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The second review of the “2016 Subsidy Programme for Fashion Design on Sample Making” held by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC, from the Portuguese acronym) was completed and a total of eight entrants were selected as eligible candidates of the Programme. IC will grant each eligible candidate (individual or team) a subsidy of up to MOP160,000 for sample making and the production of promotional materials. In order to promote the sustainable development of the fashion design industry in Macao, IC launched the “Subsidy Programme for Fashion Design on Sample Making” in 2013. This year, a total of 24 applications were received, including 19 individual and 5 team applications. Following the initial and second reviews, the adjudicating panel selected eight eligible candidates: (in arbitrary order) Tam Chi Kit, Wai Chin Seong, Lo Ka Heng and Choi Wai Leng (team), Cheang Chi Tat, Peng Yun, Leong Man Teng, Wong Man Chon and Lao Ka Weng. 40% of the applicants were new applicants, revealing that the programme has continued to attract the participation of new applicants. In addition, over 50% of applicants have registered trademarks for their brands, showing an increasing awareness of local fashion designers about brand protection. The adjudicating panel comprised relevant professionals from Macao and Hong Kong covering various fields such as fashion design, retail, production and training. Members included the President of the Rainbow Group, Terry Sio Un I; the Senior Manager of the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre, Victoria Kuan Chi Ping; the member of the Committee of Cultural Industries of Macao and Vice President of the Industrial Association of Macau, José Tang Kuan Meng; the Hong Kong famous fashion designer, Walter Ma; and the consultant of the Macao Fashion Gallery, Raymond Au. Some of the adjudicators who have participated in the selection works last year remarked that the overall standard of the applications has been progressing and the marketing plans have shown improvement. They added that some participants who have applied for the programme last year have experienced breakthroughs and developed their own fashion brands after countless trials and experience, and the outcome is encouraging. For enquiries about the results of the Programme, please call Ms. Lam, staff member of IC, through tel. (853) 2892 4040 during office hours.
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A scheme for eligible Macao-registered vehicles to enter Hengqin Island, Zhuhai Prefecture, will start on 20 December, the Macao Government and the Zhuhai Municipal People's Government confirmed today. The Macao and Zhuhai authorities started today accepting applications under the scheme, officials from both sides announced at a press conference held today in Hengqin. Detailed arrangements regarding the implementation of the first phase of the scheme – including a management plan and information on the application procedures – were also announced. The Government will work closely with mainland authorities to ensure successful implementation of the measure. Both sides would review – in a timely manner – the effectiveness of the scheme, said the Assistant Director-General of the Macao Customs Service, Mr Ng Kuok Heng, at the press conference. The measure will further benefit the flow of people and goods between the two cities, and will help Macao achieve its goal of economic diversification. Mr Ng said the Government paid great attention to the implementation of the scheme, noting that the measure highlighted the Central Government’s great support to Macao and represented a significant achievement for Guangdong-Macao cooperation. Also at the press conference, the Director of the Hengqin New Area Management Committee, Mr Niu Jing, said that the entry of Macao-registered vehicles to Hengqin would have a positive impact in several areas, including: furthering the economic development of Macao and Guangdong; enhancing overall border-crossing efficiency in Macao and Zhuhai; and improving convenience of travel for people from the two cities. Premier of the State Council, Li Keqiang, had announced – during his visit to Macao in October – that the initiative to enable Macao-registered vehicles to enter Hengqin Island would be implemented before year-end. In 2009, the State Council published the Overall Development Plan of Hengqin, outlining the initiative of allowing Macao-registered vehicles to enter the island. The scheme aims to create better living, working and business conditions for Macao residents, including the possibility of living in Hengqin. In 2011, the vehicle scheme was also included in the Framework Agreement on Cooperation Between Guangdong and Macao. In June this year, the Guangdong and Macao governments agreed on the terms of the scheme enabling Macao-registered vehicles to enter Hengqin. On 8 December, the Guangdong Government issued a set of provisional procedures for managing Macao-registered vehicles entering Hengqin. The Zhuhai Government issued on the same day a set of detailed measures for managing Macao-registered vehicles entering the island. Officials from the Macao Customs Service, the Public Security Police Force and the Transport Bureau attended today’s press conference. Also present were representatives from the Zhuhai Municipal People’s Government, the Public Security Bureau and the Gongbei Customs.
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The Macao Cultural Centre, under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, presents three brand new productions to be premiered in February 2017. Staged in alternative venues, this new “Open Box” series includes the physical comedy Idiot, multimedia project Butterflies in the Spring Breeze and the vanguardist immersive theatre Echoes of our Times. A theatrical display of different ideas and themes presented through diverse performing projects. Idiot (10-11 Feb, 2017) Opening the series, director/script writer Joyce Chan will take the audience on a journey to a world of stupidity and misunderstandings, using the basics of clowning to construct an absurd perspective. It all starts when a young otaku (Japanese for nerd) decides to reply an ad calling for male escorts. The action revolves around a multiplicity of funny gags during the interview that takes the unlikely candidate to fly to Japan where he meets the mama-san in charge of recruitment. Butterflies in the Spring Breeze (17-18 Feb, 2017) Butterflies in the Spring Breeze is a tale addressing sexual desire through the intense story of a man who finds out his wife had a love affair with another woman, years before they met. Created by director Harry Ng and designer James Wong this is a challenging piece in both their choice of content and technical setting. Adapted from a Taiwanese novel, the piece will take the audience through an acting experience displayed on a high-tech holographic scenario. Echoes of our Times (18-19 Feb, 2017) On the last show of the series, choreographer Chan Chi Cheng and Taiwanese musician Chi Po Hao invite the audience to wander through a strange place full of dusty and outdated objects that were once very useful. Listening to unfamiliar beeps and noises, two dancers respond to the sounds, like mesmerized kids listening to a story told by an old man. Echoes of our Times merges dance, acting and sound installations to offer the audience something closer to a real life adventure rather than an evening at the theatre. “Open Box” is presented by the Macao Cultural Centre from February 10 through 19. Tickets priced at MOP120 will be available at CCM’s box office and Macao Ticketing Network from December 18. A three programme package is priced at MOP300 (one ticket for each programme). For further information on promotional offers and ticketing, please visit www.ccm.gov.mo or call (853) 2870 0699. Credit card ticketing hotline (853) 2840 0555.
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The International Workshop on Solid-State Lighting of LED and Laser Diode, co-organised by the University of Macau (UM) and the Physical Society of Macao, was held at MGM MACAU today (15 December). Prof Shuji Nakamura from the University of California, Santa Barbara, the 2014 Nobel laureate in physics, as well as other renowned experts, scholars, and industry elite attended the workshop and had in-depth discussions on the latest developments, problems, and challenges in solid-state lighting (SSL). UM Rector Wei Zhao thanked Prof Nakamura and other guests for attending the workshop. He expressed his hope that the workshop would not only provide a platform for connecting the academics and industry, but would also help to raise public awareness of the importance of science and technology. He also expressed his hope that scientific research will grow together with the gaming industry in Macao to meet a great variety of needs in the local society. Prof Tang Zikang, director of UM’s Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering and president of the Physical Society of Macao, reviewed the recent developments of SSL and LED. He noted that as an effective way to realise efficient use of energy, SSL technology has attracted considerable international attention over the past few years. The development of SSL now plays an important role in enhancing national welfare and people’s quality of life. The workshop is expected to promote innovation in and development of the related industries in Macao, so they can become new-technology pillar industries in Macao. The workshop was jointly initiated by UM, the Physical Society of Macao, the University of California, Santa Barbara, Guangdong Illuminating Engineering Society, and Tsing Hua University. It aimed to provide a platform for leading scientists in the field and industry leaders from the United States, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and mainland China to exchange ideas on the emerging trends and lighting technologies and to seek new opportunities and growth points in the optoelectronics industry. Prof Nakamura and Prof Tang served as the co-chairs of the workshop. Prof Da-Hsuan Feng, director of global affairs and special advisor to the rector at UM, was the consultant of the workshop. The workshop received great support from MGM MACAU. On the day following the workshop, Prof Nakamura will give a public talk at UM on the invention of high efficient blue LEDs and the future solid state lighting. He will also share his research experience with the audience.
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The opening ceremony of the “Exhibitions in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s birth and on the conservation of No. 80 in Rua das Estalagens” was held on Thursday, 15 December, at 3:30pm, at No. 80, Rua das Estalagens, and was officiated by the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Ung Vai Meng; the Director of The Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen in Tsuiheng Village of the Zhongshan city, Huang Jianmin; the President of the Macao History Association, Chan Su Weng; the senior educator, Lau Sin Peng; and the Chairman of the Residents Mutual Aid Association of 6 Ruas Chou Toi, Lo Teng Kam. Other guests attending the ceremony included members of the Cultural Heritage Committee, experts, scholars and residents. The renovation project of No. 80, Rua das Estalagens has been concluded, and the Cultural Affairs Bureau will be ready to set up as an exhibition space. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sun Yat-sen, and the Cultural Affairs Bureau organized the “Exhibitions in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s birth and on the conservation of No. 80 in Rua das Estalagens”. The public can appreciate the feats of such a great man as well as assess the results of the conservation works and of the archaeological discoveries in the exhibition. Macao is the starting point for Dr. Sun Yat-sen to the world, and it is the first place where he practiced as a doctor and the source of enlightenment for revolutionary ideology. Though the scenery of Rua das Estalagens has been changed over centuries, the building located at the Rua das Estalagens, where the Chong Sai Dispensary established by Dr. Sun Yat-sen, remains the same. It has been the ties and witness of the close relationship between Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Macao. Built before 1892, the building at No. 80, Rua das Estalagens is a typical commercial residential premise, that is a residential building with commercial spaces on the ground floor. Upon the MSAR Government’s successful purchase of the building in 2011 after several rentals and transfers, renovation works were carried out. The building will now open as an exhibition hall for the public and will be established as an exhibition venue applicable to specific themes in future. The “Exhibitions in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s birth and on the conservation of No. 80 in Rua das Estalagens” covers several exhibition areas including an archaeological artefacts and traces exhibition, an exhibition area dedicated to Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Macau, an exhibition area on the building’s renovation techniques and an exhibition area on the building’s distinctive features. This exhibition allows residents to have further understanding of the relationship between Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Macao as well as the characteristics and architectonical features of this traditional commercial residential premise. Admission to the building at No. 80, Rua das Estalagens is free from 15 December. The exhibition will be open from 3:30pm to 6pm on the day of the opening ceremony. The building opens from Wednesday to Monday from 10am to 6pm, including on public holidays (closed on Tuesdays). For enquiries, please contact the Cultural Affairs Bureau through tel. no. 8399 6699 during office hours.
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“2016 Stamp Festival” has commenced in the Communications Museum. The theme of this year is Pillar Box. There will also be a series of fun and interactive activities during the Stamp Festival which will be held from now till April 7, 2017. The thematic guided visits will be led by our facilitators who will introduce about the pillar boxes on stamps, miniatures from other places and interesting stories about pillars boxes. Each guided visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Schools and organizations are welcomed to make reservations. “Lucky Draw of the Pillar Box Photo Mosaic” is one of the special activities. Participants only have to circle the answers on the game slip and insert it into the collection box. The participants that answer all the questions correctly will automatically enter the grand lucky draw at the end of the exhibition. We will place two mailboxes with two different cut-off times for mailing in order to “Mail to the Future”. Participants may drop in their handwritten letter or postcard and we shall post them out before February 14 and March 1, 2017 to the receivers. Museum fans are welcomed to “Like” Communications Museum of Macao on the Facebook or share the activity with your friends in WeChat, and then show their mobile phones to our facilitators to each obtain 1 Macao stamp with face value of MOP2 for posting their mails. The museum will organize four “Porcelain Painting Workshops” on January 7, February 11, March 4 and April 1, 2017. In the workshops, participants will be provided porcelain tiles pre-printed with the outline of different pillar box images for painting. The set of four different porcelain tiles from the four workshops will be a good collection of coasters at your home or gifts for your friends or relatives. “A Tour of Special Pillar Boxes in Hong Kong” is discovery trip to be held on February 3 & 4, 2017. On the first day, participants will spend an afternoon enjoying a guided visit at the museum to find out the interesting things about pillar boxes around the world. On the second day, they may invite their parents or friends to join the trip to Hong Kong. They will visit the exhibition at the postal gallery in Hong Kong Post and look for the oldest post office in Stanley to discover the changes that pillar boxes have undergone in Hong Kong. For details of the activities above mentioned, please refer to the Museum website (http://macao.communications.museum).
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The Macao Orchestra (OM, from the Portuguese acronym), under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, will present the concert “Piano Encounter - Meet Alice” on 21 January 2017, at the Macao Tower Auditorium. The concert, under the baton of OM’s Music Director Lü Jia, also features the well-known young pianist Alice Sara Ott, who has a “supermodel” appearance. Tickets for this concert are available through the Macau Ticketing Network. Born in Munich, in Germany, in 1988, Alice Sara Ott is a Germanic–Japanese pianist, hailed as the most talented young pianist in recent years. With her diverse background, she has a keen sense of music. Her music is unique and explosive, entirely different from the music of traditional musicians in what concerns performance style and repertoire selection. Alice has currently become one of the most influential figures in the world’s music circles, and each of her performances brings unlimited power and surprises to the audience. The British daily, The Times, writes that [her performance gives you] only surprises but no regrets. This concert features Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor, offering music fans a musical feast. Tickets for the concert “Piano Encounter - Meet Alice” are priced at MOP250, MOP200 and MOP150, with various discount packages available. Ticketing Hotline: 2855 5555. For the electronic version and complete programme of the 2016-2017 Macao Orchestra Concert Season, please visit OM’s website: www.icm.gov.mo/om.
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Consumer Council conducted a survey on the services and charges of local pre-wedding photography services, the survey result shows that if consumers choose to cancel their contracts or fail to finish photo sessions due to personal reasons within the agreed period, paid deposit is non-refundable under normal circumstances. Further, as pre-wedding photography is a kind of prepayment consumption, consumers’ rights may be affected by various factors from the moment deposit is paid, therefore, consumers should read thoroughly the restrictions of the photo shooting company and choose the service that suits them best. A feature of this is included in issue no. 280 Consumer Report. Wedding photo companies restriction on non-refundable deposit The surveyed wedding photo companies require consumers to pay part or a specific amount as deposit for arranging pre-wedding photography. The survey result shows that consumers are required to finish their photo shooting sessions within a specific period, which varies from six months to two years after deposit is paid. If consumers choose to cancel the service or fail to finish the photo sessions due to personal reasons, deposit is usually non-refundable in most circumstances. Only certain photo companies allow consumers to transfer their services to others. Although charges are agreed by consumers and photo shooting companies, the survey result shows that consumers will be charged extra fees for items such as extra shooting hours. Moreover, some photo shooting companies do not accept change of appointment date by consumers. Compare before making decision Consumers are suggested to refer to the survey for the various charging methods, regulations, and service arrangement of pre-wedding photo shooting companies; it is also suggested to inquire more from the companies about their services and charging conditions before making any decision. Pay attention to the risks of consumption with prepayment Pre-wedding photo shooting service is a kind of prepayment consumption, the Council suggests consumers to choose companies with goodwill, and to sign contract with the company to confirm transaction details and charging fees. Consumers should also read through contract terms, especially the terms regarding the rights and responsibilities of both parties, before signing the contract. Further, consumers are advised not to pay too much money as deposit to safeguard their own rights during the period before photo shooting sessions are completed. Consumer alert: never buy drugs online Online shopping is trending now but it may be illegal and dangerous to purchase drugs online, a ‘consumer alert’ is featured in this issue to remind consumers not to purchase any drugs from online shops. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the Council (Av. Horta e Costa, N.º 26, Edf. Clementina Ho), and the service counter of the Council at Macao SAR Government Service Centre (Rua Nova da Areia Preta, Nº52), Public Information Centre at Vicky Plaza, libraries, and bookstores. Consumers may also access the magazine online on the Council’s official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo) and WeChat official account. For enquiry, please call 8988-9315.
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IFT Tourism Retail and Marketing Management year 4 students successfully completed a Visual Merchandising and Store Design project to help a newly opened restaurant called Le Bistro Marcellinho founded by Roberto Souza. The ultimate aim for the project is to help the restaurant to develop ways to utilise its space by proposing ideas and new business models to help the company to develop new revenue stream and/or to drive in more locals and tourists into the restaurant. Students engaged in market research, development of moodboard, design concepts, prepared 3D models and floorplans as well as design illustrations. To enhance the quality of this course, the course instructor has invited local experts Simon Kwong, João Ricardo Lao, Clement Cheng, Selma Branco Cheng and Elvis Wong, who came to the classroom to share their experiences about store design and visual merchandising. The growth of the retail industry in Macao is making every aspect related to running a successful retail business highly important. The course aims to inform students the importance of store design and visual merchandising to enhance customers experience as well as to entice them to visit the store and to encourage purchases. The course instructor Dr. Fernando Lourenço and the founder of Le Bristo Marcellinho congratulate the students for their efforts and for the quality of work they produced. The project is a fantastic way to build a stronger link with the industry by offering supports to local enterprises as well as allow students to gain experiences. For more information about the projects, please check out YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/iftdesigncourses. The Institute for Tourism Studies, Macao (IFT) was established in 1995, and offers the most extensive range of tourism and hospitality-related bachelor degree programmes in Macao. Annually, approximately 20,000 participants attend its vocational and professional training courses. IFT collaborates with 101 universities and tourism organisations around the world, and has strong links with 500 leading tourism and hospitality corporations worldwide that provide internship opportunities to IFT students. IFT was the first institution to be accredited by the UNWTO.TedQual Certification System for tourism education, and now has 8 bachelor degree programmes with this certification. Currently, the Institute has the greatest number of bachelor degree programmes certified under that system of any tertiary education establishment worldwide. IFT has received the Medal of Merit in Tourism from the Macao SAR Government, and has twice won the Gold Award in ‘Education and Training’ from PATA.
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The Historic Centre of Macao was inscribed in 2005 on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The city’s unique features and harmonious integration of Chinese and Portuguese cultures have since been gradually getting more attention from the public. Featuring a total of 22 main buildings and additional public spaces, the Historic Centre of Macao stands today as a living testimony of eastern and western aesthetics that have influenced Macao over the past four hundred years. The Historic Centre of Macao encompasses the old city centre, where the Portuguese community inhabited, and extends to the neighbouring squares and streets, covering the following attractions: Senado Square, “Leal Senado” Building, Holy House of Mercy, St. Dominic’s Church, Mount Fortress, Section of the Old City Walls, Na Tcha Temple, Cathedral, St. Augustine’s Church, St. Augustine’s Square, Dom Pedro V Theatre, Sir Robert Ho Tung Library, St. Lawrence’s Church, St. Joseph’s Seminary and Church, Moorish Barracks, St. Anthony’s Church, A-Ma Temple, Mandarin's House, Lou Kau Mansion, Sam Kai Vui Kun (Kuan Tai Temple), Casa Garden, the Protestant Cemetery, Lilau Square, Guia Fortress (including Guia Chapel and Guia Lighthouse), and Ruins of St. Paul’s. To visually enjoy and explore the Historic Centre of Macao, please watch “Macao’s World Heritage”, the latest production from the Government Information Bureau. The video is available at the Bureau’s Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/user/macaogcs

Video:【GCS】Macao’s World Heritage

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