2013 will be published later by the Council in its monthly magazine Consumer Report. For inquiry, please call 8988-9315.
…