News

The Government is closely monitoring the latest developments relating to the mosquito-borne Zika virus and would follow closely advice from the World Health Organization (WHO). The Health Bureau has adopted necessary preparations against the risk of Zika spreading to Macao. But the Bureau said that so far no such case of the disease has been reported to local authorities. The Government’s preparation measures include: enhancing laboratory-based capability for detection of the disease; issuing guidelines to healthcare professionals; and strengthening monitoring and control efforts. Zika virus is primarily spread to humans through bites from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Symptoms of Zika infection might include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, and headache. Research suggests Zika virus might cause abnormalities at birth in human infants if women contract the disease during the early stages of their pregnancy, the Bureau stated. Most cases of transmission of the virus from mosquitoes to humans were reported in countries and territories in Central and South America and the Caribbean, including Brazil, Columbia, Mexico and Venezuela. The Health Bureau also noted a recent Zika case reported in Taiwan. The Bureau urges travellers – in particular pregnant women – to avoid visiting the affected areas. When travelling overseas, Macao residents should protect themselves from mosquito bites. It is suggested they should wear light-coloured and long-sleeved clothing, apply insect repellent and stay in air-conditioned places or places with mosquito screens. If any symptoms of Zika infection develop after travelling aboard, please seek medical advice immediately.
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In order to further implement the policy objectives of the Macao SAR Government and uphold the “people-based” principle, as well as constantly optimizing public services and closely following the development pace of new electronic media platforms, the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) launched a new version of its official website today (1 February). The new version is compatible with the browsing functions of the smartphones, in a bid to further enhance IPIM’s role as an information platform, to more effectively assist local and overseas enterprises to timely and accurately grasp economic and trade information, as well as helping them become more aware of the trends of the ever-changing markets and seize business opportunities. In recent years, IPIM has spared no efforts in disseminating trade and economic information through diverse and easily accessible channels, such as the internet, the Macao Trade and Invest Kiosk and WeChat, so that the general public and SMEs at home and abroad could learn more about IPIM’s functions and services, the development trends of the convention and exhibition industry, Macao's role as a business and trade co-operation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, as well as the progress of the development of the “Three Centres”. In this regard, IPIM launched a new version of its website, with the same URL – www.ipim.gov.mo on 1 February 2016. Respective content is presented in Chinese (simplified and traditional Chinese characters), Portuguese and English, to provide a full range of services. With a completely new design, its layout is concise and simple, with enhanced website security, usability, consistency, accessibility and compatibility. To be in line with IPIM´s work, special focus has been put on strengthening its functions as an information platform, making it easier to obtain information through a smartphone, aiming to bring a better browsing experience both for residents and members of the business community. In the future, IPIM will further improve the contents and presentation of its website and expand more channels of communication, while keeping abreast of the constant innovation and technological progress, to better serve the local community and merchants at home and abroad.
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Published by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and produced by 100 Plus Cultural Creative Development Ltd., the thirteenth issue of C2 magazine will be launched on 3 February. The success of video production is greatly affected by the development of the Internet. It does not rely on its scale and production costs like in the old days, but by the production creativity which is closer to daily life. This edition invites two video production companies with different market positions and characteristics to discuss the development of local entertainment production industries. In the column “Feature”, C2 interviews Hin U, founder of Pride Entertainment Productions, who aims to develop his company involving all aspects of show business. He considers that the Internet is a useful tool to explore the youth market. However, he believes that traditional media is still the key for entering the mass market. Manner Production produces comedy videos which have attracted more than one hundred and forty thousand likes on their Facebook page, in only two years. Jacky and Sixtycents, founders of Manner Production, reveal that they have made a big effort to maintain its popularity, expecting to further develop their business in the international market, introducing their local brand to the world. The launching of the Cultural Industries Fund has attracted many youngsters into the industry. The new column “Opinion” invites the CEO of Macao Creations, Wilson Lam, to share his insight on the transition of the design industry in Macao. He believes that the best time to promote the culture and creative industries in Macao is now. He also encourages newcomers to treasure the existing platforms, and constantly strive to become stronger. “Extravaganza” highlights a local brand event, the “Parade through Macao, Latin City”. The President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Ung Vai Meng, believes this event helps to promote fashion design and artistic performance, building a platform for the future development of these industries. Some of the Parade participants, Regina Dance Group and LDG Dance Studio, agree that this event can provide an opportunity for exchange between local and international artists. The new column “Brand Story” introduces stories behind each local brand. This edition tells the story of local menswear brand Worker Playground, a company modelled after the American street style. Creative director of Worker Playground, Vincent Cheang, shares his experience on the building of the brand and its features. “Blogs” columnists, Joe Tang, Ho Ka Cheng, Yi-Hsin Lin, Yap Seow Choong, Ron Lam, Ashley Chong and Cheong Sio Pang give more perspectives on the development of the cultural and creative industries. C2 is a trilingual magazine (in Chinese, Portuguese and English). Readers are welcome to browse or download the magazine at www.c2magazine.mo. Starting from 2016, C2 will change to a bimonthly magazine and issue on the first Wednesday every two month. The next issue will be launched on 6 April, 2016. Besides, the email subscription function is now available. Please simply click the “subscribe” button on the right corner of our webpage and enter your email address to subscribe to our C2 magazine. For the latest updates, you may also visit the magazine’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/c2magazine.macau, or on WeChat, by clicking “add friend” and inputting “c2magazine” in the ID column. For enquiries, please email to c2magazine.macau@gmail.com.
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The Honorary Consul of Uruguay in Hong Kong, Dr. Anabella Levin-Freris, visited the Identification Services Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region (hereafter called “Macao SAR”) and met with the Director, Ms. Ao Ieong U, on 25th January 2016. Dr. Levin-Freris informed the Macao SAR Government that, with effect from 1st February 2016, Macao SAR Passport holders and Macao SAR Travel Permit holders can enter the Oriental Republic of Uruguay as a tourist without obtaining a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days. Both parties perceive that the facilitating measures will continue to strengthen the ease of travellers and therefore to boost in the tourism, and socio-culture between the two places. At present, a total of 119 countries or territories have agreed to grant visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Macao SAR Passport holders, while 11 countries have agreed to grant Macao SAR Travel Permit holders visa-free access to their region.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the average daily wage of construction workers increased by 2.9% quarter-to-quarter to MOP793 in the fourth quarter of 2015. The average daily wage of local construction workers (MOP1,000) rose by 2.0% quarter-to-quarter, while that of non-resident construction workers (MOP668) went up by 1.1%. The average daily wage of skilled & semi-skilled workers was MOP798, up by 2.8% quarter-to-quarter. With an increase in demand for workers to carry out interior finishing works of large-scale hotels in Cotai, the average daily wages of carpenters (MOP1,053), bricklayers and plasterers (MOP765) and electricians & electrical workers (MOP838) increased by 13.1%, 10.9% and 2.4% quarter-to-quarter respectively. However, the average daily wage of unskilled workers was MOP393, down by 1.3%. After discounting the effect of inflation, the wage index of construction workers (102.9) for the fourth quarter of 2015 increased by 1.0% quarter-to-quarter in real terms, while that of local construction workers (127.3) rose by 0.7%. For the whole year of 2015, the average wage index of construction workers (100.3) increased by 6.6% year-on-year in real terms, and that of local construction workers (125.3) rose by 5.3%. As regards construction materials, the average price of concrete increased by 2.6% quarter-to-quarter, at MOP804 per cubic metre in the fourth quarter of 2015; the average price of spiral & round reinforcing steel bars decreased by 4.6% to MOP4,324 per tonne. Meanwhile, the price index of construction materials for residential buildings (131.7) in the fourth quarter of 2015 dropped slightly by 0.4% quarter-to-quarter; the average price index for 2015 (131.7) rose by 2.1% year-on-year.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that new registration of motor vehicles decreased by 3.1% year-on-year to 1,873 in December 2015, of which motorcycles over 50 cc totalled 900, a single-month record high since the data were first released. For the whole year of 2015, new registration of motor vehicles decreased by 3.5% year-on-year to 19,653, with that of light private cars (7,947) falling by 11.5%. Total number of licensed motor vehicles reached 249,339 at the end of 2015, up by 3.8% year-on-year; motorcycles and light private cars accounted for 52.0% and 41.3% respectively. Traffic accident casualties totalled 455 in December, with 3 being killed. In 2015, number of traffic accidents dropped by 1.4% year-on-year to 15,804 cases, resulting in 5,306 casualties and 15 of them were killed. In December 2015, cross-border vehicle traffic totalled 448,119 trips, up by 2.5% year-on-year. Cross-border vehicle traffic for the whole year of 2015 increased by 3.9% year-on-year to 5,131,997 trips, of which vehicle traffic through the Checkpoint of Cotai (1,114,288 trips) rose by 15.2%. In December, passenger ferry movements between Macao and Mainland China and between Macao and Hong Kong decreased slightly by 0.8% year-on-year to 12,163 trips. Passenger ferry movements for the whole year of 2015 totalled 145,385 trips, up by 3.2% year-on-year, with those via the Provisional Ferry Terminal in Taipa (36,858 trips) rising by 9.1%. Commercial flight movements at the Macao International Airport totalled 4,661 in December 2015, up by 5.9% year-on-year. In 2015, commercial flight movements increased by 8.3% year-on-year to 52,182 trips; movements to and from Mainland China (38.0% of total), Thailand (12.8%) and Taiwan (23.9%) predominated, while movements to and from Japan and Vietnam rose notably by 35.0% and 25.9%. Meanwhile, helicopter flight movements between Macao and Mainland China and between Macao and Hong Kong declined by 34.3% year-on-year to 1,069 trips in December; the annual total movements (14,048 trips) dropped by 7.3% year-on-year. Gross weight of seaborne containerized cargo decreased by 33.2% year-on-year to 16,487 tonnes in December 2015. Seaborne container throughput totalled 12,622 TEU, equivalent to 8,461 containers handled, up by 6.1% and 4.6% respectively year-on-year. For the whole year of 2015, gross weight of seaborne containerized cargo increased by 2.3% to 252,160 tonnes, of which 58.6% (147,766 tonnes) passed through Ka Ho Harbour; seaborne container throughput (149,726 TEU) and containers handled (100,927) increased by 7.3% and 4.7% respectively. Gross weight of containerized cargo by land rose substantially by 134.3% year-on-year to 3,650 tonnes in December, owing to a 157.2% surge in cargo through the Checkpoint of Cotai (3,172 tonnes). For the whole year of 2015, gross weight of containerized cargo by land decreased by 9.3% year-on-year to 26,040 tonnes, of which 78.1% (20,328 tonnes) passed through the Checkpoint of Cotai. The Macao International Airport handled 3,033 tonnes of air cargo in December 2015, down slightly by 0.7% year-on-year. For the whole year of 2015, inward air cargo (7,410 tonnes) increased by 11.1% year-on-year, while outward air cargo (16,278 tonnes) edged down by 0.4%. Taiwan remained the major origin and destination of air cargo; inward air cargo from Taiwan in 2015 (61.6% of total) increased by 24.0% year-on-year, while outward air cargo to Taiwan (43.7% of total) decreased by 1.2%. Transit air cargo (6,370 tonnes) increased by 10.7% year-on-year. At the end of 2015, number of fixed-line telephone subscribers decreased by 4.9% year-on-year to 146,138. Number of mobile telephone subscribers increased by 2.1% to 1,896,097, of which stored-value GSM card subscribers shared 64.3%. Number of internet subscribers increased by 11.0% year-on-year to 338,899. For the whole year of 2015, the cumulative duration of internet usage (1.06 billion hours) rose by 11.7% year-on-year.
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Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is ready to roll out a prize-redemption game named “Macao Hunt” on WeChat in Macao from 1 – 28 February, guiding local residents and visitors to look out for the golden monkeys along four designated walking tour routes under the theme “Step Out, Experience Macao’s Communities”, for a chance to win electronic coupons from merchants and enter a lucky draw. The fun game is designed to enhance the charm of community tourism and encourage visitors to explore different communities and patronize local businesses, as part of the Office’s continuous efforts to promote community tourism development. Both residents and visitors can participate in the game (in Chinese only) through MGTO’s WeChat ID (“MGTOweixin”), and become eligible for entering the lucky draw for a chance to win pure gold monkey statues, iPhone6s and electronic coupons from catering merchants of "Quality Tourism Services Accreditation Scheme" (QTSAS); participants can search for golden monkeys along designated walking tour routes themed as “Step Out, Experience Macao’s Communities”. Once golden monkeys are spotted with the check-in step performed, participants can instantly receive more electronic coupons from QTSAS-awarded merchants who operate catering business in the community. The more golden monkeys are spotted, the more chances for participants to win the gold monkey statues and iPhone6s; participants can also increase their chances of winning the lucky-draw prizes by completing a survey or by sharing the game link with friends on WeChat and getting friends’ “click” on the link. For more information about how to play the game, please visit: http://zh.macaotourism.gov.mo/main/page.php?id=58 The four designated walking tour routes include “Footsteps into the Historic Centre”, “The Marriage of East and West in St. Anthony’s Parish”, “A Legacy of Arts and Culture” and “Bygone Days of Taipa Village”. If the activity receives positive feedback overall, MGTO will consider launching other themed games which cover various “Step Out, Experience Macao’s Communities” walking tour routes during other festivals. To add more fun to the "Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Monkey" on the 3rd night of Lunar New Year (10 February), MGTO will set up additional locations of golden monkeys near each spectator seating area on the day besides those along the four designated walking tour routes. For more information about Chinese New Year celebrations, please visit: http://www.macaotourism.gov.mo This press release is available at: http://industry.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/pressroom/
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The first grand western art exhibition at the Macao Museum of Art (MAM) in 2016, titled ‘One Century of Austrian Art 1860-1960’, was inaugurated today (29/1) at 6:30pm at the Gallery of Special Exhibitions of the MAM, on the 2nd floor, featuring 89 works by 54 representative Austrian painters, illustrating the country’s most magnificent 100 years in painting, from inception to maturity. Organised by MAM under the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Beijing World Art Museum and the Chinese-Austrian Academy of Fine Arts, the exhibition has been shown at the Beijing World Art Museum, the Dalian Modern Art Museum and the Hubei Provincial Museum since April 2015. Macao will be the final stop of the tour. The opening ceremony was officiated by the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government, Ung Vai Meng; the Consul General of Austria in Hong Kong and Macao, Claudia Reinprecht; the Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao S.A.R., Zhang Xiaoguang; Deputy Director of the Department of Policy Research of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao S.A.R., Li Yang; the President of the Chinese-Austrian Academy of Fine Arts and Curator of the exhibition, Josef Schütz; the Deputy Director of the Beijing World Art Museum, Zhou Wei; the Director of the Albergue da Santa Casa da Misericórdia, Carlos Marreiros and the President of the Macao Artists Association, Lai Ieng. The Director of MAM, Chan Hou Seng, accompanied the guests in a tour of the exhibition. The exhibition brings together a trove of rare and precious objets d'art selected from the collections of 34 institutes and private collectors across Austria, namely works by iconic artists like Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele, as well as by less known yet excellent painters, including drawings, sketches, oils, crayon paintings and watercolours, offering a rich variety of themes encompassing figures, landscapes and stills. From 1860 to 1960, Austria experienced the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the two World Wars, and the deadly 1918 flu pandemic. However, the suffering and traumas stimulated the artists’ self-analysis and reflection about this tumultuous era, fostering a cultural flourishing. It was against this backdrop that emerged in 1897 the Vienna Secession, a movement with the motto ‘To the age its art, to art its freedom’, which vigorously challenged the prevailing classicism, with outstanding artists setting new trends, trailblazing a path for abstractionism. The exhibition focuses on this eventful century, with artists becoming narrators and their work the epitome of that special era. Shown in four sessions, namely ‘Fin-de-Siècle Refinement and Degeneration’, ‘the Seeker: Secession and Innovation’, ‘the Seeker: Legacy and continuation’, and ‘Revelation: Leadership and Vision’, the exhibition presents the developmental stages in Austrian art history, revealing the Vienna Secession’s different movements, as well as the mutual influences between its distinctive style and other arts. Free collateral events of this exhibition include ‘Curator’s talk: Austrian Art (1860-1960) from the perspective of artistic economy’ by the curator Josef Schütz, in German (with Mandarin interpretation) to be held on Saturday (30/1) at 3:00pm at the Gallery of Special Exhibitions of the MAM, on the 2nd floor, as well as exhibition leaflets, exhibition guide APP, guided tours, special events for schools and groups and prize winning games. For registration and details, please visit the Cultural Affairs Bureau website www.icm.gov.mo or the Macao Museum of Art website www.MAM.gov.mo, or call 8791 9814 during office hours for more information. The exhibition is open until 3 April. The Macao Museum of Art is located at Av. Xian Xing Hai, and is open from 10am to 7pm (no admittance after 6:30pm; closed on Mondays). The admission fee is MOP5.00, and admission is free on Sundays and Macao public holidays.
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The Government is considering sovereign funds or investment development funds as ways to diversify its financial reserve investment based on the principle of prudency and low risks, according to the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac. Talking to reporters on 28 January 2016 after attending the Chinese New Year reception of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macao, Mr Leong noted that investment returns on the financial reserves and foreign reserves of the Macao SAR had gained positive growth. He said among the investment portfolio, the Renminbi account had sustained considerable losses due to the devaluation of the Renminbi in 2015, leading to a drop in overall returns. The finance chief stressed that fluctuations in exchange rates might lead to losses in the short term, but the Government would continue to hold Renminbi as it had confidence in the currency in the long term. When asked about new ways of financial reserve investment, Mr Leong said the Government was studying the feasibility of sovereign funds or investment development funds. But he pointed out that such funds were quite different from the Government’s current ways of financial reserve investment and initial returns on these funds might be zero or even negative growth. Nevertheless he said the Government would take a long-term perspective on its financial reserve investment. Meanwhile Mr Leong revealed that the Government was revising the report on the interim review of the gaming industry, which would be published in due course. The major aim of the interim review is to assess the implementation of contracts of the six gaming operators.
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Six students from the University of Macau (UM) Faculty of Social Sciences recently received four prizes for their academic papers at a local economics paper competition organised by the Macau Economic Association. This is the fifth edition of the competition. This year’s competition received 60 submissions, 40 in the student category and 20 in the open category. The UM students received a third prize in the open category, a third prize in the student category, and two excellence awards. The awarded papers will be published in paper collections or in the association’s publications. Macau Economic Association Chairman Lao Chi Ngai says that the quality of this year’s submissions is higher than that of last year’s.
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