News

Due to waterproofing maintenance in the roof and pavilion of the Church of Our Lady of Penha, the pavilion of the Church will be closed on Tuesday, 26 July. Between mid-August and the beginning of September, painting work will be undertaken in the pavilion of the Church, which will be closed for approximately three weeks. The specific dates will be announced later. During the maintenance period, the courtyard of the Church and the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes will remain open to the public.
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The 2016 GMBPF, jointly organised by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, and Department of Commerce of the Guangdong Province, will be staged in Exhibition Hall B, at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel from 29 -31 July 2016. This year, the GMBPF, will be held in a new location, and with a more diverse programme, integrating the ‘Belt and Road’ and ‘Nostalgic” elements. The event will also be staged with the Macao Franchise Expo (2016 MFE), tapping the concerted effort to create golden opportunities for enterprises. Exhibition floor extended to 9,000 square metres with a wide array of merchandise Guangdong and Macao have always complimented each other in co-operation, and in recent years, more so on economic and trade, medicine, finance, and e-commerce. In terms of the convention and exhibition industry, Guangdong and Macao have in place a long-term co-operation mechanism, which has achieved pleasing results. The GMBPF is in fact, a successful case. This year, at the 8th GMBPF, both governments of Guangdong and Macao have placed a great deal of emphasis and support, in the enhancement and innovative nature of the event. The carnival style GMBPF will encompass trade, cultural exchanges, shopping, leisure and entertainment. Exhibition floors will be extended to 9,000 square metres, with 357 exhibition booths, translating into a two-fold increase in the number of booths. Major pavilions are: Guangdong Products Exhibition and Sales Area, Macao Products Exhibition and Sales Area and Indonesian Products Exhibition and Sales Area. The Guangdong Products Exhibition and Sales Area takes on 195 exhibition booths, with 148 participating enterprises, to showcasing food, daily necessities and gifts, hotel supplies and home appliances. Participating enterprises were all carefully selected by the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province, many of which have obtained the titles of Famous Chinese Brands, Notable Trademarks of China, Famous Brands of Guangdong Province, and ensuring confidence in the quality of the products. Whereas the Macao Featured Products Exhibition and Sales Area has 112 exhibition booths from 112 participating enterprises. These products are mainly “Made in Macao’, ‘Macao Brands’, ‘Designed in Macao’, or Macau Cultural and Innovative Products, and products handled by Macao agents. To encourage the establishment of the ‘Three centres’ and the trade and economic service platform of China and Portuguese speaking countries, there is a dedicated area for food from Portuguese speaking Countries, as well as for sales of products and food with Portuguese characteristics. Newly added Indonesian Exhibition and Sales Area China’s ‘Belt and Road’ initiative has created greater opportunities for Macao’s economic development. This year, the Indonesia Products Exhibition and Sales Area has been added to GMBPF, to strengthen the trade and economic exchange between mainland China, Portuguese speaking countries and Macao, and the coastal areas along the ‘Belt and Road’. Forty three Indonesian exhibitors and 50 exhibition booths were invited to set up in this dedicated area to Indonesia, featuring local Indonesian food, jewellery and accessories, gifts, fashion, leather goods and handicrafts. Vintage ’Topside down’ Every year, the GMBPF comes up with surprises. This year, the central point of the premises is designed as a ‘Vintage Shopping street, where all are invited to gather at the Banyan Tree to roam about the streets of the 60-80s, have fun watching shows and play games, for a burst of nostalgic memories of Macao. The Celebrity’s kitchen - with famous TV host Maria Cordero demonstrating her cooking skills, classic sing-songs, sugar art, flour dolls making, and street magicians, nostalgic fun games, classic animation, and the old days’ savoury food. Of course, the GMBPF will not be complete without mobile phone games, online prize giving games, where more than 60,000 prizes will be given away in the grand lucky draw. Free entry to the venue “Macau Characteristics Finance and Economic Forum” will be staged to explore how to make use of Macao’s advantages to develop its own finance industry with local features and how to actively help make use of the opportunities presented in the co-operation mechanism with Mainland China. At this forum, the Guangdong and Macao Federation Industry and Commerce intends to sign agreement on the ‘reciprocal setup of co-operation links office’ between the Federation and various prefecture-level cities in Guangdong province. This carnival-style GMBPF, with unlimited business opportunities, and fun event, is something you should not miss. Admission to the event is free with opening times as follows: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, 29 July, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both 30 July (Saturday) and 31 July (Sunday). In terms of transportation, the organiser has arranged a free shuttle bus service for the public. For pick up points on the Macao peninsula, and Taipa island, please refer to the attachment. The organiser has also provided a parking area in Exhibition Hall D and E, but with a limited number of parking spaces on a first-come-first-served. For further information on GMBPF 2016, please contact +853-87989636, or the website at www.guangdongmacaofair.com or via social media wechat : gdmofair.
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The Macao Orchestra (OM, from the Portuguese acronym) of the Cultural Affairs Bureau presents its 2015-16 Concert Season Closing Concert “Così fan tutte” on Saturday, 30 July, at 8pm, at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium. The concert is led by Lü Jia and OM invited young singers Jinxu Xiahou, Yunpeng Wang, Louise Kwong, Xiao Yi Xu, Ao Li and Xi Wang to collaborate in the performance of Mozart’s two act opera Cosi fan tutte. Tickets are available through the Macau Ticketing Network. Cosi fan tutte is one of three of Mozart’s well-known operas, side by side with “The Marriage of Figaro” and Don Giovanni. It portrays the story of two brothers who, in order to prove their loved ones’ devotion, make a bet and exchange brides, putting their love and fidelity to the test. “There is no difference between 18th century love and 21st century love. Men and women are still the same...”, “The prelude of this opera quickly intensifies carried out by men and women’s considerations on love, ending on a cheerful note and expressing love’s wisdom and philosophy”. From a modern perspective, this work’s plot seems somewhat absurd, however, thanks to Mozart’s astoundingly perfect music, this has become one of the composers most often staged operas. Six renowned young singers from Mainland China and Hong Kong, each with their own solo, interpret the six characters of this opera where music and arias are beautifully interwoven. Through Mozart’s extraordinary composition technique, not only does music gracefully carry a dramatic action and vividly portray the characters nature but also deeply reflects, reveals and provides insight into the different layers of human psyche, human nature’s grey areas and even ethical and moral paradoxes. In the current times, this work offers even more room for interpretation and has been increasingly hailed by the critics as one of Mozart’s most profound opera buffa. The concert will be led by OM’s Principal Conductor, Lü Jia, and marks the closing of the Orchestra’s 2015-2016 Concert Season. Tickets for OM’s Concert Season Closing Concert “Cosi fan tutte” are on sale at the prices of MOP350, MOP250 and MOP150 and there are several discount plans available. Ticketing hotline: 2855 5555. The full programme of OM’s 2015-2016 Concert Season is available at www.icm.gov.mo/om.
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The temporary closure of the Beijing Imperial Palace Hotel was in order to protect the safety of tourists, said the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Tam Chon Weng. There was a risk that Macao’s image as a tourism destination would have been harmed had the Government not acted against the hotel, Mr Tam told reporters on Sunday (24 July). The Government has ruled that Beijing Imperial Palace Hotel must close for six months with effect from 23 July, due to what was considered serious administrative irregularities, including failures to follow essential fire safety procedures. This was not a hasty decision, said Mr Tam. The Macao Government Tourism Office and the Fire Services Bureau had for some time been advising the hotel to improve its facilities; in particular its fire safety measures, in order to comply with Macao regulations, he added. The temporary closure of the hotel – due to the non-compliance with required standards – was just an individual case within Macao’s hotel industry, said Mr Tam. He added that the Government paid close attention to the standards of all facilities in all of Macao’s hotels. Mr Tam additionally gave some comment regarding the future of the site of the former Estoril Hotel. A redevelopment plan for the site would be discussed during a meeting of the Urban Planning Committee to be held today (25 July). The Government’s idea was to turn the site into a recreational and sports centre for young people, said Mr Tam. The results of a public consultation showed a majority of those expressing opinions were not in favour of keeping the façade of the former hotel. He also said the Government would take into consideration architects’ suggestions regarding how to deal with the decorative mosaic on the old building’s exterior.
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Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) carried out measures to close down Beijing Imperial Palace Hotel today (23 July) and posted the notification mandate at all entrances and exits of the hotel. Effective for a period of six months, close-down measures were executed in a smooth process. From 22 July to 2 p.m. on 23 July, MGTO arranged around 1,000 visitors to leave the hotel orderly. During the process when close-down measures were performed, MGTO arranged around 70 visitors and over 30 hotel staff members to leave the hotel. Teaming up with Public Security Police Force, Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau and Health Bureau, some 20 inspectors of MGTO arrived at Beijing Imperial Palace Hotel at noon to carry out close-down measures. The inspectors inspected all the rooms and facilities one by one at each floor of the hotel, ensuring that all parties have left the hotel. In addition, they properly handled the electrical and mechanical facilities in the hotel and made sure that there is no hidden peril against safety or public health. After the above measures were done, the inspectors carried out procedures to close down the establishment and sealed all entrances and exits of the hotel. They also solemnly informed the persons in charge of the establishment that any party, by entering the establishment without authorization or operating the hotel during the period of temporary closure, will incur criminal liability. The close-down procedures were completed around 2 p.m. MGTO inspectors will go to the establishment to examine its situation of temporary closure from time to time. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, MGTO set up a help desk at the Tourism Activities Centre, where staff members from MGTO, Labour Affairs Bureau, Social Welfare Bureau, Consumer Council and Tourism Crisis Management Office were stationed to provide information. Enquiries can also be made through Tel: 28333000. By 6 p.m., the help desk attended to a total of 19 cases, of which 3 cases were about room reservation involving 17 rooms, while 14 cases involved hotel staff and 2 cases involved hotel membership. A total of 8 enquiries were received through Tourism Hotline. Located in Taipa, Macao, Beijing Imperial Palace Hotel (formerly known as New Century Hotel) has committed serious administrative irregularities and failed to carry out essential fire safety measures. Considering the severity of the hotel’s irregularities against fire safety and the inspection committee’s conclusion, MGTO has reason to believe that it would cause serious or irreparable damage to the public if the Office did not adopt any provisional measures. Therefore, according to the provisions of Clause No. 1, Article No. 83 of the Administrative Procedure Code, MGTO decided to implement provisional measures to close down Beijing Imperial Palace Hotel for a period of six months. During the period of temporary closure, if requirements are met regarding works project and construction permit, etc., the hotel can apply for temporary entry into the establishment to conduct the necessary works to rectify the situations. However, the hotel is not allowed for business operation during the period. Beijing Imperial Palace Hotel, formerly known as New Century Hotel, is a five-star hotel opened in Macao since 1992. The hotel applied for approval to be renamed as Beijing Imperial Palace Hotel in 2013 and owns over 500 rooms up to date. This is the first time in Macao to have a five-star hotel closed down temporarily by the Government.
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The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) is paying close attention to the shooting that took place in Munich, Germany. From the information gathered through the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the MSAR, until this moment there is no indication that Macau residents were involved. Until the present moment, GGCT received no request for assistance and 1 request for information. Given the recent security situation in Germany, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Munich have issued a security alert to Chinese citizens. Following is the translated version of the full text: “On the night of the 22nd of July, a shooting took place in the Olympia shopping mall situated in the Bavarian state capital of Munich in Germany, causing a large number of injuries and deaths. A state of Emergency was declared in Munich. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consulate-General of China in Munich advise Chinese citizens and institutions to closely monitor all security information issued by the German and Bavarian government, take into account the necessary safety precautions and be sensible to their self-protection, as well as to avoid going to areas with large gatherings of people, sensitive areas, locations which might be unsafe or locations that might be dangerous. In places with large gatherings of people, or in sensitive areas, to be aware of suspicious people, avoid leaving their residence for prolonged periods of time, lock their doors and windows before leaving home, pay close attention to the security of their home, maintain contact with family and friends, to always have with them a telephone plus emergency contacts. In case of emergency or unexpected situations, maintain calm and contact immediately the police and Embassy or the Chinese Consulates in Germany for assistance. Germany Police Services: 110 (Chinese citizens with Chinese mobile networks should dial 0049+ City Code where located+110. Within Munich call 004989110) Embassy of China in Germany for Consular Protection and Assistance: +49-1736171063 Consulate-General of China in Frankfurt for Consular Protection and Assistance: +49-15117129745 Consulate-General of China in Hamburg for Consular Protection and Assistance: +49-15171998522 Consulate-General of China in Munich for Consular Protection and Assistance: +49-1755452913 Global Emergency Call Center for Consular Protection and Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China: +86-10-12308 or +86-10-59913991.” The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) alerts Macao residents who intend to travel to Germany to follow closely the situation development, critically assess the security risks and cautiously consider their travel plans. Macao residents already in Germany should strengthen security precautions to ensure their personal safety. If necessary, Macao residents can call: 24-hour Tourism Hotline (853) 2833 3000; The Chinese Embassy and consulates or the Global Emergency Call Center for Consular Protection and Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hour hotline: +86 10 12308 for assistance.
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Co-organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Macau Artist Society, the opening ceremony of “Walk and See—Youth Artist Art Exhibition” and “As Memory Whispers—Exhibition by Cai Guo Jie” was held on Saturday, 23 July, at 11am, at the Lakeside Gallery in the Anim’Arte NAM VAN. The opening ceremony was officiated by the Vice President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Chan Peng Fai; 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 Macau Artist Society, Lok Hei; the Director of the Macau Artist Society, Sio In Leong; the Vice President of the Art For All Society, Nick Tai; the Macao artists Lai Sio Kit and Coke Wong. The “Walk and See—Youth Artist Art Exhibition” is held at the Lakeside Gallery - S1 room in Anim’ Arte NAM VAN. The exhibition features over 60 artworks including paintings, sculptures and installation arts by local artists Mok Pui Teng, Leong Man Ying, Tam Kok Chum, Ng Hoi Teng, Zhang Chi, Loi Yin Yi, Janette Tam, Bobo Choi, Julia Lam, Im Hok Lon, Sou Leng Fong, Coke Wong, Flower Lam, Fan Lee, Dor Lio, Haruka Lam, Allen Wong, Wing Pun, Chi Leng, Song Wei, Hana Tou, Leong Keng Ip, Sissi Ho, Kitman Leong, Lao I Wo, Eric Fok, Lai Sutweng, Lai Sio Kit, Bruno Kwan, Pat Lam, Mak Kuong Weng, Andre Lui, Jane Ieng, Tatyana Ieong, Maggie Ng and Tiffany Ng. The artists hope the public understand more about their insights and persistence in art creation through the exhibitions held in Anim’ Arte NAM VAN. They also hope the public can support the development of local art by purchasing the artworks on-site. “As Memory Whispers—Exhibition by Cai Guo Jie” is held at the Lakeside Gallery - S2 room in Anim’ Arte NAM VAN, featuring 14 paintings by artist Cai Guo Jie. Focusing on the topic of “recording” and “documenting”, the artist explores cultural modules, the compilation of articles and image loggings. Both exhibitions are open from 23 July to 20 September, at the Lakeside Gallery in Anim’ Arte NAM VAN located at Nam Van Lakeside Plaza, Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van, and are open daily from 11am to 10pm. Admission is free.
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The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) is paying close attention to the car accident which occurred at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok. From the information gathered through the MGTO representative in Thailand and the Macao travel industry, until the present moment, there is no indication that any Macao tour groups or Macao resident has been involved. Until the present moment, GGCT has not received any request for information or assistance. If necessary, Macao residents can call: 24-hour Tourism Hotline (853) 2833 3000; The Chinese Embassy and consulates or the Global Emergency Call Center for Consular Protection and Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hour hotline: +86 10 12308 for assistance.
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Consumer Council conducted its latest ‘Supermarket price survey’ in July on 22 July for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included 12 supermarkets in Sé 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. 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.
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Zhang Weixiang, a master’s student of medicinal administration from the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS), University of Macau (UM), has received full funding to present his paper at the 52nd annual meeting of the Drug Information Association (DIA) in the United States. This is the tenth consecutive year that a student from the ICMS has received full funding from the DIA’s annual meeting. The DIA serves as a global forum for those involved in healthcare product development and life cycle management to exchange knowledge and collaborate in a neutral setting. It has more than 20,000 members worldwide, including governmental health agencies, academic organisations, and pharmaceutical companies. Held in Philadelphia, USA, from 26 June to 30 June, the 52nd DIA annual meeting attracted 450 exhibitors and more than 7,000 attendees from around the world, including regulatory officials, academic elite, medical groups, and professionals from the pharmaceutical industry. This year’s event received over 3,000 student paper abstracts from more than 40 countries. Only 20 students were selected to receive full funding to present their findings in the Student Poster session of the meeting. UM student Zhang Weixiang not only received full funding from the meeting, but also won the Student Award for his paper titled ‘Three Decades Research Advances in Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery: A Global View of Big Data’. His research combined qualitative and quantitative data analysis approaches with various network visualisation and mapping tools, to provide a global view of big data on research advances and changing research foci in the field of pharmaceutics and drug delivery over the past three decades. Zhang’s paper were supervised by Prof Wang Yitao and Dr Ouyang Defang. This is the tenth consecutive year since 2007, when Prof Bian Ying from the ICMS initiated the activities, that a student from the ICMS has received full funding from the DIA’s annual meeting. Other students who have received full funding from the DIA annual meeting include Hu Yuanjia (who is now an assistant professor in the ICMS), Liu Jingjing, Yin Shi, Ye Mao, Su Weiping, Bai Jishan, Shi Yunzhen, Yang Xueyan, Song Meng-Huan, and Zhang Weixiang.
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