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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, stressed that at present not a piece of land in the new 350-hectare reclaimed area would be used for repay purpose. Mr Chui said this when he attended the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly today to answer questions from 32 legislators. Based on certain favorable policies and the public interest, such as the establishment for public housing and infrastructure, the Government had exchanged lands to satisfy the mentioned projects in the past and this had been published in the SAR Gazette which was a way to demonstrate legality, transparency and fairness, said the Chief Executive. He said the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Raimundo Rosario, had transferred some cases regarding the lands to the Commission Against Corruption for further investigation which was a regular way to check if there was any unlawful condition during the exchange procedures. The Chief Executive re-iterated that due to the lack of land resources in Macao, the Central Government had approved Macao to reclaim five plots of new lands in 2009 for improving the quality of Macao people’s livelihood, adding that the decision of using those lands for building more housing for Macao people was correct. Mr Chui also said that the modification of the new urban Zone A, included building more housing units,was supported by the majority. On the “Macao property for Macao residents” policy, he explained that the Government has invited academic units to study this topic and the conclusion report had been released. He pointed out that the study shown that this concept had advantages and as well as disadvantages, so far there was no significant consensus among the community. Mr Chui said that to satisfy Macao people’s needs for housing, the Government adopted “public housing as the core supplemented by the Home Ownership Scheme” as its major housing policy.
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The Government would spare no effort in diversifying the economy structure during consolidation period of gaming industry, by boosting the development of non-gaming element and strengthening regional co-operation, said the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today. The efforts in developing non-gaming elements, such as retail, hotel, construction and financial services, had been achieving positive results, as revenue from these sectors had reached 190 billion patacas last year compared to 350 billion patacas of gaming revenue in the same period. Mr Chui said this when he attended the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly to share more his vision on government policies and other social issues. On mid-term review of gaming industry, the Government would complete the preliminary draft by the end of September and would expect to finish the whole process by this year. The review is to get a closer look on the city’s six gaming concessions which will expire between 2020 and 2022. Mr Chui said the Government was cautiously optimistic to the development of the industry, given that Macao’s gaming revenue topped many places across the world, and the industry was highly competitive as Macao had trained a large number of personnel to support its development. The integrated projects under construction were also highly competitive, as they had world-class facilities. He stressed the Government had adequate reserves to face any economic situation. As of June, the Government has 349.9 billion of reserves, including 131.9 billion of basic reserves and 218 billion surplus reserves; surplus reserve was expected to be was 308.3 billion while foreign currency reserve was 144.1 billion in 2014 after settled the accounts. He disclosed the Government was currently analysing articles for establishing an investment fund to manage the usage of surplus reserves, and would standardise its investments on the basis of secure, and with guarantee on principal and returns. To further co-operate in the country’s development strategies, the Government would enhance its co-operation networks with regions and countries included in Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative (“One Belt, One Road”), and areas in Pan-Pearl River Delta. He said the Government would work with all its strength to provide more support to emerging industries and small- and medium- enterprises (SMEs), and to provide more entrepreneurship opportunities to young people through regional co-operation. On employment, the Government would step up effort to improve upward mobility of workers and to provide more on-the-job training and opportunities to work in non-gaming positions. He stressed the Government upheld the employment rights of local people and there was a set of measures to regulate and withdraw non-resident workers. On social security, he disclosed the draft bill for non-mandatory central provident fund system would be submitted to the Executive Council by this year, as to set up a system that could further enhance quality of life of residents. During the session, Mr Chui took questions about welfare of civil servants, waste management and disposal, welfare for athlete, medical services, talent cultivation, the city’s carry capacity, judiciary system and others from 32 legislators.
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Consumers International Director General, Ms. Amanda Long, came to Macao earlier and visited Macao Consumer Council. During her visit, Ms. Long expressed her concern and praised on the work of the Council, especially the work of Consumer Arbitration Centre in settling consumer disputes. Ms. Long was also impressed with the Council’s ‘Certified Shop’ mechanism in helping Macao to be a world tourism and leisure center, and supported the Council to help build a platform for consumers protection among the cross-strait four regions. Mr. Vong Kok Seng, President of the General Committee, and Mr. Kok Lam, member of the General Committee were present at the meeting.
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Consumer Council conducted its fourth ‘Supermarket price survey’ in August on 12 August for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets near Horte e Costa, Avenida do Ouvidor Arriaga and Rua da Emenda areas in Santo António 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 over 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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Consumer Council conducted its third ‘Supermarket price survey’ in August on 10 August 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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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, new approvals of both residential mortgage loans (RMLs) and commercial real estate loans (CRELs) increased in June 2015. With regard to outstanding balance, RMLs and CRELs also witnessed increases. New lending approved In June 2015, new RMLs approved by Macao banks increased 5.7% month-to-month to MOP3.9 billion; of which, 96.8% was extended to residents. In terms of value, new RMLs to residents increased 6.2% whereas those to non-residents decreased 8.2%. When compared with the same period of 2014, new approvals of RMLs witnessed a decrease of 57.1%. New RMLs collateralised by uncompleted units (i.e. equitable mortgage) decreased by 14.7% month-to-month to MOP282 million. The equitable mortgage extended to residents, which accounted for 96.8% of the total, decreased 11.3%. When compared with the same period of 2014, new RMLs collateralised by uncompleted units decreased by 89.7%. New CRELs grew by 51.8% month-to-month to MOP6.2 billion; of which, 95.8% was granted to residents. In terms of value, new CRELs to residents increased 64.6% whereas those to non-residents decreased 45.4%. On an annual basis, new approvals of CRELs dropped by 42.7%. Outstanding balances As at end-June 2015, the outstanding value of RMLs reached MOP165.5 billion, an increase of 1.4% from one month earlier or 20.1% from a year ago. The resident component made up 94.1% of the total. Compared to end-May 2015, outstanding RMLs to residents and non-residents rose 1.5% and 0.7% respectively. Concurrently, the outstanding value of CRELs increased 1.1% from end-May 2015 and was up 34.0% from end-June 2014 to MOP140.8 billion. Residents accounted for 89.2% of the loans. Compared with one month earlier, outstanding CRELs to residents grew 1.3% whereas those to non-residents dropped 0.9%. Delinquency ratios At the end of June 2015, the delinquency ratio for RMLs was 0.07, down 0.01 percentage point from a month ago or up 0.01 percentage point from a year ago. The ratio for CRELs reached 0.07, up 0.03 percentage points from a month ago or remained virtually unchanged from end-June 2014.
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The Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) will conduct the Pilot Survey of the 2016 Population By-census from 11 to 25 August for a period of 15 days, in order to test the various operational aspects of the 2016 Population By-census. The Pilot Survey covers some 2,200 housing units in the districts of Doca do Lamau and Fai Chi Kei. All selected housing units would have received a notification letter from DSEC prior to the start of the Survey. The Population By-census is a large-scale household sample survey conducted in between two population censuses, which aims to collect up-to-date information for updating the population statistics of Macao and for keeping track of population changes. To facilitate smooth operation of the Pilot Survey, DSEC officials visited the Macau General Union of the Neighborhood Associations (UGAMM) and the Property Management Business Association Macao early this month, to introduce the Pilot Survey and listen to the comments and suggestions of the associations. All enumerators, wearing a yellow Pilot Survey uniform and carrying a valid Enumerator Identity Card and a Pilot Survey satchel, will visit the selected housing units to collect data during the Pilot Survey period. Households may choose to complete the e-Questionnaire available at the 2016 Population By-census webpage (www.dsec.gov.mo/Intercensos2016) between 11 and 21 August. All personal and household data collected will be kept in strict confidence and used solely for statistical purposes. DSEC calls for the support of the public to provide accurate information. To verify the identity of an enumerator or make an appointment for interview, please call the Pilot Survey Hotline at 8809 8809.
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The Government would allocate more resources to diversify young people’s career development, said the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, at an exchange session with the youth. The Government had attached much attention to youngsters’ development and had a good communication with them to ensure their views were heard during administration, said Mr Chui. Sharing his views on education system and economic situation with local young people at an exchange session for youth employment and entrepreneurship on 9 August, Mr Chui said this opportunity allowed him to know better the youth and to better optimise youth policy. On education system, Mr Chui said the exam-based system could hardly be changed completely in a short period of time, but stressed the Government would strive to seek a more flexible method letting students demonstrate their potential while bettering parent-child relationships. System that was in use in international schools might be not applicable to all schools in Macao, but exploring a more diversified education system was the priority of the Government, he said. Mr Chui said the finance status remained stable even in the period of consolidation when revenue from gaming had experienced decline over the past 13 months. If there was any need to impose stricter financial measures, Government would cut administrative spending; but Mr Chui assured projects related to people’s livelihood, social services and welfare would not be affected. Speaking to the press after the session, Mr Chui said the Government would explain to the public the land exchange issues involving Iec Long Firecracker Factory, after a thorough investigation carried out by the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Raimundo do Rosário. Office of the Secretary for Transport and Public Works issued a statement today saying after analysing the existing information the Secretary considered to refer the case to the Commission Against Corruption.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the total population was 642,900 as at end-June 2015, an increase of 2,200 quarter-to-quarter; female population (325,400) accounted for 50.6% of the total. There were 1,662 live births delivered in the second quarter of 2015, a decrease of 50 or 2.9% quarter-to-quarter. Male babies totalled 893 and the sex ratio at birth stood at 116.1, corresponding to 116.1 male babies per 100 female babies. In the first half year of 2015, a total of 3,374 live births were recorded, up by 71 year-on-year. Meanwhile, mortality totalled 475, a decrease of 67 quarter-to-quarter; the top three underlying causes of death were Neoplasms (170), Diseases of the Circulatory System (114) and Diseases of the Respiratory System (77). In the first half year of 2015, mortality went down by 10 year-on-year to 1,017. In the second quarter of 2015, there were 1,666 Chinese immigrants and 385 individuals granted right of abode, down by 973 and 215 respectively quarter-to-quarter. Non-resident workers totalled 180,523 at the end of the second quarter, an increase of 5,599 over the previous quarter. A total of 939 cases of marriage registration were recorded in the second quarter, down by 13 quarter-to-quarter. In the first half year of 2015, there were 1,891 cases of marriage registration, down by 221 year-on-year.
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Professor Jao Tsung-i, a worldwide renowned sinologist who has been undertaking scholarly and artistic pursuits for a long time, is a specialist concurrently in literature, arts and academics, and a rare master of the arts in Macao, Hong Kong and Mainland China of the century. He has close ties with Macao and has always been highly supportive of Macao’s cultural arena by donating paintings and calligraphies to the city’s cultural organizations. The establishment of the Jao Tsung-I Academy is to present to the public Professor Jao’s academic and artistic achievements, to promote traditional Chinese culture and arts, as well as to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the inscription of “The Historic Centre of Macao” onto the World Heritage List. Organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), the opening ceremony of the Academy that counted on the presence of Professor Jao himself was held on 9 August, at 5:00pm, also featuring a birthday cake and handprint ceremony to celebrate the professor’s 100th birthday. The opening ceremony was officiated jointly by the Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Government, Fernando, Chui Sai On; by the Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Edmund, Ho Hau Wah; by the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao S.A.R., Li Gang; by the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao S.A.R., Hu Zhengyue; and by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao S.A.R. Government, Alexis, Tam Chon Weng. Among the special guests present were O Lam; Lam Wan Nei; Ambrose So; Tong Chi Kin; Hoi Sai Iun; Lao Ngai Leong; Lei Loi Tak; Suen Siu Man e Wong King Keung, etc. Several of Professor Jao’s relatives, members of the Jao Tsung-I Petite École Fan Club of the University of Hong Kong and guests from Macau academic, artistic and cultural sectors gathered to witness the opening of the Jao Tsung-I Academy. Professor Jao’s achievements are made by hands, literally, with each and every stroke on his art pieces of calligraphies and paintings. Thus, IC invited the sinologist to leave a handprint on a bronze mould, which will become a part of the Academy’s collection, serving as an example of learning spirit for future generations. The rundown of the opening ceremony also included unveiling a bronze statue of Professor Jao, which symbolized not only the opening of the Academy but also the bequeathing of the professor’s spirit of learning. The day of the opening ceremony also marked Professor Jao’s 100th birthday, for which IC arranged the professor, accompanied by all officiating guests, to cut a birthday cake, which stimulated a festive atmosphere on the scene. Following the opening ceremony, President of IC, Ung Vai Meng led the guests on a tour to the permanent exhibition “Calligraphies and Paintings Donated by Jao Tsung-I”, allowing them to enjoy the professor’s remarkable and refined paintings and calligraphies. The Academy will officially open to the general public on 11 August. With exhibition rooms, a library, an auditorium and courtyard, it holds the permanent exhibition “Calligraphies and Paintings Donated by Jao Tsung-I”, and collects the works and catalogues related to Professor Jao in the library. All these are open to the public. The Academy opens daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and remains open on public holidays. It is closed on Mondays and admission is free. Address: Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida, n.º 95 C-D. For more information, please call 2852 2523 during office hours.
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