News

In celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the Reunification of Macao with the Motherland, Macao Post will issue a thematic pack under the theme "15th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region" on that date. This pack comprises 5 series of stamps and souvenir sheets with the significance of the Establishment of the Macao SAR, which included the Establishment of the Macao SAR, the 1st, the 5th,, the 10th and the 15th Anniversary. The protective hardcover is illustrated with the images of the Macao World Heritage "Ruins of St. Paul's", and the large sculpture "Lotus Flower in Full Bloom" offered by the Central Government as a gift to Macao SAR, it symbolizes the everlasting prosperity of Macao with the support from our Motherland. 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 starting from 20th December, 2014. This pack is priced at MOP195.00, and it is an excellent product, either as a collectable or as an elegant gift.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM), China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) and the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance signed a co-operation agreement today (18 December 2014) in Macau to enhance their co-operation against insurance fraud. The co-operation agreement sets out a framework that enables the regulators in the three places to provide assistance and information to each other for performing their supervisory work relating to the monitoring of insurance fraud risks. Member of the Board of Directors of AMCM, António José Félix Pontes, said, "The co-operation agreement will foster exchange of information and co-operation against insurance fraud, and will nourish a safe and stable insurance market, thereby achieving the objective of protecting policyholders." The Vice-chairman of CIRC, Huang Hong, said, "As the three regulators are already in close connection to combat insurance fraud, the signing of the agreement will enhance such co-operation efforts." The Commissioner of Insurance of Hong Kong, Annie Choi, said, "With the growing economic interactions and people flow between the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau, enhanced co-operation amongst the three regulators will help raise their regulatory effectiveness against cross-border insurance fraud risks."
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President of the People's Republic of China, Mr Xi Jinping, will arrive in Macao tomorrow to officiate at 15th anniversary celebrations of Macao's return to the motherland. Mr Xi, who is also Secretary General of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, will officiate at the inauguration ceremony of the fourth-term Government of the Macao Special Administration Region (MSAR) on 20 December. Mr Xi will lead a Central Government delegation here for a two-day official visit and meet with the Chief Executive of the MSAR, Mr Chui Sai On, soon after his arrival. In the evening, Mr Xi will attend the welcoming banquet hosted by the Macao Government and watch a celebratory variety show titled "Dream of Macao Heart of China". During his stay, Mr Xi will meet with Macao's leading outgoing and incoming officials from the administration, legislation, Judiciary, and local representatives of people from all walks of life. Mr Xi is scheduled to leave in the afternoon on 20 December. To mark the 15th anniversary of Macao SAR, the Government will arrange a string of activities including the flag-raising ceremony at Golden Lotus Square at 8 am on 20 December, and a cocktail reception in the afternoon. The Sports Development Board will stage a sports and cultural show to mark this occasion. The Government Tourism Office will hold a fireworks display on the same day. Communities, associations and civil organisations will hold a kaleidoscope of celebratory events including cultural performances, exhibitions and sports competitions. For more details of the celebrations, please visit the 15th anniversary event website http://www.macao15.gov.mo/.
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In cooperation with Vector ITS Group, Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) Year 4 Tourism Retail and Marketing Management students taking the Strategic Management course led by Dr. Fernando Lourenço conducted a project to help a newly developed and launched mobile phone app "Yummy Macau" which aims allow people to search for high quality restaurants in Macao. This student project involves screening for opportunities and threats in the business environment, assessing the strength and weakness associated to the app, developing a three year strategic plan as well as designing and executing a marketing campaign to promote "Yummy Macau" which includes photography and video campaign on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, WeChat, blog writing on Sina Weibo, Baidu, travel forums, flash mob campaign (dance), giving out corporate gifts whilst wearing eye catching costume on popular touristic area and many more ingenious activities. This was a fantastic opportunity for IFT students to understand the process of strategic planning for new business startup in the mobile app industry. This was an excellent way to build stronger links with the industry by offering support to local business enterprises that have an intention to promote higher quality hospitality to the locals and to tourist. Gilberto Camacho, co-founders of Vector ITS Group, appreciates greatly of the effort put into the project because the download rate of the mobile application and 'like' from their Facebook page increased substantially as a consequence of the project. Prizes and certificates were given to students to congratulate their efforts and hard work. This was a fantastic recognition that proves the quality of our students.
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The Consumer Council recently conducted a test on the sodium levels of 6 categories of non-staple foods. 40 samples were randomly chosen and tested and the result has been published in the latest issue no.256 of Consumer Report. The current issue also includes a performance test of liquid laundry detergents. Free copies of the latest issue of Consumer Report are available at over 10 spots. Consumers can also visit our official website for details.
Consumer organizations recommend low sodium diet to consumers as consuming too much sodium will pose health hazards. The Council also concerns about the sodium levels in processed foods and a comparative test on the sodium levels of 40 samples were conducted. The samples included 6 categories of non-staple foods, namely canned foods such as soup, meat, fish and vegetables, packaged food for use in microwave ovens and instant noodles. Amount the tested samples, instant noodles contain the highest sodium level, followed by canned meat. In general, the 6 categories of non-staple foods being tested are high in sodium level and it is recommended that consumers should limit the intake of these foods. The report also suggested ways to restrict the amount of sodium in our diets. Details of the result can be found in the issue of Consumer Report no. 256. Liquid laundry detergents are commonly chosen by consumers and the Council randomly chose 10 liquid laundry detergent samples and conducted a comparative test on their stain removal performance and refractive index. The result showed that some samples failed to meet the stain removal performance standard. Consumers can refer to the latest issue of Consumer Report for details.
The Council has signed a Collaboration Agreement with Consumer Institute of Portugal in November 2014. The Agreement included cooperation on product testing and information exchange on food safety, etc.. With the technical support from the Institute, the Council's capacity on food and product testing can be enhanced. Furthermore, under the Agreement, the Council can get timely information on consumer issues from the Portuguese speaking countries. The Council attended a seminar held by the China Consumers' Association (CCA) and a national conference held by The Portuguese Association for Consumer Protection (DECO) in November. Consumers can refer to the Consumer Report for details regarding the seminar and the conference. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the Consumer Council (Av. Horta e Costa, N.º 24-A, Edf. Cheung Heng, R/C), and the service counter of the Council at Macao SAR Government Service Centre (Rua Nova da Areia Preta, Nº52), Public Information Centre at Vicky Plaza, libraries and bookstores. Consumers may also access the magazine online on the Council's official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) announced the findings of the "Feasibility Study of Family Hostel" today (17 December). MGTO held a briefing session on the result findings for the "Feasibility Study of Family Hostel" today. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Deputy Directors Cecilia Tse and Cheng Wai Tong attended the briefing session. During June and July in 2014, MGTO commissioned a research institute to carry out a feasibility study of family hostel. The study consists of an opinion poll (street and online survey) and case analysis. In addition, MGTO conducted an analysis on the regulations. Opinion poll
A total of 2,243 samples were collected through street survey and online questionnaire. 2,028 interviewees came from the street and 215 from the Internet. Among the supporters (62% of interviewees), over 50% think that room prices are relatively cheaper in family hostels while 30% think that visitors can be offered more choices. Other reasons for support include that family hostels can enable visitors to experience Macau's local culture, entice a greater variety of visitors and extend their length of stay, etc. Among those who oppose family hostels (33% of interviewees), 70% concern primarily about public security issues which may arise from family hostels while other reasons for opposition include regulatory issues, surge of flat prices, traffic problem, etc. Without any prerequisite, over half of the interviewees (62.5%) support the idea of family hostel. However, there is not a particular district in Macau considered as the most suitable district for family hostel establishment. Only the interviewees who live in Cathedral Parish and Coloane prefer having family hostels open in their own districts, while residents of other districts would rather no family hostel open in their districts. For those who support the establishment of family hostels, a greater percentage of them demand the fulfillment of the following preconditions: self-operation by practical user of premises (68.3%), limit set on total room number (75.1%), individual apartments with an independent access (71.8%), single-block buildings (80.5%) and amendments on current regulations about hotels and relevant business (69.2%). They also demand that before launching family hostels, the Government should make better planning including formulation of regulations and standards for family hostel establishment, as well as stipulation on location of family hostels; the Government should also carry out regulatory measures effectively, maintain public security and hygienic environment while sending inspectors on patrol. Case analysis
Based on the situation in Macau, the research institute selected a range of cases for analysis from Hong Kong; Xiamen; Sanya; Taiwan, China; and Japan. The institute compared and analyzed the cases with regard to the relevant laws, stipulated limit on room number, building standards and requirements as well as management style of operators in their respective destinations. As a result, the study summarizes the challenges encountered and accomplishments achieved by these destinations during their policy enforcement of family hostels, to serve as reference for Macau. Analysis points out that there is no single definition of family hostel. Family hostel is not equal to budget hostel; the existence of family hostel is based on a demand for complementary supplies to remedy room shortage of hotels or guest houses during peak travel season and in more remote regions; family hostels should be operated in single-block buildings, while their establishment should target visitors from different niche markets; relevant business guideline or regulations are required. Legal analysis MGTO conducted a study and analysis on the current legal framework of the Macau SAR and its regulations on establishment of family hostels. The Office also carried out a legal analysis on the feasibility of family hostel within the current regulations. Analysis points out that the types of accommodation stipulated in Article No. 5, Clause No. 1 of the Decree No. 16/96/M (New Regulation on permission for hotels and related business) do not include family hostel, as an accommodation type under study, within the current regulations of the Macau SAR; in other words, development of family hostels in Macau requires formulation of new regulations or amendments on the current Decree No. 16/96/M (New Regulation on permission for hotels and related business) as a prerequisite. Conclusion
In summary, although over 60% of interviewees in the opinion poll support the idea of family hostel, they demand the fulfillment of numerous preconditions including the development conditions of family hostels and the Government's overall planning and effective supervision. Nevertheless, not many interviewees prefer having family hostels open in their own communities, and in general they worry about issues of public security, hygiene, traffic, flat prices and so on. In other words, a thorough consensus of opinion has not been formed on this widely-concerned subject about the development of family hostels in Macau. In addition, the current regulations and relevant supporting facilities do not meet the preliminary requirements to kick start the development of family hostels. MGTO will pay close attention to the market demand and supply of accommodation establishments of all types in the future. The study findings will serve as reference for future amendments and formulation of policies. This press release is available at: http://industry.macautourism.gov.mo/en/pressroom/index.php?page_id=172
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From 16th to 18th December 2014 the Macao Polytechnic Institute (MPI) hosted the Third Macao International Forum. The Forums are held every two years. They have become part of an important Macao inter-disciplinary research initiative that began with the First Macao International Forum (MIF1) in December 2010. That first Forum dealt with English as an International Language and was co-hosted by Peking University. The Second Macao International Forum (MIF2) focused on international security and order in East and South East Asia, and was co-hosted by the Institute for Security and International Studies (ISIS), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. The Third Forum was again co-hosted by Peking University. It was graced by the presence of distinguished guests of honour: Mr. Pu Hailong, Deputy Director of the Culture and Education Dept. of the Liaison Office of the People's Central Government in Macao SAR; Ms. Ji Zhiyuan, Associate Director of Policy Research Dept. of the Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of PRC in Macao SAR; Mr. Sou Chio Fai', Director of the Tertiary Education Services Office of Macao SAR Government; Mr. Wong Kin Mou, Acting Deputy Director of the Education and Youth Affairs Office of Macao SAR Government; Prof. Gao Yihong, Representative of Peking University; and Prof. Yang Zaihuai, Acting Vice President of Macao Polytechnic Institute. The Forums bring together leading international experts to address key issues of global enquiry. The books resulting from the first two forums have been published: Andy Kirkpatrick and Roland Sussex (eds), English as an International Language in Asia: Implications for Language Education (Springer, 1912); Peter Shearman (ed.), Power transition and international order in Asia (Routledge, 2014). MIF3 was chaired by Prof. Mao Sihui, Executive Chairman of the MIF Organizing Committee, and convened by Professor Andy Curtis, Anaheim University, California, USA. The papers from the Forum will be published in an edited volume by a leading international publisher. MIF3 brought together prominent scholars in their fields from across the world, including Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, the People's Republic of China, Thailand, the United States of America, and Vietnam. Speakers included Professor Andy Curtis (Anaheim University, USA), Professor Gao Yihong (Peking University, PRC), Professor Juliane House (Hellenic American University, NH, USA), Professor Andrew Lian (Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand), Professor Oshima Kimie (Kanagawa University, Japan), Dr Pham Nhung (Hue University of Foreign Languages, Vietnam), Professor Joanna Radwańska-Williams (Macao Polytechnic Institute), Professor Mao Sihui (Macao Polytechnic Institute and Bell School of Languages), Professor Roland Sussex (The University of Queensland, Australia), Professor Don Snow (Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, PRC), and Professor Wu Doreen (Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong). Macao Polytechnic Institute has created a high-quality forum in which leading international scholars from around the world can work together on key issues relating to Macao and the rest of Asia. MIF3 has added to the reputation of MPI as a leading international focus for high-quality and contributions to knowledge in key areas under investigation.
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Consumer Council conducted its fourth 'Supermarket price survey' in December on 15 December 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), and the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. 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 Center for Studies of Translation, Interpreting and Cognition (CSTIC), which is under the University of Macau's (UM) Faculty of Arts and Humanities (FAH), was inaugurated last month during the two-day International Workshop on Biological Foundations of Languages hosted by the CSTIC. The mission of the CSTIC is to probe into the underlying cognition of translation and interpreting. Reaffirming UM's aspiration to become a world-class university, leaders from the academic community who officiated at the opening ceremony pointed out that the multidisciplinary initiatives that bring the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences together has happened in the right place at the right time. UM Rector Wei Zhao addressed the inauguration ceremony for the CSTIC and the opening ceremony of the workshop. "The new campus became operational just two months ago and the event is the very first of its kind happening here,' noted Rector Zhao. "We've been determined to build a campus for a world-class university since we decided to build the new campus. One thing that all first-class universities have in common is that they always have first-class departments/centers in their own mother-tongue languages. We have three mother tongues here in Macao, namely Chinese, English and Portuguese. So we're determined to build up our Faculty of Arts and Humanities, especially the Departments of Chinese, English and Portuguese." "As for sciences, one of the major sciences for the 21st century is life sciences. So we have established the Faculty of Health Sciences dedicated to research and teaching of life sciences. This workshop is right at the intersection of languages and life sciences. We hope that such platforms would help us build a better university to serve Macao, and hopefully we will become a world-class university one day," the rector observed. Academic leaders who officiated at the ceremony included Prof Haydn Chen, vice rector of UM; Prof Xu Jie, associate dean of the FAH; Prof William Shi-Yuan Wang, director of the Joint Research Centre for Language and Human Complexity at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK); and Prof Li Defeng, director of the CSTIC. Prof Martin Montgomery, interim dean of the FAH, remarked that if language itself is complex, then how one encodes - not just from meaning to form - but also how one recodes between one form and another in real time - is possibly the most complex of all human activities. "To study this process will require skills and insights from more than one discipline and thus, in setting up the Centre for Studies of Translation, Interpreting and Cognition, we are creating a cross-disciplinary platform for these insights to come together. And it is especially apt, I believe, that we do so in the context of a meeting on Biological Foundations of Languages," said Prof Montgomery. Prof John Corbett, head of the Department of English, pointed out that Translation Studies has firmly established itself alongside Linguistics and Literary Studies as one of the three pillars of the Department of English at UM. "It is extremely satisfying to me and to the department to be able to celebrate the launch of this interdisciplinary research platform in the company of scholars participating in the workshop," said Prof Corbett. "Hosting international workshops of this kind is also a fantastic way of stimulating the research culture of UM." Introducing the aims and missions of the CSTIC, Prof Yuanjian He of the English Department, who initiated the establishment of the centre, stressed that it has been the very type of research that is directly relevant to the global effort of the 21st century trying to unveil the intriguing and mysterious workings of the brain, particularly those that have to do with language processing. Co-organised by the newly-established CSTIC, the University System of Taiwan, and CUHK's Joint Research Center for Language and Human Complexity, the workshop attracted 47 scholars from the United States, Spain, Israel, Finland, mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao. It highlights four themes: language and gene, language and reading, language and neuroscience, as well as language and language impairment.
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Starting today (15 December), Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) is staging a new series of 3D mapping shows around the themes "Past", "Present" and "Future" respectively at three different tourist spots in celebration of the 15th Anniversary of Macau SAR Establishment together with visitors and local citizens. Organized by MGTO and co-organized by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM), the new series of 3D mapping shows will be staged at the Handover Gifts Museum of Macau, Our Lady of Carmel Church on Taipa and Chapel of St. Francis Xavier on Coloane from 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. during 15 – 31 December. Citizens and visitors can enjoy the shows for free. Every show spans about 10 minutes. The show on Taipa comprises an interactive session, and therefore its duration will depend on spectators' participation. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Deputy Director Cecilia Tse and Head of Tourism Product and Events Department Isabel Augusto officiated the kick-off ceremony. This series of 3D mapping shows revolves around the theme "Past • Present • Future". Themed as "Past", the show will manifest Macau's transformation through the history upon the exterior wall of the Handover Gifts Museum of Macau; during the interactive session about "Present", spectators can take part by designing the 3D mapping show to their own style with the installations in front of Our Lady of Carmel Church on Taipa; whereas the show about "future" will display local children's drawings at the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier on Coloane. 3D mapping shows are popular among locals and visitors in recent years. The Government has arranged such shows at historic monuments like Ruins of St. Paul's and Mandarin's House on the World Heritage site in the past. For a period of 15 days this April, MGTO also staged a 3D mapping show named "Icons • Macau" at Macau Fisherman's Wharf – one of the tourist attractions along the walking tour route "A Tour of Arts and Culture" under the theme "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities". A related poll was then conducted to collect public opinions for reference when launching similar tourism products in the future.
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