News

The Monetary Authority of Macao released today the credit card statistics for the third quarter of 2015. The total number of personal credit cards in circulation was 899,763 at the end of September 2015, equivalent to an increase of 3.4% over a quarter earlier. The numbers of Pataca (MOP) cards, Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) cards and Renminbi (RMB) cards were 649,151, 79,793 and 170,819 respectively. MOP cards, HKD cards and RMB cards witnessed respective growth of 3.2%, 1.0% and 5.3% quarter-to-quarter. Compared with a year ago, MOP cards and RMB cards (the majority of which were MOP/RMB dual-currency cards) rose 11.2% and 13.5% respectively whereas HKD cards dropped 6.8%. As at end-September 2015, credit card credit limit granted by banks in Macao reached MOP20.3 billion, up 4.1% from end-June 2015. Credit card receivables amounted to MOP2.1 billion while the rollover amount totalled MOP643.9 million, accounting for 30.5% of credit card receivables. The delinquency ratio, i.e. the ratio of delinquent amount overdue for more than three months to credit card receivables, edged up from 1.06% at end-June to 1.10% at end-September. For the third quarter of 2015, the credit card turnover grew 3.1% to MOP4.5 billion. The cash advance turnover was MOP221.7 million, accounting for 5.0% of total credit card turnover. Credit card repayments, in which payments for interest and fees are included, went up 8.6% from the previous quarter to MOP4.6 billion.
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Consumer Council conducted its second ‘Supermarket price survey’ in November on 5 November for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets near Iao Hon Market and the Border Gate area (Portas do Cerco ) 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. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. With reference to the local six 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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Given the recent security situation in Maldives, the Consulate of China in Maldives issued a travel security alert to Chinese citizens. Following is the translated version of the full text: “The Government of Maldives has declared on the 4th of November a state of emergency for 30 days, citing a threat to national security. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives declared that the act is to guarantee the security of the country and its citizens. At the moment, the current situation remains stable and normal, without restrictions to travelers." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and the Consulate of China in Maldives reminds Chinese citizens who intends to travel to that country to strengthen security precautions, contact the hotel to confirm their reservation before departure and, in case there is not such a necessity, avoid traveling to the Capital Male. Meanwhile, Chinese citizens already in that country are reminded to safeguard their personal safety. Consulate of China in Maldives for Consular Protection and Assistance: 00960-7458160; Global Emergency Call Center for Consular Protection and Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China: 0086-10-12308 or 0086-10-59913991.” The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) will keep monitoring the latest developments and alerts Macao residents who intend to travel to Maldives to follow closely the situation, critically assess the security risks and cautiously consider their travel plans. Macao residents already in Maldives should strengthen security precautions to protect their personal safety. From information gathered through the Macao travel industry there is currently no Macao tour group in Maldives. Until the present moment, GGCT has received 3 requests for information. 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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The “Parade through Macau, Latin City”, organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau in celebration of the 16th anniversary of Macao’s handover to China, takes place on 6 December this year. The Parade route is divided into three secret areas, where decorations and creative characters were designed by young local illustrators Eric Fok Hoi Seng, Un Chi Wai and Lam Ieong Kun. This year, the Parade is themed as a treasure hunt and its route is divided into three secret areas which include decorations and creative characters designed by three young local illustrators Fok Hoi Seng, Un Chi Wai and Lam Ieong Kun, presenting a new surge of creativity. “Party Gathering” was created by Eric Fok Hoi Seng and is inspired by the belief that an earthly Paradise was hidden on the other side of the ocean. The artist uses fine tip pens to draw ancient European maps, with additional contemporary elements displayed at the Ruins of St. Paul's. Un Chi Wai was inspired by love to create “Mysterious Energy” which, starting from Rua de S. Paulo, will carry love through St. Anthony’s Church and Rua de Sanches de Miranda, spreading it to every corner. On the other hand, Lam Ieong Kun created a series of “crazy” bacteria with different colours, shapes and posture. On the way from Calçada da Igreja de S. Lázaro to Tap Seac Square, VIVA starts a fantastic adventure with those bacteria. The treasure hunt comprises more than 50 local and foreign performing groups in a total of around 1500 participants. Local performing groups actively responded to the call for participating in the Parade, with their performances featuring Cantonese opera, mime, theatre, magic, music, martial arts, folk and oriental dances. French group Plasticiens Volants return to Macao with huge balloons that add colour to the events visual impact; Caretos de Podence from Portugal uses traditional clothing, masks and rattles to create ghostly characters that amuse the audience in an outstanding performance; French troupe Herbert’s Dream presents uncommon marvellous show on stilts whereby five enormous and four-metre high stilt artists participate in a mysterious ceremony held under hypnotising music, mutating into human light bulbs and creating a magical atmosphere; the Luyi Folk Arts Group, hailing from Henan Province, showcase Luyi’s, Laozi’s hometown, Taoist and traditional culture, valuing the lifestyle and culture of co Reyog Moncar Manggala Surakarta from Indonesia brings the traditional dance solo dance and a monumental and unique wardrobe; and the Hong Kong Vigor Marching Band accompanies marching steps with intense and rhythmical music. The Parade includes other extraordinary performances, such as traditional Aztec dances brought by Mexican troupe Danza Azteca, the colourful and rich creole culture by the Caribbean Carnival Group, from Guadeloupe, the sacred dragon from Hong Kong’s Art Home puppet workshop and performances by the students of street mime workshop “Black and White Journey”, led by Sunteck Yao – founder and artistic director of Taiwanese L’Enfant S. Physical Theatre – sharing with the public a joyful afternoon. For more information about the Parade, please access the respective webpages at www.icm.gov.mo/macaoparade and www.facebook.com/macaoparade.
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In celebration of the 16th anniversary of Macao’s handover to China and the 10th Anniversary of the Historic Centre of Macao as World Heritage, the “Parade through Macao, Latin City”, will take place on 6 December, Sunday, with “An Annual Celebration for the Entire City - VIVA” as motto again and “Fantastic VIVA Treasure Hunt Adventure” as theme. VIVA will lead the public into a fantastic adventure, uncovering three mysterious treasures and promoting the ideals of “Peace, Love and Cultural Integration”, celebrating the handover together. Set off from the Ruins of St. Paul's on a fantastic adventure This year's Parade uses a treasure hunt as the story background. VIVA leads the bravest citizens of the town and abroad and follows the clues provided in a treasure map to uncover its secrets and conquer a mysterious energy. The Parade includes new decorations and creative characters in three secret areas: in the “Party Gathering” at the Ruins of St. Paul's, VIVA sets off on his treasure hunt and meets several huge creatures in the ocean kingdom; “Mysterious Energy”, starting from Rua de S. Paulo, where you can find the guidance of the clever “Lord KISS”; and the area between Calçada da Igreja de São Lázaro and Tap Seac Square is the final destination, where thousands of “crazy” bacteria abound. At Tap Seac Square, VIVA finally discovers the hidden treasures of “Peace, Love and Cultural Integration”, celebrating the handover in unison with the audience. The Parade’s opening ceremony takes place at 4pm at Largo da Companhia de Jesus. Together with the performing groups from Latin-speaking countries and other foreign regions, local talents begin an extraordinary treasure hunt journey. The route is same as last year’s, beginning from the Ruins of St. Paul's and proceeding to Rua de S. Paulo, the Travessa da Paixão, Largo de Santo António, Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro, Rua dos Artilheiros, Rua de Sanches de Miranda, Calçada da Igreja de S. Lázaro, Santa Casa da Misericórdia Albergue, Rua de São Roque, Rua Nova de São Lázaro, St. Lazarus Square, Rua do Volong, Rua do Tap Siac, Rua de Afonso de Albuquerque, and coming to final destination at 5:30pm at Tap Seac Square to celebrate the handover with a festive and carnival atmosphere. This year, the organizer will set up two ascending seating areas at Tap Seac Square for the audience, so the public can watch the performances clearly and comfortably. At Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro and Rua de Sanches de Miranda “face painting workshops” will be set up for the public to get their faces painted, thereby contributing to an even greater festive atmosphere. Live broadcast of excerpts of the Parade and related activities The parade is one of the major events in celebration of Macao’s handover to China and has already become one of the city’s trademark festive events since its first edition in 2011. Excerpts of the event are broadcast on TV channels from Hong Kong, thereby increasing reputation of the Parade. TDM, Teledifusão de Macau S.A., will have the live broadcast of the entire event and outdoor screens will be installed at several locations – Senado Square, Rotunda de Carlos da Maia, Areia Preta Garden and Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro. The popular Hong Kong TVB programme ‘Scoop’ will feature a foretaste of the event on 4 and 14 December , as well as a Parade Special Programme dedicated to the event’s highlights, to be broadcasted on 15 December. The Parade further features a series of related activities, including a photography contest and social media games with prizes. They will be progressively announced and will be open for the public to participate. On Parade day, crowd entry and exit control mechanisms will be implemented and some streets will be temporarily closed to traffic. The public is thus advised to walk to the parade venues on foot or use public transportation. In order to ensure public safety, use of unmanned aerial devices will not be refrained. The Parade is organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and is co-organized by the Macao Government Tourist Office, the Macao Sport Development Board, the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, the Public Security Police Force, the Transport Bureau, the Fire Services Bureau, the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau of Macao and the Macao Association for the Promotion of Exchange between Asia-Pacific and Latin America. The Cultural Affairs Bureau also receives the support from the Macao General Union of Neighbourhood Associations, the Macao Sam Pa Mun Residents Mutual Aid Association, the Macao Soi Ho Cheok Residents Mutual Aid Association, as well as VIVA Ambassadors supporters, namely the Bank of China Macau Branch Volunteers Association, the Macau Flying Eagles Association, the Macao Community Youth Volunteers Development Association, General Volunteers Association of Macao, the Scout Association of Macau, and the Association of Volunteers Social Service Macao. In addition, this edition is also fully supported by Air Macau Co, Ltd. In addition, TDM - Teledifusão de Macau S.A. is serving as the designated television broadcaster. The Press Conference of the “Parade through Macao, Latin City” was held by the Cultural Affairs Bureau on 5 November, 3pm, at Tourism Activities Centre, 2nd floor, Congress Hall. The Press Conference was attended by the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Ung Vai Meng; Vice President of the Macao Sport Development Board, Lau Cho Un; Vice-Presidents of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Leung Hio Ming and Chan Peng Fai; Head of the Tourism Product and Events Department of the Macau Government Tourism Office, Doris Leong; Head of the Department of Cultural Activities and Recreation of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Choi Chi Hong; Chief of the Department of Youth of the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau, Un Hoi Cheng; Principal Chief of the Fire Services Bureau, Wong Kin; President of the Macao Association for the Promotion of Exchange Between Asia-Pacific and Latin America, Gary Ngai Mei Cheong; Chief of the Cultural Activities Department of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Kent Ieong Chi Kin; Acting Chief of the Department for the Promotion of Cultural and Creative Industries of Cultural Affairs Bureau, Frankie Ho Ka Weng; Head of the Operations and Communication Division of the Public Security Police Force, Cheong Ieng Son; Head of the Coordination Division of the Transport Bureau, Mok Soi Tou; Chief of the Special Projects Division of Cultural Affairs Bureau, Boyce Lam Chon Keong; General Manager of the Public Relations Division of Air Macau Co. Ltd, Zhao Hong; Manager of the Social, Cultural and Economic Programming Division of TDM - Teledifusão de Macau S.A., Yip Kuok Va; Vice-President of the Macao General Union of Neighborhoods Association, Lei Cheok Kuan; President of the Macao Soi Ho Cheok Residents Mutual Aid Association, Lei Vai Man; President of the Macao Sam Pa Mun Residents Mutual Aid Association, Che Mei Leng, together with two local illustrators Eric Fok Hoi Seng and Un Chi Wai, and the representatives of participating groups in the parade this year.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 1,226 new companies were incorporated in the third quarter of 2015, a decrease of 149 year-on-year. Total value of registered capital increased significantly by 87.4% to MOP377 million, of which registered capital of Business Services (MOP293 million) surged by 260.1%. Analysed by industry, there were 447 new incorporations operating in Wholesale & Retail and 302 in Business Services. In the third quarter of 2015, companies in dissolution totalled 150, and the value of registered capital of companies in dissolution amounted to MOP127 million. Analysed by size of registered capital, there were 881 new companies (71.9% of total) registered with capital under MOP50,000, and the total value of capital was MOP23 million. On the other hand, there were 22 new companies registered with capital of MOP1,000,000 or over, and the total value of capital amounted to MOP316 million (83.8% of total). In the third quarter of 2015, capital of the new companies came mainly from Mainland China (MOP181 million) and Macao (MOP77 million), including MOP95 million from the 9 Provinces of the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region, with that from Guangdong province sharing MOP94 million. Analysed by combination of shareholders, there were 834 new companies established solely by Macao shareholders, and 126 joint ventures between shareholders from Macao and other countries or regions. In the first three quarters of 2015, a total of 3,975 new companies were incorporated, up slightly by 20 year-on-year; total value of registered capital decreased by 41.2% to MOP901 million. Number of companies in dissolution totalled 424, and the value of registered capital of companies in dissolution amounted to MOP164 million. At the end of the third quarter of 2015, number of registered companies totalled 52,179, an increase of 4,862 from a year earlier.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today issued a letter of condolence to express his deepest sorrow regarding the death of the Director General of the Macao Customs Service, Ms Lai Man Wa. In the letter, Mr Chui said Ms Lai had been an outstanding member of the Government and a good colleague and friend to him for many years. He spoke both on behalf of the Macao SAR Government, and in a personal capacity, expressing the most sincere condolences to her family and friends. Mr Chui said Ms Lai was widely known for her kindness, sincerity, self-discipline and support for local young talent. Mr Chui recalled he first met Ms Lai 16 years ago, prior to the establishment of the Macao SAR. Since that first acquaintance they had experienced a pleasant and cooperative working relationship, sharing as they did, a similar vision for serving Macao and the country, Mr Chui added. It was an occasion of great sadness to lose Ms Lai; not only because it meant losing a prominent member of the Government but also a great and like-minded friend, he said. Mr Chui urged everyone to remember Ms Lai for her love for the country and for Macao, for her dedication to her responsibilities and duties, for her professional integrity, her work efficiency and her excellent leadership. Ms Lai had held the post of Deputy Director General of Macao Customs Service since its establishment. At the formation of the Macao SAR’s fourth government in 2014, she was promoted to Director General of the service. Under her leadership and the concerted efforts of her team, the Macao Customs Service had been steadily performing its duties in facilitating and supervising external trade; safeguarding intellectual property; and promoting efficient customs clearance processes, Mr Chui said. Ms Lai had made significant contributions in the process of advancing the work of of the Macao Customs Service, he said. He added he was confident that the members of the Macao Customs Service would be able to overcome the sorrow occasioned by Ms Lai’s death in order to perform their duties. Ms Lai Man Wa’s name will be always remembered, the Chief Executive stated.
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The Government aims to transform Macao into an international city and to create more favourable conditions for living and working, and for transport, travel and entertainment. These are the major development goals for Macao in the coming five years, said the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, when he chaired on 3 November the first meeting of the Committee for Development of the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. The Committee will assist the Government in transforming Macao into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure (an approach also known as the “Centre” policy). The Government’s medium-term plan is to help the “Centre” policy to achieve concrete results. To realise the Government’s overall vision for the city, the Chief Executive also outlined seven aspirations. These are: to maintain economic vitality; develop the structure of local industry; optimise infrastructure in pursuit of creating an international tourism city; to enhance local people’s quality of life; improve education quality; raise awareness on environmental protection; and strengthen the effectiveness of governance and boost the rule of law. These aspirations aim to help Macao manage its macroeconomic policy, and to strengthen the establishment of long-term mechanisms for delivery of education, social security, healthcare, housing and cultivation of local talent. Detailed proposals on delivery of these goals will be published in the Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2016. The Committee will then set up a website and other relevant tools to collect public opinion. Mr Chui highlighted some of the specific outcomes sought via this approach. They include: to optimise further the planning of the city; to improve the city’s transportation network and quality of telecommunication services; to help boost emerging industries; to strengthen support for local small- and medium-sized enterprises; to encourage regional integration; to ensure employment priority for local residents; and to streamline the administration team for greater executive effectiveness. This five-year plan incorporates advice from the National Development and Reform Commission, from Tsinghua University in Beijing and from other agencies. It also takes the country’s five-year plans and other studies on the “Centre” policy as reference points in formulating future development. Members of the Committee for Development of the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure also present at the meeting included: the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac; the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Raimundo Rosário; the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms O Lam; the Chief-of-Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture’s Office, Mr Lai Ieng Kit; the Government Spokesperson, Mr Chan Chi Ping; the Director of the Policy Research Office, Mr Lau Pun Lap; advisors to the Chief Executive’s Office, Mr Wu Kan and Ms Lei Ngan Leng; and the Deputy Director of the Policy Research Office, Mr Ung Hoi Ian. The Committee for Development of the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure was formed last week. It is responsible for drafting a blueprint for tourism development for the next five years. The Committee will conduct research and offer advice on policies to help transform Macao into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.
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The Wireless Communication Laboratory under the University of Macau’s (UM) Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rohde & Schwarz Hong Kong Ltd (RSHK). Both parties agree to increase collaboration in the training of wireless communication professionals in Macao and in the development of innovative wireless communication systems. Several collaborative initiatives are included under the MOU, including the intention to establish a joint laboratory and the donation of advanced equipment in the field of wireless technology, with the aim of providing professional training, creating an R&D platform, enhancing the quality of education and research in wireless communication, and promoting the development of related technologies in Macao. The collaboration will allow UM students from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering to put their knowledge into practice and will create more overseas internship opportunities for students majoring in the related areas. Heino Gregorek, vice president for sales and marketing, Asia Middle, Rohde & Schwarz Ltd, and Prof Tam Kam Weng, associate dean of the FST, officiated at the MOU signing ceremony. After the ceremony, representatives of RSHK demonstrated various features of its products, including EMI debugging, interference hunting, network coverage measurement, and network benchmarking.
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Review of the submitted works for the Macao Annual Visual Arts Exhibition 2016 – Western Media Category, organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC, from the Portuguese acronym), completed between 10 and 11 October, at the exhibition room of the Old Court Building. A total of 361 works by 176 local artists were submitted. Following a thorough evaluation, the jury selected 83 works to be included in the exhibition as well as the 10 best works among them. The Macao Annual Visual Arts Exhibition aims to promote the city’s visual arts works, encourage innovation and seek for local talents in artistic fields. This edition of the Exhibition is dedicated to western media and Awards of Distinction are: “Tree．Person Series” by Lee On Yee; “Coloane Shipyard” by Sam Pak Fai; “Wool Sweater” by Wu Hin Long; “All Living Things Series 1 and 2” by Cheong Hang Fong; “Refuge for All” by Leong Wai Lap; “Screen” by Chan Un Man; “Changing City” by Chan Hin Io; “Ruins of St. Paul No. 1” by Mak Kuong Weng; “Shushan 02” by Ieong Man Pan; and “Crossing” by Cai Yi Lang. The 83 selected works include 28 paintings, 22 photographs, 14 prints, 7 ceramic pieces, 3 sculptures, 7 mixed works and 2 videos. The guest jury panel included the President of the Beijing Shangyuanren Artists’ Association and national first level artist, Li Xiang Ming; Guangzhou’s Fine Arts Academy Associate Professor and Masters Advisor, Yang Xiao Hua; multimedia and digital arts creator and Assistant Professor at the Department of Design of the Hong Kong Polytechnic Institute, Hung Keung; the Director of Taipei Artist Village, Wu Ta-Kun; and Malaysian artist Kuik Ching Chieh. Selected works will be shown during the 27th Macao Arts Festival. The list of selected works is available at the Old Court Building and Tap Seac Gallery, and can also be accessed through IC’s webpage at www.icm.gov.mo. For the non-selected works, artists can retrieve them between 27 and 30 November, from 10am to 7pm, at the Old Court Building. Respective artists must present the original submission receipt and their identification document. Should the work(s) be collected by a representative, he/she must also present an authorization letter signed by the artist as well as an identification document copy of both artist and the representative. The organizer reserves the right to dispose non-collected works out of the collection period if needed. For more information, please attend in person to the Old Court Building during the collection period or contact Mr. Sio through the telephone number 8399 6628, during office hours.
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