News

The Government expects its mid-term review of the city’s gaming industry to be completed this year, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, said today. The results would be announced to the public by early next year at the latest, once the Government has carefully assessed a preliminary report submitted in September by the Institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming at the University of Macau, he added. Mr Leong gave the news to reporters this afternoon, after he attended the inauguration of the Coordinator of the Supporting Office to the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), Ms Cristina Morais. The mid-term review is examining what has been achieved by the city’s six gaming concessions since the liberalisation of the gaming industry in 2002. The concessions will expire on dates between 2020 and 2022. In addition, the Secretary said he was considering candidates for the role of director at the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau. The current Director, Mr Manuel Joaquim das Neves, is due to retire this month. The Deputy Director, Mr Leong Man Ion, would lead the bureau in the interim period if no replacement is appointed by the time of Mr Neves’ retirement, the Secretary added. The existing sound structure of governance in the public administration would allow to accommodate any changes in a particular bureau’s management without affecting its operations and the quality of its service, the Secretary stressed. Mr Leong said that no other senior officials under his portfolio had asked to leave, but he added that the Government would respect the decision of any public official that wished to leave the public administration. The Secretary also commented on Macau’s Wealth Partaking Scheme. Mr Leong said he was confident there would be adequate funds accumulated during this year to continue the measure in 2016, while noting that the maintenance of favourable economic conditions was one of the major factors to be considered in order to guarantee the scheme’s continuation.
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This year marks the 120th anniversary of the Macao Central Library and 10th anniversary of the inscription of The Historic Centre of Macao on the World Heritage List. Macao Central Library and Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) Library have organised an exhibition of antique maps themed Global Mapping of Macao. The exhibition was inaugurated at 6pm today, 6th November, in Sir Robert Ho Tung Library, by the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Ung Vai Meng; the Vice-Rector and Chair Professor of Macau University of Science and Technology, Pang Su Seng, Member of the Cultural Consultative Council of Macao, Carlos Marreiros and University Librarian of Macau University of Science and Technology, Dai Longji. Ancient maps are the visual representation of human beings’ observation and imagination about the world. Not only do the maps manifest human understanding and delineation of the places they are in, they also embody their contemplation and imagination of the unknown area. An exchange hub of the East and the West, Macao played a crucial role in maritime trade. Nearly 40 reproductions of maps dated between the 13th and 20th Century provided by the MUST Library will be showcased. These antique maps are displayed under the themes ‘Oriental Mapping of Macao’, ‘Occidental Mapping of Macao’ and ‘Macao City Map’ to demonstrate Macao’s standing in the world and its own transformation. The original copies of the exhibits are from collections all around the world, including Harvard Library, the National Library of France and the Library of Congress, among others. Through these maps the organisers hope to present the depiction and imagination of Macao and point out Macao’s position in the world. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the inscription of the ‘Historic Centre of Macao’ on the World Heritage List, thus city maps of Macao of different periods will be displayed. These precious images record the transition, growth and development of Macao throughout years and indicate the comprehensive features of Macao’s architectural arts mingling East and West. The exhibition of antique maps - Global Mapping of Macao - will open from 7th November 2015 to 31st January 2016 in Sir Robert Ho Tung Library. Opening hours are as follows: 10:00am to 7:00pm (Monday to Saturday) and 11:00am to 7:00pm (Sunday), excluding public holidays. Admission is free and all are welcome. For enquires, please call (853) 2877 1177 during office hours or visit Macao Central Library website: www.library.gov.mo .
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, money supply rebounded in September. As total deposits increased whereas total loans decreased, the overall loan-to-deposit ratio of the banking sector dropped from a month earlier. Money supply Currency in circulation and demand deposits grew 2.1% and 1.2% respectively. M1 thus increased 1.4% from one month earlier. Concurrently, quasi-monetary liabilities increased 0.7%. The sum of these two items, i.e. M2, increased 0.8% to MOP482.3 billion. On an annual basis, M1 remained virtually unchanged whereas M2 dropped 1.0%. The share of Pataca (MOP) in M2 stood at 28.5%, up 0.5 percentage points from a month ago or 3.3 percentage points from a year earlier. The share of Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) in M2 was 49.2%, up 0.1 percentage point month-to-month but down 0.3 percentage points year-on-year. The share of Chinese Yuan (CNY) was 9.2%, down 0.8 percentage points month-to-month or 6.8 percentage points year-on-year. The share of United States Dollar (USD) was 10.9%, up 0.2 percentage points month-to-month or 3.7 percentage points year-on-year. Deposits Resident deposits increased 0.8% from the preceding month to MOP470.6 billion. Of which, MOP, HKD and USD deposits increased at respective rates of 2.8%, 1.0% and 3.1%. CNY and other foreign currency deposits decreased 7.6% and 0.9% respectively. Non-resident deposits rose 5.4% to MOP269.9 billion. Public sector deposits with the banking sector increased 1.1% to MOP127.0 billion. As a result, total deposits with the banking sector grew 2.2% from a month earlier to MOP867.5 billion. The shares of MOP, HKD, CNY and USD in total deposits were 19.3%, 41.1%, 11.2% and 25.0% respectively. Loans Domestic loans to the private sector increased 1.1% from a month ago to MOP390.3 billion. Among which, MOP105.0 billion was MOP-denominated, MOP255.5 billion was denominated in HKD, MOP3.5 billion was denominated in CNY and MOP23.6 billion was denominated in USD, representing 26.9%, 65.5%, 0.9% and 6.0% of the total respectively. Analysed by economic sector, “gaming”, “manufacturing” and “restaurants, hotels and similar” increased at respective rates of 46.6%, 20.6% and 12.3% compared with a quarter ago, whereas “non-monetary financial institutions” and “transport, warehouse and communications” dropped 16.1% and 7.0% respectively. External loans dropped 1.7% to MOP388.3 billion; of which, loans denominated in MOP, HKD, CNY and USD accounted for 1.4% (MOP5.2 billion), 24.4% (MOP94.8 billion), 20.4% (MOP79.1 billion) and 48.2% (MOP187.2 billion) respectively. Operating ratios At end-September, the loan-to-deposit ratio for the resident sector grew 0.1 percentage point from the previous month to 65.3%. The ratio for both the resident and non-resident sectors fell 2.3 percentage points to 89.8%. The one-month and three-month current assets to liabilities ratios stayed at relatively high levels, marked at 58.0% and 59.4% respectively. The non-performing loan ratio, an indicator for bank asset quality, was 0.1%, virtually unchanged from one month earlier but down 0.1 percentage point from one year ago.
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The 29th Macao International Music Festival (MIMF), organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, came to a close on 1 November, featuring, throughout a month, 23 remarkable shows with over 60 performances and outreach activities. 90% of MIMF tickets were sold. This edition of the MIMF used the theme as “Soundmazing” and included shows of all genres, many of which were performed in venues filled to capacity, such as the concert Gustav Mahler - Symphony No. 3, Mozart and Salieri - Opera in 1 Act by Rimsky-Korsakov, the vocal concert Over the Moon, the fado concert by Danças Ocultas and Pedro Moutinho, the classical music concerts Symphony No. 9 “The Great” by Schubert and Enigma Variations by Edward Elgar, the jazz concert Great Ladies of Song, the a capella concert by O-Kai Singers from Taiwan and Charatay from Hong Kong, concerts by the Stradivari Quartett and musician Ólafur Arnalds, the concert Loess Ballads and the opera in five acts Faust. Tickets for all five free admission shows at St. Dominic’s Church were fully distributed. The special concerts Bravo Macao! aimed to offer a stage for local promising musicians and received positive feedback. The MIMF also included an outreach programme divided into six main categories, namely seminars, master classes, workshops, backstage tours, children’s corner and community promotion, which had over thousands of people participated. This outreach programme included four session of backstage tours to “Faust – Opera in 5 Acts by Charles Gounod”, which led participants to the production’s backstage and allowed them to have close contact with scene settings, props and costumes. This increased the participants’ enthusiasm. The Festival further invited local cultural and creative entity GUGUMELO Studio to design a series of ‘Gugumelo x 29FIMM’ illustrated products, namely a tote bag and a pocket notebook, and launched the ‘Postcards to the Future’ free activity at performing venues for the audience to write or draw their wishes for next year's 30th MIMF. This edition of the MIMF is supported by the Macau Government Tourist Office, TDM – Teledifusão de Macao, Air Macau, The Venetian Macao® and the Bank of China (Macao Branch) together with the partnership of four credit cards and seven media partners. In order to promote its shows, the MIMF held promotional activities and set up ticket sales points at the University of Macau, the Institute for Tourism Studies, the Macau Science and Technology University and in gaming entities. Additionally, the Cultural Affairs Bureau organized Festival tour for consuls accredited in Hong Kong and Macao, in order to experience diversified culture in Macao. Media outlets and art critics from Mainland China, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Taiwan were also invited to attend the MIMF’s performances. China National Radio broadcast live excerpts of some concerts and Taiwan CTI TV reported on the Festival, thereby contributing to raise its reputation. For celebrating the 30th edition of the MIMF next year, more high quality performances will be launched and audience should not be missed!
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The police services have always attached great importance to their working relationship with the media, said the Office of the Secretary for Security. The police services will continue seeking ways to optimise their communication methods with the media as part of a new era of cooperation, according to a statement issued by the Office. Since the Secretary for Security, Mr Wong Sio Chak, assumed his current position last December, he has been paying full attention to suggestions and opinions raised by media representatives. Mr Wong always encourages his team to use all possible means to facilitate the work of the press, thus fulfilling – as far as local regulation and legislation will permit – the public’s “right to know”. The cooperation model used by the police services with the media – as enhanced over the past 10 months – has achieved positive results and has been widely recognised as beneficial, the statement added.
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Due to programme changes, the performance "Journey into the World of Music – The Lost Elephant, a Comedy Concert" by the Macao Orchestra, which was originally scheduled to be held at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium on 6 December 2015 at 3:00 p.m, is now set to be held at the Macao Tower Auditorium. The content of the performance and ticket prices remain unchanged. Spectators with tickets may change their tickets with priority at Macao Ticketing Network outlets until 9 November. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. The Macao Orchestra, under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, will present "Journey into the World of Music – The Lost Elephant, a Comedy Concert" in collaboration with American artist Dan Kamin, who combines mime, fairytales and classical music, in a show that has become popular in the circles of symphony orchestras around the world. Tickets are on sale again starting from 10 November, and are priced at MOP150, with various family discount packages available. Tickets may be purchased at the Macau Ticketing Network outlets or via the Internet. The Macao Ticketing mobile application and the self-service ticket purchasing machines do not yet support the purchasing of discount packages. Booking Hotline: (853) 2855 5555. For more details about the programme of the concert, please visit the Macao Orchestra website: www.icm.gov.mo/om.
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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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