News

2015 is the anniversary of some important milestones in the history of optical science. The International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies (IYL 2015) is a global initiative adopted by the United Nations to promote the important technological achievements related to “light” in human history. From the publication of Ibn Al-Haytham’s “Book of Optics” in 1015, to the notion of light as a wave proposed by Augustin-Jean Fresnel in 1815, and also Charles Kao’s achievements concerning the transmission of light in fibres for optical communication in 1965, it is evident that the development of optical science and technology has brought huge advancement for human civilization in just a thousand years. In the International Year of Light, Communications Museum has created a new interactive exhibit - “Optical Phone”. Its concept originates from the photophone proposed by Alexander Bell. After his invention of telephone in 1876, Alexander Bell continued and soon successfully experimented on the photophone, which he regarded it as his greatest inventions. When the visitor takes up the torch of the exhibit, points the light beam at the receiver on the opposite side and talks to the phone, the light beam will change according to the voice. Light signal will be transformed into electric signal through the receiver so that the recipient can hear the voice of the sender on the phone. Therefore, visitors can operate the “Optical Phone” as a “wireless phone”, and share the excitement of photophone invention by Alexander Bell more that a hundred years ago. Schools are welcomed to book the activities of the IYL, including science demonstrations, workshops, electronic courses, talks of Science College and the “SciTech Talk - Optogenetics” by the Macau Society of Biomedical Engineering. The “Halloween Pumpkin” workshop which is part of the “LED festival” workshops for the public, will be held at the Communications Museum in the afternoons of October 31. Participants are welcomed to join by online registration. They will learn the basic principles of LED and make a special festive lamp stand. For details, please visit http://macao.communications.museum.
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The Government has set up a committee to advance the work of transforming Macao to a world centre for tourism and leisure, according to an Executive Order published today in the Macao SAR Gazette. The Committee for Development of the World Centre for Tourism and Leisure will be responsible for drafting a blueprint plan for tourism development for the next five years. The Committee will conduct research and advise on policies to help transform Macao to a world centre for tourism and leisure. The new body will set up a mechanism to annually review the plan. It will also advise on other related topics, according to the Executive Order. The Committee is chaired by the Chief Executive. It includes: the Secretary for Economy and Finance; the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture; the Secretary for Transport and Public Works; the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office; the Government Spokesperson; two representatives from the Chief Executive’s Office; and two members from the Policy Research Office. The Executive Order states that the Chairman of the Committee may invite experts in different fields and representatives from the public and private sectors to join the works of the Committee or its meetings whenever deemed necessary. The Chief Executive’s Office will provide administrative, technical and logistic support to the Committee. The Committee’s budget will come from the Chief Executive’s Office.
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To commemorate the World Heart Day, Macao Post announced that a Temporary Post Counter will be set up at Rua dos Currais, Bestway Garden, G/F, at 15H00 to 18H00 on 7th November 2015 providing the commemorative postmark cancellation service for the “World Heart Day”. On that day, Macao Heart Foundation will sell the commemorative envelope and a cover, priced at 30.00 patacas individually at the mentioned location. The revenue will be for the charity purpose. Various philatelic products will be available for sale during the above activity. Welcome to visit and collect Macao Stamps.
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To mark the 10th Anniversary of the Historic Centre of Macao as World Heritage, Macao Post will launch the thematic pack under the theme "Macao World Heritage" on 30th October 2015, containing philatelic products depicting the theme launched by the Maco Post in 2005, 2010 and 2015. This pack will be available for sale at the Philatelic Shop of Macao Post Headquarters, “Rua do Campo” Post Office, Maritime Ferry Terminal Post Office, Airport Post Office, and the Communications Museum. The selling price is MOP120.00 each.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said the constant support of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in Macao has been an important factor in facilitating the city’s external affairs and long-term development. Mr Chui made the comments on 26 October during a meeting with the new Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Macao, Mr Ye Dabo, at the Government Headquarters. The Chief Executive said the good communication mechanism established between the Government and the Office of the Commissioner has laid a solid foundation for cooperation since the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region 15 years ago. Mr Chui said the Government has closely followed the principles of the Basic Law when handling Macao’s external affairs, greatly supported by the Office of the Commissioner. Over the years, the Office of the Commissioner has assisted Macao in establishing ties with international associations, in organising international conferences and forums, and in reviewing the enforcement of international treaties in the Macao SAR, he added. In the meeting, the Commissioner was briefed on the economic situation of Macao. Mr Chui said the Government would make use of the ongoing adjustment period of the city’s economy to foster industry diversification and to strengthen regional cooperation, as ways to improve people’s quality of life. Mr Ye, who took over the position on 23 October, said he is proud of serving as Commissioner and supporting Macao’s development and its people. The Commissioner briefed Mr Chui on his action plan for the future. It includes: to build up Macao’s external relations; to support visits of the Chief Executive and other principal officials abroad; to encourage visits of foreign leaders to Macao; to assist Macao in taking part in international organisations and host international conferences; and to facilitate the signing of international treaties that would help enhance Macao’s profile. Mr Ye said the Office of the Commissioner would strengthen its contributions to the transformation of Macao to a world centre of tourism and leisure, and a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries, (known as the “Centre and Platform” strategy). The Office of the Commissioner would also help Macao take part in the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road national initiative, he added. Officials attending the meeting included the wife of Mr Ye and advisor to the Office of the Commissioner, Ms Qiu Weiwei; the Deputy Commissioners of the Office of the Commissioner, Mr Pan Yundong and Mr Cai Siping; the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Chan Hoi Fan; the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms O Lam; and the Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Mr Fung Sio Weng.
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The Government is closely monitoring a mobile app-based private car hailing service that was recently made available in Macao. The authorities will step up enforcement of laws that bar unlicensed passenger transportation services, and crack down on illegal car-hire services in Macao. Unlicensed car hailing services are not appropriate to effectively compensate for the lack of available taxis in Macao. Given its lack of transparency, the operational model of calling a driver using a mobile app creates difficulties for the Government to legally ensure the safety of passengers and the protection of their rights. Requesting passenger transportation services via this type of mobile app might also lead to overcharging cases due to the lack of a clear charge policy. It is obviously illegal for any private or unauthorised vehicle to provide passenger transportation services with the support of a mobile app. Any person found guilty of the offence could face a fine of 30,000 patacas. The Government has requested the Public Security Police Force, the Transport Bureau and the Macau Government Tourist Office to investigate the case and to act accordingly. The Government fully understands the concerns of residents and visitors on the need to improve Macao’s taxi services. The Government has strengthened supervision of the industry and is currently revising related legislation. The goal of these measures is to ensure both residents and tourists can enjoy quality taxi services, in compliance with the policy of transforming Macao to a world centre of tourism and leisure.
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Consumer Council conducted its eighth ‘Supermarket price survey’ in October on 26 October for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included 12 supermarkets in Taipa and Coloane area. 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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The Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) extends the “Promoting Honesty” video contest targeting secondary students until 15th January 2016. After hearing the opinions of some schools and teachers about the benefits of extending the video submission deadline so that students are able to have more leisure time to shoot and create short video clips, the CCAC decided to extend the deadline from 30th October 2015 to 15th January 2016, with the aim to encourage students to promote the values of honesty and integrity in their creative works. The list of awards will be uploaded to the CCAC’s website in March 2016 and winning students will be notified about prize collection. The “Promoting Honesty” video contest for secondary students features two categories of participants, namely Junior Secondary Group and Senior Secondary Group. Students, who can participate individually or in small groups, are required to, via the use of video cameras, cameras or mobile phones, shoot a one to three minute video with such optional themes as “fair competition”, “values about money”, “honesty and loyalty”, “incorruptibility” or “trustworthiness”. Not more than 15 entries will be selected from each of the two groups, and those shortlisted will go on to compete for the Champion, 1st runner-up, 2nd runner-up, Merit Awards and a Most Popular Video award in their respective group. For details please browse the CCAC’s website www.ccac.org.mo or refer to the contest rules. Enquiry hotline: 2832 6300.
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The Government will continue to support businesses from Macao that seek to expand cooperation with neighbouring areas in mainland China, said the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On. This would strengthen Macao’s efforts in promoting diversification of the city’s economy, he added. Mr Chui made the remarks in a meeting with Executive Director of Macau Legend Development Ltd, Ms Lam Fong Ngo, in Tonglu County, Zhejiang Province. The Chief Executive visited Tonglu County on 24 October to attend the opening ceremony of a hotel operated by Macau Legend, a Macao-based firm. The Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms O Lam, also joined the visit. In the meeting, Mr Chui was briefed on Macau Legend’s plans to make use of its new hotel development to enhance Macao-Zhejiang relations and improve cooperation in the tourism sector. The Chief Executive said strengthening regional cooperation could help Macao contribute further to the country’s development. Ms Lam said she hoped Macao and Zhejiang would strengthen cooperation, especially in tourism, by taking advantage of Tonglu’s rich tourism resources.
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Following the introduction of self-service kiosks for the renewal of Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card and the application for Macao SAR Passport and Macao SAR Travel Permit, the Identification Services Bureau introduces self-service kiosks for Macao residents to apply for the “Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR” (hereinafter referred as “Visit Permit to HKSAR”). The self-service kiosks were put into official use in October 2015, adding convenience for Macao citizens. Eligible applicants do not need to obtain a number tag in advance of using the self-service; they can submit their application on their own with the abovementioned kiosks during office hours of the Identification Services Bureau. Chinese or Portuguese nationals who are aged 18 and hold a Macao SAR Resident Identity Card can use the self-service kiosk to submit the first-time application for the “Visit Permit to HKSAR”, or submit the renewal application for the “Visit Permit to HKSAR” within 9 months prior to the expiry date of their document. The self-service application procedures of the “Visit Permit to HKSAR” are simple. Applicants only need to go through the application process as instructed by the kiosk, including verifying fingerprints, taking onsite photo, scanning photo and identity card, and signing on the digital signature pad. Right after the application process, applicants have to present the payment slip to the service counter and pay the application fee to complete the whole application. The self-service kiosks for “Visit Permit to HKSAR” application are now available in the Identification Services Bureau at the China Plaza in “Avenida de Praia Grande” and the Government Services Centre in Areia Preta. Before using the self-service kiosks, citizens can browse the relevant demonstration videos in advance at the Self-Service Application Area, the Document Collection Counter and the official website (www.dsi.gov.mo) of the Identification Service Bureau. The Identification Services Bureau is grateful for citizens’ on-going support and valuable opinions and comments on the self-service kiosks. In the future, the Identification Services Bureau will continue to study the possibility of introducing more convenient electronic services.
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