News

A professional diploma course on quantity surveying, offered by the University of Macau’s (UM) Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), has been accredited by the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES). Macao’s construction and engineering industry has experienced rapid development in recent years, with an increasing number of large-scale international construction projects in the city. In view of this, the CCE launched a professional diploma course on quantity surveying, to help industry practitioners acquire a thorough understanding of the latest methods for calculating quantities and concepts in the field commonly used worldwide. The course also aims to help practitioners upgrade their knowledge and skills and align themselves with international standards. During his visit to Macao, CICES President David Loosemore presented graduation certificates to CCE Director Prof Leung Shing On, who received the certificates on behalf of all participants in the course. Both parties then held a meeting to explore opportunities for future collaboration. Since 2014, the CCE has been offering various professional certificate and diploma courses on quantity surveying for local industry practitioners. The courses were held in collaboration with the CICES, the Architects Association of Macau, the Macau Institution of Engineers, the Association of Macau Engineering Consultant Companies, the Macao Association of Building Contractors and Developers, Macau Construction Association, and Macau Construction Machinery Engineering Association.
…

In order to promote the development of modern music in Macao, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC, from the Portuguese acronym) organizes the concert “HUSH!! Full Music”, which will be held at Hac Sa Beach, between 30 April and 1 May (Saturday and Sunday), running for 15 hours of music in two consecutive days. Aside from famous singers, the renowned local and foreign ensembles are also invited to perform different types of music, thereby offering a warm and enthusiastic music event for the general public. The concert “HUSH!!” has been taking place for over ten years and has already become one of Macao’s major annual music events. It is also well known by the nearby regions and music circles in Asia, it gradually becomes the city’s major cultural trademark event. This year, IC intends to expand the festival’s power, by extending the concert “HUSH!! Full Music” for two consecutive days, namely from 1pm to 8pm on 30 April and from 1pm to 9pm on 1 May, Labour Day, at Hac Sa Beach, offering an even bigger stage for local bands to have music exchange with foreign bands. It aims to develop the festival into a large-scale modern music event and offer the public more high quality recreational activities. The two-day outdoor event will feature with local young music bands and musicians, including DJ Saiyan, Willy, Eva Tana, Rachel, Queena, Sinking Summer, Kirsten, Scamper, Macau Jazz Swing Band, Crossline, Single Path, Fall to Fly, Boogie Engineering, Sketch, Cactus, Rush and Crush, Black Sheep, Vibration, Experience, Wat de Funk; as well as singers and bands from Thailand, Ecuador, Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, including Cheer Chen, Sticky Rice, Candy Lo, KOLOR, Chochukmo, Cheng Bi, Project Ace, SISAY and The Richman Toy. The concerts will be filled mainly in rock music as well as a variety of different types of music namely jazz, blues, folk music, latin music and world music, among others. “HUSH!! Full Music” is organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau in cooperation with the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau and the Marine and Water Bureau. Admission is free. No ticket or seat reservation is required. Considering parking spaces in Hac Sa Beach are limited, the organizer recommends the public using public transportation to get to the venue (bus routes: 15, 21A, 25 and 26A). The festival’s programme will be announced in the respective webpage at www.icm.gov.mo/hush.
…

The Government has set up a steering committee to coordinate and promote measures to protect the elderly, in an effort to explore the challenges and opportunities created in managing a community with an ageing population. According to an Executive Order published today in the Macao SAR Gazette, the Interdepartmental Steering Committee on Mechanisms to Protect the Elderly will coordinate policy in the short-, medium- and long-term regarding Macao’s 10-year action plan for services for the elderly. The plan spans the period 2016 to 2025. The Steering Committee will also be responsible for reviewing and modifying the protection mechanism as the needs of society – and of the growing number of the elderly – change over time. Other functions of the Steering Committee include: formulation of the next 10-year action plan regarding services for the elderly to be implemented after 2025; enabling non-governmental organisations to take part in policymaking on issues affecting the elderly; the setting up of a benchmarking system to assess the effectiveness of each 10-year action plan; and reporting to the Chief Executive on the progress achieved and follow-ups needed regarding each action plan. The Steering Committee has 14 members, with the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture in the role of chairman. The Director of the Social Welfare Bureau is the vice chairwoman of the Steering Committee.
…

The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, said the Macao Gaming Committee could – via its reconstituted membership – further develop its role in facilitating a healthy development of the city’s gaming industry. Mr Leong’s comment was made following the decision by the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, to include the Secretary for Security on the Macao Gaming Committee. Such a decision would have a positive impact on the Committee’s work, said Mr Leong. There would be a greater need for the Committee to receive input on security matters, especially at a time the industry was undergoing a new phase of development, Mr Leong told reporters on Saturday (23 April). The Macao Gaming Committee was established in July 2000, and is chaired by the Chief Executive of Macao. Its tasks include looking into how the gaming industry might be developed in the future. Mr Leong stated the Government had remained in close contact with representatives of the city’s gaming promoters regarding discussions on raising the financial threshold for companies interested in entering the local gaming promotion sector. There had been similar close communication regarding the possibility of in future conducting in-depth background checks on people applying to be gaming promoters. Those policy ideas were aimed at promoting a spirit of legal compliance and enhanced professionalism in the sector, Mr Leong added. Mr Leong additionally said he hoped a public discussion on the issue of paternity leave for men working in the private sector would soon reach a consensus. The Government is dedicated to enhancing the working conditions of residents: not only by updating the terms of paternity leave but also by other revisions of labour policy. The topics have been discussed in the Standing Council on Social Concerted Action, an advisory body to the Chief Executive on labour policies. Mr Leong said he hoped the members of the Standing Council would take into consideration the Chief Executive’s comments on paternity leave. Those comments had been offered during a meeting of the Legislative Assembly on Friday (22 April).
…

Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is presenting the “Macao Hunt” prize-redemption game once again on WeChat in Macao from 26 April to 23 May, guiding local residents and visitors to collect “gems” along the eight walking tour routes under the theme “Step Out, Experience Macao’s Communities”, for a chance to win electronic coupons from merchants and enter a great lucky draw. The scale of the game covers a total of eight walking tour routes. In addition, coupons from cultural and creative stores are featured as a new prize to enrich the content of the game. Through launching the “Macao Hunt” activity, the Office aims to enhance the charm of community tourism and encourage visitors to explore different communities in Macao and patronize local businesses, as part of the Office’s continuous efforts to foster community tourism. Eight walking routes are featured with new addition of cultural and creative stores MGTO first launched the month-long prize-redemption game “Macao Hunt” on WeChat this February. The game widely received positive feedback from local residents, visitors and merchants along the routes, while it also encouraged visitors to explore the lesser-known districts and patronize local businesses during Chinese New Year. Drawing on the experience of the first phase, MGTO is ready to roll out the second phase “Macao Hunt” (only in Chinese) on WeChat starting from tomorrow (26 April) and extend its coverage from four designated walking routes to eight in total. Besides accredited merchants in the “Quality Tourism Services Accreditation Scheme” (QTSAS), cultural and creative stores will be featured in the game as well. Residents and visitors are welcome to join The theme of the game “Macao Hunt” is to search for gems. Participants can follow MGTO’s WeChat ID (“mgtoweixin”) and join the game for a chance to enter the lucky draw. The fabulous prizes include digital products such as Macbook, Galaxy S7 and iPhoneSE. Furthermore, 12 virtual gem chests are placed at some of the attractions along the eight walking tour routes. Once participants find the gem chest at designated attractions according to instructions, they can open the chests through the function “Shake” or “Scan” on WeChat, and collect the gems for a chance to win coupons from accredited merchants catering businesses in QTSAS as well as cultural and creative stores nearby. With a total of eight gems collected, participants can win attractive prize. Participants can also increase their chances of winning the lucky-draw prizes by completing a survey or by sharing the game link with friends on WeChat and getting friends’ “click” on the link. For more information about how to play the game, please visit: http://www.macaotourism.gov.mo The eight walking tour routes under the theme “Step Out, Experience Macao’s Communities” include “Footsteps into the Historic Centre”, “The Marriage of East and West in St. Anthony’s Parish”, “A Legacy of Arts and Culture”, “Bygone Days of Taipa Village”, “Crossroads of China and Portugal”, “An Experiment of Creativity”, “Enchanting Stories of Our Lady of Fatima Parish” and “Nostalgia in Coloane”. The press release and photos are available at: http://industry.macaotourism.gov.mo
…

Consumer Council conducted its latest ‘Supermarket price survey’ in April on 22 April for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets in São Lázaro and São Lourenço Parishes. 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. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. 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.
…

A public consultation on Macao’s first Five-Year Development Plan will be launched on Tuesday (26 April), said today the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On. The Government will pay great attention to the opinions of residents regarding this important development blueprint for Macao, which covers a period from 2016 to 2020, he stated. Mr Chui made the comments this afternoon when he attended a plenary session of the Legislative Assembly to answer legislators’ questions on government policies and other social issues. The Government aimed to gather opinion on how to help transform Macao into a world centre of tourism and leisure, and into a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries (collectively known as the “Centre and Platform” policies). The Chief Executive also gave more details regarding work relating to Macao’s maritime area. The Government was drafting a framework law on maritime management and other supplementary regulations. It was expected that the process would be completed before the end of this year. He disclosed the Government would sign an agreement in May with the General Administration of Customs on measures to strengthen security oversight of Macao’s waters and to enhance law enforcement. At present the Government was conducting a series of pieces of research on issues relating to the management of Macao’s waters and their conservation; as well as the sustainability of maritime development. The Government would work closely with mainland authorities in a bid further to strengthen Macao’s management role for its waters; an asset demarcated by the State Council last December. Regarding a question on the planned housing project at Estrada do Campo, Mr Chui reiterated that a permit for construction would still be required for such a project to go ahead. The Environmental Protection Bureau would provide in the near future more details about an environmental impact assessment relating to the project, he added. The Government strives for a balance between development and environmental conservation during the course of Macao’s economic progress. Macao did not have a single, coordinated plan on urban development: the Land Law, the Urban Planning Law, and the Cultural Heritage Protection Law provide the fundamental principles for the city’s development, said Mr Chui. The Chief Executive also gave an update on revisions to legislation relating to public housing. The legislative process concerning legal amendments on social housing – units rented by the Government at lower rents to low income families – would start by the third quarter this year. The revision will include amendments to the application procedure, management of social housing units and the introduction of a mechanism to retrieve flats from higher income families. Meanwhile, it was expected that a review of the Home-Ownership Scheme would be completed in the second quarter, he stated. The Government’s vision on housing policy – “homes for all in a contented society” – remained unchanged, said Mr Chui. The Government would spare no effort in ensuring the needs of the public housing sector did not come second to the development of the private housing market, he added. The Government had started planning work and coordination between its departments for the planned 4,600 public housing flats that had been announced in the Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2016. The Chief Executive additionally highlighted three principles in public purchasing and outsourcing to the private sector concerning public services. They were: 1) revision of regulations relating to public procurement; 2) the strengthening of education on the rights and duties of leaders of Government departments; and 3) the establishment of a mechanism to evaluate officials’ performance. During the session, Mr Chui gave more details regarding: the application procedure for public housing; the benefits and conditions for civil servants; paternity leave; public administration and cross-departmental cooperation; protection of consumer rights; youth entrepreneurship; development of information technology; support for local small- and medium-sized enterprises; and the cultivation of professionals bilingual in the use of Chinese and Portuguese.
…

Macao will in August hold its first Wushu carnival, said the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Tam Chon Weng. The four-day carnival would feature a Wushu competition with practitioners from the mainland and overseas. There will also be martial arts and lion dance performances, Mr Tam said in his remarks on Thursday (21 April). Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Cultural Industry Council, Mr Tam said the carnival would be aimed at creating a greater number of development opportunities for local businesses, in sectors such as tourism, sports, and cultural and creative industries. He hoped a future edition of such an event could be expanded to cover a whole week, and that eventually it could become an annual festival. Macao had a close connection with Wushu: a bout of the martial art held in 1954 in the premises of the swimming pool at the former Estoril Hotel – between Wu Kung I and Chan Hak Fu, masters of different disciplines of the sport – was an inspiration for a number of Wushu-themed novels, Mr Tam added. Asked by reporters about the redevelopment plan for Estoril Hotel, the Secretary said there were many ways of conserving the historic swimming pool at the former hotel. Renewing its facilities would allow a greater number of residents to enjoy the venue and allow it to extend its daily opening hours. Wushu is derived from traditional Chinese martial arts and can be either an exhibition sport or a full-contact sport.
…

Organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) and co-organised by PYO Gallery, the exhibiton “Travelogue--works by Park, Seung Hoon”, will be inaugurated on Thursday, 28 April, at 6:30pm, at Gallery of Taipa Houses-Museum. Sixteen photography works by the young Korean artist, Park, Seung Hoon, will be showcased. The exhibition features two series of photography works by Park, Seung Hoon, namely Textus and A Better Explanation. The Textus series is captured on positive 16mm movie film with an 8x10mm camera. Park weaves multiple film strips that he produced across the continents over the years into a single unique photograph to reconstruct a perfect scenario. The latest work of Park, A Better Explanation, is a manifestation of change over time and space through the long-term photography of the riverside scenery of the Arno River, in Florence. With his artistic language, he presents the scene of the moment while depicting the social and historical development of the Arno River. The organiser hopes this exhibition can share the detailed and creative works of the young Korean artist Park, Seung Hoon with the public, for exploring the possibility of artistic creation and inspiring audience to develop their own imagination through his photography works. The exhibition “Travelogue--works by Park, Seung Hoon” will be held from 29 April to 26 June at Gallery of Taipa Houses-Museum. Admission is free. The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 6pm including public holidays (closed on Mondays). For enquiries, please contact IC through tel no. 8988 4000 during office hours.
…

The 30th Portuguese Language Summer Programme, organised by the University of Macau (UM) Department of Portuguese, is now open for applications. The deadline for applications is 14 May. The Portuguese Language Summer Programme was launched in 1986. Over the past 30 years, it has trained nearly 6,000 students from around the world, including mainland China, Japan, South Korea, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Timor, Ethiopia, the United States, Hong Kong, and Macao, with one third of the students being from Macao. In addition to Portuguese classes, the course also includes a variety of interesting extracurricular activities, which are designed to give participants an opportunity to experience the unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures in Macao and to increase their understanding of the historical, social, economic, political and cultural aspects of the city. The course will take place between 18 July and 5 August. It is available at five levels: the beginner’s level, the basic level, the intermediate level, the advanced level, and the superior level. Portuguese/Chinese translation classes will also be available for bilingual students. Those who are interested should click on the link below for registration. https://fah.umac.mo/portuguese/summer-course-2016/ For enquiries, please call +853 8822 4634 or email to fahpt_summer@umac.mo.
…