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The Cultural Affairs Bureau, in cooperation with several governmental departments, will proceed to re-plan and integrate the five Portuguese buildings of the Taipa Houses-Museum and its surrounding area, in order to optimize the cultural facilities and functionality of this area, aiming to create a cultural area for both leisure and information. The five Portuguese buildings of the Taipa Houses-Museum will be temporarily closed from 22 August onwards, and the public should therefore take note. In order to coordinate with the optimization and infrastructure improvement project, the renovation project of the five Portuguese buildings of the Taipa Houses–Museum and its surrounding area will begin on 22 August. During the renovation, the Taipa Houses–Museum will be closed to the public and will reopen with a new image once the works have been concluded. The reopening date of the Taipa Houses–Museum will be announced at a later stage. For enquiries, please call IC through tel. no. 8988 4000, during office hours.
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Co-organized by the Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Hong Kong Film Development Council and the Guangdong Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, the “2016 Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Film Production Investment and Trade Fair” (hereinafter referred to as “the Investment Fair”) has been concluded successfully on 17 August. This edition of the Investment Fair counted with the participation of producers of 25 film projects and over 50 investors. The Investment Fair provides a platform for exchange and pairing services between film producers and investors from the three regions, in order to facilitate the development of film industries in the three regions. The “Investment Fair” was held on 16 and 17 August at the Regency Hotel Macau. Producers of 25 film projects presented their projects to investors in introduction session and promoted meetings between the two sides, so as to explore pairing services, investment and development opportunities for the film projects. During the Investment Fair, the Guangdong Han Yuan Education Investment & Management Ltd. has successfully paired with one film project from Macao, Singing Girl, three film projects from Guangdong, namely The Fist and Snows, The Same Face and Some Stories about Love. The “letter of intent of cooperation and investment” signing ceremony was held on 17 August. In addition, in order to recognize projects with potential, awards for the film projects have been specially designed for the occasion, which were voted individually by each investor after the interview. The films The Same Face and The Fist and Snows from Guangdong got the same number of votes, so they received the “Film Project—Grand Award” from the hands of the Vice-President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macao S.A.R. Government, Chan Peng Fai and the Assistant Head of Create Hong Kong, Wellington Fung respectively; the film Some Stories about Love from Guangdong received the “Film Project—Award of Merit” from the hands of the Chief of the Film Management Office of the Guangdong Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, Chen Song. The “Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Film Production Investment and Trade Fair” has been held since 2014 in Macao, aimed at offering a quality platform for convenient exchange and pairing services between film producers and investors from the three regions, creating a film investment and cooperation channel among the regions, focusing on supporting small and medium budget film production and on training professionals, as well as promoting the development of the film industry in the three regions.
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Consumer Council conducted its third ‘Supermarket price survey’ in August on 17 August for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included 14 supermarkets in Toi San, Ilha Verde and Fai Chi Kei areas in N. Sra. de Fátima Parish. The latest ‘Supermarket Price Survey’ is now available on Consumer Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo), ‘Supermarket Price Information Platform’ iPhone and Android apps, and on the Council’s WeChat account page. 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. With reference to the local seven parishes and the number of supermarkets in each parish, the Council has divided around 100 supermarkets into 8 areas for price collection. The Council collects prices from these supermarkets for the provision of a more comprehensive database for consumers to check price discrepancies and make price comparisons according to their desired locations. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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To make it convenient for consumers to check prices of goods at local supermarkets and wet markets, as well as fuel prices, Consumer Council launched a new mobile phone app named ‘Macao Price Platform’. The Council consolidated the previous ‘Supermarket price information platform’ and ‘Fuel price information platform’, and enhanced the new app by adding daily price data of wet markets from IACM. The new app offers a one-stop platform for consumers to check prices. The previous ‘Supermarket price information platform’ has been updated to the brand-new ‘Macao price platform’ app, the said app is now divided into four areas: ‘Supermarket price platform’, ‘Wet markets price platform’, ‘Fuel price platform’, and ‘Certified Shops’. Consumers can get direct access to price data of over 300 products from over 100 local supermarkets, together with the average daily price at different wet markets provided by IACM. Consumers are also able to get other price information, including price differences between different supermarkets, prices with greatest price drop, as well as the most updated fuel prices, etc.. Further, the Council’s ‘Certified Shops’ mobile phone app is linked with the new app, which enables consumers to check details of over 1,000 ‘Certified Shops’. The latest ‘Macao price platform’ app is easy to use, and a one-stop platform for consumer to check daily prices. The app is available in Chinese, Portuguese, and English, and can be downloaded from Apps sore on iOS and Google Play on Android. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the number and value of real estate transactions in the second quarter of 2016 rose significantly compared with the first quarter, owing to an increase in transactions of existing residential units. A total of 3,882 building units and parking spaces were purchased and sold at MOP 19.13 billion in the second quarter of 2016 as per Stamp Duty record, up by 101.3% and 126.5% respectively quarter-to-quarter. Purchase and sale of residential units totalled 2,981 at MOP 15.28 billion, up by 145.3% and 175.2% quarter-to-quarter. Among them, existing residential units totalled 2,749 at MOP 13.50 billion, up by 154.1% and 190.4% respectively; pre-sale residential units totalled 232 at MOP 1.79 billion, up by 74.4% and 97.2% respectively. The average price of residential units increased by 7.6% quarter-to-quarter to MOP 78,532 per square metre of usable area in the second quarter. The average price of pre-sale residential units rose by 13.9% to MOP 107,227 per square metre, with the average price of those in Taipa, the Macao Peninsula and Coloane rising by 20.1%, 12.9% and 10.8% respectively. Many of the pre-sale residential units purchased and sold were in Coloane (88) and Móng Há & Reservatório (30), and the average price was MOP 104,720 and MOP 99,601 respectively per square metre. Meanwhile, the average price of pre-sale residential units in Guia (24) and Ilha Verde (24) was MOP 111,723 and MOP 98,117 respectively per square metre. The average price of existing residential units increased by 8.6% quarter-to-quarter to MOP 75,812 per square metre, with the average price of those in the Macao Peninsula and Taipa rising by 9.6% and 4.1% respectively. Many of the existing residential units purchased and sold were in Baixa da Taipa (466) and Areia Preta & Iao Hon (242), and the average price was MOP 79,041 and MOP 74,702 respectively per square metre. Analysed by year of completion, most of the residential units (1,287) were built between 21 and 30 years ago (165 in Areia Preta & Iao Hon, 159 in Baixa da Taipa), and the average price was MOP 69,535 per square metre, up by 8.2% quarter-to-quarter. For the 648 residential units completed between 11 and 20 years ago (198 in Baixa da Taipa, 106 in NATAP), the average price rose by 6.6% to MOP 75,588 per square metre. The average price of the 341 residential units completed more than 30 years ago (57 in Barca, 49 in Barra / Manduco) increased by 10.7% to MOP 49,042 per square metre. For the 242 residential units completed in 5 years or less (76 in NATAP, 32 in Doca do Lamau), the average price rose slightly by 0.2% to MOP 98,170 per square metre. Analysed by usable floor area, there were 1,573 residential units having a floor area of 50.0 to 99.9 square metres, and the average price rose by 6.8% quarter-to-quarter to MOP 76,441 per square metre. Among the 984 small-sized residential units having a floor area of less than 50 square metres, the average price rose by 8.9% to MOP 74,250 per square metre. The average price of office units increased by 2.5% quarter-to-quarter to MOP 100,030 per square metre, while that of industrial units decreased by 5.6% to MOP 41,391 per square metre. In the second quarter of 2016, there were 3,677 real estate sale contracts signed, involving 3,731 properties, up by 43.6% quarter-to-quarter; meanwhile, 3,527 mortgage contracts were signed, involving 4,906 properties, up by 49.4%. As regards construction in the private sector, gross floor area of construction of new buildings totalled 59 thousand square metres, providing 559 units (534 are residential units) and 347 parking spaces for cars upon completion. Meanwhile, gross floor area of buildings completed totalled 28 thousand square metres, altogether providing 71 units (51 are residential units) and 59 parking spaces for cars. * Annex
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According to the statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, the proportion of international business in the local banking sector rebounded slightly in the second quarter of 2016. At end-June 2016, the share of international assets in total banking assets advanced to 84.9% from 84.6% at end-March 2016, while the share of international liabilities in total banking liabilities expanded to 80.4% from 80.0%. Non-local currencies continued to be the dominant denomination in international banking transactions. At end-June 2016, the shares of the pataca in total international assets and total international liabilities were 0.9% and 1.7% respectively. Hong Kong Dollar, US Dollar, the renminbi and other foreign currencies accounted for 42.4%, 41.2%, 10.0% and 5.5% of total international assets as well as 49.6%, 35.5%, 9.0% and 4.2% of total international liabilities respectively. International Banking Assets At end-June 2016, total international assets grew by 3.5% from a quarter ago but dropped mildly by 0.8% from a year earlier to MOP1,167.7 billion (USD146.1 billion). Within this total, external assets declined by 2.5% year-on-year to MOP862.5 billion while local assets in foreign currencies went up by 4.3% to MOP305.2 billion. As a major component of international assets, external interbank loans retreated by 3.5% to MOP394.9 billion. International Banking Liabilities Total international liabilities expanded by 3.8% from three months ago but decreased by 2.0% year-on-year to MOP1,106.5 billion (USD138.5 billion). Of this total, external liabilities fell year-on-year by 5.9% to MOP606.8 billion whereas local liabilities in foreign currencies grew by 3.2% to MOP499.7 billion. Foreign currency deposits held by residents and the MSAR government in local banks continued to form a major component of international liabilities. This type of deposits, nevertheless, edged down by 0.3% to MOP445.6 billion at end-June 2016 from MOP446.7 billion at end-June 2015. Breakdown of External Banking Assets and Liabilities by Region The majority of external assets and liabilities were related to Asia, America and Europe. At end-June 2016, claims on Hong Kong SAR and Mainland China occupied 37.7% and 22.5% of total external assets, the share of the United States stood at 8.0% while claims on Portugal and the United Kingdom took up 2.8% and 2.2% respectively. On external liabilities, Hong Kong SAR and Mainland China accounted for 52.5% and 18.1% of the total respectively, the United States represented 3.0% while France and Portugal took up 1.0% and 0.8% respectively. Portuguese-speaking countries represented 3.0% and 1.1% of total external assets and liabilities respectively. The compilation of International Banking Statistics follows the methodology advocated by the Bank for International Settlements in order to facilitate Macao SAR’s participation in the “Locational International Banking Statistics” project of the international organisation.
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Jointly organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and Macao Artists Society, the “Exhibition of Artworks of the Members of Macao Artists Society 2016” was inaugurated on Tuesday, 16 August, at 6:30pm, at the Nam Van Old Court Building, featuring a total of 169 works by members of the Society. The opening ceremony was officiated by the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Ung Vai Meng; the Assistant of the Chief of the Department of Education and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao S.A.R., Shao Bin; the Vice-President of the Administrative Committee of the Macao Foundation, Zhong Yi Seabra de Mascarenhas; the Director of Macao Daily News, Lok Po and the President of the Macau Artist Society, Lai Ieng. Established in 1956, the Macao Artists Society is a time-honoured art association of Macao that has been devoted to promoting art in the city over the years. Its members, experienced in art production, have laid a solid foundation for local calligraphy and art. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Society this year, each of its 169 members will showcase one exquisite work in the exhibition. This year’s exhibition features the highest number of artists from the Macao Artists Society of all editions. This exhibition brings together different art forms, including watercolour, oil painting, sketch, ink wash painting, calligraphy and sculpture which showcase a variety of genres, providing an opportunity for visitors to appreciate local art and its far-reaching significance in promoting artistic development in Macao. The “Exhibition of Artworks of the Members of Macao Artists Society 2016” will be held from 17 August to 7 September at Nam Van Old Court Building. Admission is free. The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 8pm including on public holiday (closed on Mondays). For enquiries about the exhibition, please contact IC through tel. no. 8988 4100 during office hours.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today the Government received valuable contributions and opinions from mainland officials – regarding Macao’s Five-Year Development Plan – at a meeting in Beijing. Officials attending the meeting also shared views on the following topics: Macao’s contributions to the development of the nation’s Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road (collectively known as the “Belt and Road” Initiative); regional cooperation, in particular with Guangdong Province; the promotion of Macao’s moderate economic diversification; and the enhancement of people’s wellbeing. Issues discussed at the meeting included how to accelerate the positioning of Macao as a world centre of tourism and leisure, and as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. Macao’s first Five-Year Development Plan would help the Government take full advantage of the principle “One country, two systems”. The Plan would better identify the city’s unique advantages, and highlight areas for further cooperation with neighbouring cities and regions, said Mr Chui. Mr Chui made the comments today in Beijing, during a meeting to discuss Macao’s Five-Year Development Plan. The Plan suggests a blueprint for the city’s socio-economic development spanning the period from 2016 to 2020. The National Development and Reform Commission hosted the meeting. The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the Commission, Mr Xu Shaoshi. The meeting was attended by representatives from: the National Development and Reform Commission; the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council; the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; the Ministry of Education; the Ministry of Science and Technology; the Ministry of Land and Resources; the Ministry of Environmental Protection; the Ministry of Transport; the Ministry of Commerce; the Ministry of Culture; the National Health and Family Planning Commission; the People's Bank of China; the General Administration of Customs; the China National Tourism Administration; the State Oceanic Administration; and the Government of Guangdong Province. The event showcased the strong support from the Central Government – including active cooperation from all relevant ministries and departments – to Macao’s socio-economic development, Mr Chui said. The meeting aimed to gather further opinion regarding how to optimise Macao’s Five-Year Development Plan, namely better to incorporate Macao’s development into the country’s 13th Five-Year Development Plan and the “Belt and Road” Initiative. Participants at the event also discussed how further to elevate Macao’s role in promoting national development. The meeting additionally aimed to strengthen coordination and communication in areas related to the Central Government’s own administrative role. How Macao could take a greater role in regional cooperation, and how to increase Guangdong-Macao cooperation were topics also included in the discussions. Mr Chui will end his three-day visit to Beijing tomorrow (17 August).
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The University of Macau (UM) awarded a total of 970,000 patacas in scholarships to outstanding students at the convocation held today (16 August). In addition to the above scholarships, the university will give out another 2.5 million patacas in more than 40 scholarships and academic prizes at its congregation and high table dinners at the various residential colleges to be held later this year. 98 outstanding students with excellent academic performance and active participation in extracurricular activities and community services received scholarships or academic prizes at the convocation. The university hopes the examples of these students will inspire other students to study hard, actively participate in extracurricular activities, and give back to society. UM also presented prizes to students on the Rector’s Honour List, who are the top scorers in their respective faculties for this academic year. They are Fong Lai I of Portuguese studies from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, U Si Man of global business management from the Faculty of Business Administration, Wong Ka Wai of English education from the Faculty of Education and Moon Chun Memorial College (MCMC), Bai Yuchen of biomedical sciences from the Faculty of Health Sciences and MCMC, Tong Ieng Fong from the Faculty of Law and Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College, He Cheng of history studies from the Faculty of Social Sciences and MCMC, and Zhang Hao of electromechanical engineering from the Faculty of Science and Technology and MCMC. The scholarships and academic prizes awarded this year include Sands China Ltd Scholarship, Nam Kwong Education Scholarship, Galaxy Entertainment Group Scholarship, Macau Foundation Academic Prize, Henry Fok Foundation Academic Prize, Bank of China Academic Prize, ICBC Macau Academic Prize, Wu’s Group Academic Prize, Choi Kai Yau Academic Prize, Lou Tou Vo Mathematics, Jorge Alvares Foundation Academic Prize, CEM Academic Prize, BNU Academic Prize, Synopsys Academic Prize, EasyTone Academic Prize, LECM Academic Prize, and ERS Academic Prize.
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The University of Macau (UM) today (16 August) held the convocation for the 2016/2017 academic year to welcome 1,500 new students. During the ceremony, Rector Wei Zhao delivered a speech, in which he expressed hope that the new students would make the most of their four years at UM. He also advised the students to make good use of UM’s great facilities and great professors and strive to meet high standards in academic pursuits and personal development. Rector Zhao said that the convocation was a very special event because it witnessed the moment when the new students started a new chapter in their lives. He encouraged the students to live a moral life, be considerate of others, give back to society, and observe the five virtues listed in the university motto (Humanity, Integrity, Propriety, Wisdom, and Sincerity). Rector Zhao encouraged the students to take advantage of UM’s great facilities and great professors and strive to meet high standards in academic pursuits and personal development. During the ceremony, new students each received a brooch inscribed with the number ‘2020’. The year 2020 will be the graduation year of the new cohort and 20/20 can also mean perfect vision. The gift symbolises the university’s expectations for the new students that they will have a clear vision for their future when they graduate from UM. Ho Weng Fong, a freshman of Portuguese studies, thinks the university is a vibrant community with many new things for her to discover. She believes she will have a very fulfilling life on campus. Ho On In, another freshman of civil engineering, is excited about her four years at UM, and plans to study hard, actively participate in extracurricular activities, and make more friends. Classes for the new academic year will begin on Monday 22 August. To help students adjust to their life on campus, UM is holding a series of orientation activities, including general briefing sessions, orientation sessions organised by the various faculties and residential colleges, and information sessions and parties. UM has also held information seminars for parents to help them learn more about the university’s educational philosophy and latest developments, so that they can help their children adapt to college life.
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