News

The “Interim Review of Gaming Liberalization for Games of Fortune in Macao: economical, social, livelihood impacts and operating conditions of the Concessionaires” research report is released today (11 May). The study covered nine research topics in four categories, including the contractual and operating conditions of Concessionaires and Subconcessionaires; economical, social and livelihood impacts of the development of the gaming industry; and current situation of junket promoters. After analysing the relevant data and statistics, the research team concluded that the six gaming operators have all fulfilled the capital commitment in their contracts. Development of the gaming industry has obviously created positive impact on the economy and society of Macao and at the same time negative impact. Proportion of local employees in gaming operators is much higher than that of overseas employees. Non-compliance in a number of areas also showed a downward trend. Office of the Secretary for Economy and Finance commissioned the Institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming, University of Macau to conduct a research titled “Interim Review of Gaming Liberalization for Games of Fortune in Macao: economical, social, livelihood impacts and operating conditions of the Concessionaires”, in order to have a comprehensive review of the implementation of gaming concessions and to analyse the level of impact that the development of the gaming industry had on the local economy, business environment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as to the society and the public. It also studied the synergetic effect between gaming and non-gaming elements, as well as the development and current situation of junket promoters since gaming liberalization. The research will help review the operating conditions of the gaming industry in Macao and the fulfilment of corporate social responsibility by the gaming operators, which will be an important reference for further improvement of gaming laws, regulations and regulatory framework to promote quality and integrity in gaming operations, and in turn its healthy development. One of the core research directions was to collate and analyze the fulfilment of contracts and their operating conditions by Concessionaires and Subconcessionaires (including the fulfilment of the contract, operating conditions, social responsibility and compliance status). The report stated that the six gaming operators have all fulfilled the capital commitment in their contracts. Majority of their employees were in the gaming field, the overall proportion of local employees is much higher than that of overseas employees. Besides, all of the six gaming operators provided opportunities for upward and lateral mobility to their employees, in which the proportion of local employees of managerial grade or above increased from around 60% in 2008 to 80% in 2014. Research analysis was also conducted on various areas such as the gaming operator's number of employees, upward and lateral mobility situation, changes in salary and training. Analysis of the research shown that the development of the gaming industry had positive impact on Macao's society and economy and synergetic effect was found alongside the gaming and non-gaming elements. Nonetheless, negative impact such as pushing up the inflation rate, housing prices and business operating costs, creating crowding out effects on SMEs and affecting social values were created, which need to be continuously monitored and dealt with. Despite the positive role of junket promoters in the development process of the gaming industry, there are still bound to be problematic areas which needs stronger regulatory effort in order to enable a healthy and orderly development of the industry. In terms of compliance status, the number of non-compliance cases in the six gaming operators shown a downward trend. Cases of non-compliance include internal control and reporting deficiencies in prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing; execution of “Minimum Internal Control Requirements” and “Guidelines on Responsible Gambling ”. As assessment of corporate social responsibility varies in different places, therefore, when the research team evaluates the fulfilment of corporate social responsibility by the six gaming operators in Macao, the first criteria lies on the demands of the local community towards the gaming corporations, such as: transportation/accommodation arrangements for overseas employees, supporting SMEs, local procurement and development of non-gaming elements, etc. In addition, the research team has also referred to common international assessment criteria and selected consumer issues and social engagement & development as the two assessment topics for comparison. Analysis shown that all of the six gaming operators had transportation arrangement for their employees. They had also established mechanisms to handle consumer issues. Several gaming operators have supported SMEs by giving priority to local SMEs in procurement of services or products.
…

The performance Excerpts of “The Peony Pavilion”, integrated in the 27th Macao Arts Festival, organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, will be held this Saturday, 14 May, at the Mandarin’s House, classified a World Heritage site, allowing the audience to enjoy Tang Xianzu’s famous romantic play in a unique historical site. In view of this performance, the Mandarin’s House will be closed to the public on that day, and will resume its usual schedule on Sunday, 15 May. Residents and tourists should take note of such arrangements. The Mandarin’s House is open daily from 10am to 6pm, including on public holidays, and is closed on Wednesdays. For enquiries, please call the Mandarin’s House through tel. no. 2896 8820, during office hours.
…

The Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) noted the recent media coverage regarding the real-time monitoring system of Mainland bank cards. The AMCM already revealed the relevant details through a press release on 11 December 2015 titled “Real-time monitoring system of Mainland bank cards” (http://www.amcm.gov.mo/en/about-amcm/press-releases/gap/real-time-monitoring-system-of-mainland-bank-cards). The relevant measures mentioned in the afore-mentioned press release have been implemented progressively since the beginning of this year. The AMCM reiterates that no new measures have been issued or implemented recently.
…

For the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June, Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on fresh pork from wet markets and supermarkets on 10 May. Prices of different types of pork, including pork chop, ribs, pork belly, lean meat, etc. were collected. The Council also collected price data of refrigerated and frozen pork chop from over 20 supermarkets and frozen food stores. Consumer Council started to compare local fresh pork prices with those in Zhuhai in April, spreadsheets and charts are prepared for consumers’ reference and to enhance transparency of the fresh food market. The specific product price surveys on fresh pork, and refrigerated and frozen pork chop, as well as the relevant information of fresh pork price comparisons can be found on the Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo), ‘Supermarket Price Information Platform’ iPhone & Android apps, and the Council’s official WeChat account. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
…

An award ceremony for Consumer Council’s consumer study award (year 2015-2016) was held on 8 May. The Council states that the study award is a consumer education activity targeted at secondary students and aims to start the promotions for the new school year soon due to the success of this year’s award. Participation from more schools are expected in the coming school year. The Council states that the consumer study award requires students to inspect, analyze, and review during the process to prepare a research report, the Council hopes to build up healthy consumer values in teenagers’ minds, and strengthen their knowledge in consumer rights and duties. The award has driven secondary students to be more attentive to social affairs, and led them to review on the consumer behavior nowadays and its effect on sustainable development of our society. The Council believes the award has marked an important big step in consumers education work. Consumer Council states that one of the highlights of the award is the study camp held for the participants. Students were guided by professionals to analyze the reports submitted, and convert them into scripts for shooting short clips. Inside these clips, students express their own experiences and other findings during the project. Promotions on the new consumer study award for the coming school year will be launched soon, and the mentioned short clips will be used to attract and encourage more schools to participate in the project. The study camp was held successfully on 8 May, and an award ceremony was held on the same day. Wong Hong Neng, President of the Executive Committee of Consumer Council, delivered the awards of Outstanding prizes, Best creativity, Best topic, and Best instructor to the respective winners (list of winners attached).
…

The 12th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) will be held from 12 to 16 May at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Cultural Affairs Bureau will set up Macao Creative Pavilion, promoting the participation of Macao’s cultural and creative entities, in order to showcase and commercialise their cultural and creative products in the fair. This year, the Macao Creative Pavilion, themed on crafts and design products, will be installed in section No.2D03 in the Creative Living Hall (Hall 2). The design of the pavilion features multiple hues and irregular colour patches, which symbolise the urban vitality of Macao in a distinctive way. The participating cultural and creative entities from Macao include Native Ltd., JE Handcrafts Co. Ltd., Casa de Artesanato Nam Fan Lou, Soda Panda Product Design, Mobiliário Urbano Designers Limitada, San Seng Fung, Fuhong Society of Macau, Macau Creations Limited, Leathership Creation Limited Company and Follow Design Company Limited. IC has organised the participation of Macao’s cultural and creative sector in the ICIF since 2006, it has also been inviting local cultural and creative entities to join the Macao Creative Pavilion following its inception in 2010. The five-day event attracts a total of 2,297 exhibitors from government delegations, enterprises and organisations, including 40 organisations from overseas. The venue features the Cultural Industries Hall, the Creative Living Hall, the Movies, the Television and Animation Games Hall, the One Belt & One Road Hall, the Cultural Maker Hall, the Art Hall, the Press and Publication Hall, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Hall, and the Arts and Crafts Hall. For more details please visit the ICIF official website at www.cnicif.com.
…

Organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), co-organised by 15 Macao, Mainland China and Hong Kong trade and economic government agencies, chambers of commerce and business associations, and jointly co-ordinated by the Macao Convention & Exhibition Association, Macau Fair & Trade Association and Association of Advertising Agents of Macau, the 21st Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), will take place from 20 to 22 October 2016 (Thursday to Saturday) at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. The Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), being Macao´s first UFI-approved event and has already become one of the city’s major international annual trade fairs. Last year´s MIF brought together business delegations from over 50 countries and regions around the world, to Macao specifically to participate in MIF, both as exhibitors or professional visitors. “Co-operation – Key to Business Opportunities” will continue to be the theme of the 21st MIF, to reinforce regional co-operation. For the first time, MIF will establish co-operation projects jointly with partner countries and partner cities. The said partner countries and partner cities will help build a “one-stop” platform, focusing on “Exhibition to showcase products and services, forums discussing thematic topics and business matching”, and thus establish bilateral and multilateral economic co-operation and exchanges, at different levels. In view of the situation of the “new normal”, Macao´s enterprises are facing at the same time opportunities and challenges in their transformation and upgrade processes, and are putting forward new demands regarding the way MIF is organised. In order to put on a high-quality and highly efficient fair, the duration of this year’s MIF will be reduced from four to three days. Whilst changing the duration of MIF, the Organiser will endeavour to create more opportunities for business matching and negotiations between exhibitors and professional visitors, while at the same time improving participating exhibitors’ effectiveness. Also, the design of the exhibition venue will be more dynamic, the division of the exhibition zones will be more precise and more signage will be put up to make it easier for visitors. Furthermore, as in the past, concurrent activities will include thematic forums, seminars, promotional sessions and business negotiations, so to as to ensure that the participants will get the most from this three-day event. MIF will endeavour to arrange more business matching and negotiation opportunities for enterprises and professional visitors, in order to create new opportunities for development, transformation and establishing new business and enhancing efficiency. An online business matching service platform will provide an on-line registration service for enterprise to seek and make appointments with potential suppliers and buyers. For enquiries, please contact MIF Administration and Service Centre (marketing@mif.com.mo), by joining the WeChat Group “MIFMacau” or visit the official MIF website: www.mif.com.mo.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the total population was 649,100 as at end-March 2016, an increase of 2,300 quarter-to-quarter; female population (331,200) accounted for 51.0% of the total. A total of 1,664 live births were delivered in the first quarter of 2016, a decrease of 198 or 10.6% quarter-to-quarter. Male babies totalled 870 and the sex ratio at birth stood at 109.6, corresponding to 109.6 male babies per 100 female babies. Due to the cold weather early this year, mortality increased by 165 quarter-to-quarter to 650. The top three underlying causes of death were Neoplasms (230), Diseases of the Circulatory System (186) and Diseases of the Respiratory System (90). In the first quarter of 2016, there were 2,695 Chinese immigrants, up by 514 quarter-to-quarter. Individuals granted right of abode totalled 339, a decrease of 55. Non-resident workers totalled 181,436 at the end of the first quarter, down by 210. A total of 975 cases of marriage registration were recorded in the first quarter, up by 9 quarter-to-quarter.
…

In order to enrich the knowledge of Macao tertiary students on the fundamental rights and duties of Macao residents, the Nationality Law and consular protection and consular services, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR (hereinafter called Office of the Commissioner of MFA), the Identification Services Bureau (hereinafter called DSI) and the Macao Polytechnic Institute (hereinafter called MPI) jointly held a seminar on “Fundamental Rights and Duties of Macao Residents, Nationality Law, Consular Protection and Consular Services” at MPI on 9 May 2016, so as to promote relevant information to MPI students. The keynote speakers of the seminar were Mr. Weng Jinshan, deputy director of the Consular Affairs Department of the Office of the Commissioner of MFA, and Ms. Wong Pou Ieng, Head of Department of Residents Identification of DSI, and more than 80 students have attended the seminar. In the seminar, Ms. Wong Pou Ieng introduced the composition of Macao Residents and their fundamental rights and duties, as well as the implementation of the Nationality Law in the Macao SAR. On the other hand, Mr. Weng Jinshan shared some cases of consular protection and explained how Chinese citizens request assistance overseas in case of emergency, which benefited the students enormously. DSI will maintain close connection with the Office of Commissioner of MFA to organize different kinds of activities to promote the knowledge on the fundamental rights and duties of Macao residents, the Nationality Law and consular protection and consular services to the public.
…

The Office of the Government Spokesperson noted there had been speculation and baseless accusations regarding a donation from the Macao Foundation to Jinan University on the mainland. The Office states the following: 1. Since the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), the city has achieved rapid development with the strong support from the Central Government. It is part of Macao’s responsibility to contribute to the country’s development and to enhance education services in the country. This in turn is part of the tradition of demonstrating love for the country and for Macao. 2. Cultivating talent among citizens is a key policy at national level, as well as an important strategy of the Macao SAR. During the adjustment period of the city’s gaming industry, the Government reiterated that social welfare and the city’s education services would not be affected by austerity measures – such as a reduction of administrative expenses – faced by other public bodies. The Government’s contribution to education was 3.292 billion patacas in the year 2014 – a more than sixfold increase from the 495 million patacas contributed in 2000 by the Government. 3. Macao Foundation’s donation to Jinan University, for the building of new facilities there, will not affect the Government’s input in higher education in Macao. 4. Supervision measures have been adopted to monitor the use of the donation. 5. Jinan University was the first state-founded higher education institution in China to offer education to Overseas Chinese. It invites renowned members of society to join its board of directors, and the board consults with the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council regarding Jinan University’s development. Jinan University’s board of directors is not comparable to a board at a for-profit company. 6. The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, was invited to join the board of directors as vice chairperson, without receiving salary or having interests in any form. There is no validity to the accusation that the donation is a case of transfer of interest. Many Macao students have studied at Jinan University over the years: many of them now work in different sectors in Macao and a number of them have joined the public administration. The donation from Macao Foundation is to support the building of two new dormitory facilities for students from Macao and Hong Kong. Macao as a city – and the students Macao sends to Jinan University – will benefit from this facility. In order to build a better Macao, the city needs as many highly educated young people as possible. The Office of the Government Spokesperson urges the public to consider the issue in a rational manner. The Government, as always, pays great attention to public opinion and welcomes all productive comments for the enhancement of public administration.
…