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In accordance with the Basic Law of Macao, the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, has completed the formation of the Executive Council of the fourth-term Government, by inviting 11 members of the society to assist him in policymaking. The incoming Council comprises three new appointees and eight incumbents. They are: Ms Chan Hoi Fan,
Mr Leong Heng Teng,
Mr Liu Chak Wan,
Mr Ma Iao Lai,
Mr Leonal Alberto Alves,
Mr Cheang Chi Keong,
Mr Chan Meng Kam,
Ms Ho Sut Heng,
Mr Wong Yue Kai, Mr Lam Kam Seng, and Mr Chan Chak Mo. They will take their oath on 20 December, when an executive order confirming the appointments will be published in the Official Gazette. Mr Chui said he truly believed the councillors would perform their duties with dedication and integrity, abide by the Basic Law, propel the implementation of the principle "One country, two systems" and strive to serve the community to their best abilities.
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For the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June, Consumer Council conducted its specific price surveys on oral care products, tissue papers sand milk powder on 10 December. Results of the mentioned surveys have been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and are available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call the Council's hotline: 8988 9315.
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A carnival featuring the services of the Consumer Arbitration Centre will be held by the Consumer Council on Saturday, 13th December from 3.00pm-4.30pm, at Jardim de Luis de Camões, and citizens are welcome to participate. The features and advantages of using the service of the Consumer Arbitration Centre are "law-abiding, justice, professional, efficient and free of charge". Since the establishment of the Consumer Arbitration Centre in 1998, the figure of handling cases increases annually and a total of 520 cases are being handled by the Centre by the third quarter of 2014. Meanwhile, the Consumer Council holds carnivals annually in different communities to promote the Regulations and services of the Centre. A total of 4 carnivals would be held by the Consumer Council since November, the 2nd carnival was just held last Saturday at Parque Dr. Carlos D' Assumpção and attracted citizens to participate. The 3rd carnival will be held on this Saturday, 13th December from 3.00pm-4.30pm, at Jardim de Luis de Camões. Booth games, Q&A game, legal counselling services and information on consumer arbitration will be exhibited in the 3rd carnival and citizens are welcome to participate. For inquiry, please call 8988-9315.
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The University of Macau (UM) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Synchrotron Radiation Research Center in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Having recently relocated to its new campus on Hengqin Island, UM is entering a new phase of greatly enhancing its intellectual ambiance by proactively reaching out to regional and global outstanding research institutions to establish new, innovative collaborations. One of such collaborative relationships is with the world-renowned Synchrotron Radiation Research Center (NSRRC) in Hsinchu, Taiwan, through a recently signed MOU. "Synchrotron Radiation research is a 'must' for any aspiring research universities in the 21st century," says UM Rector Wei Zhao. "Any researcher at a university who wants to conduct world-class research on wet and dry materials will invariably need easy and seamless access to synchrotron radiation facility. For this reason, UM is honoured that Dr Felix Gwo, director of the NSRRC, and I, can sign this unprecedented document!" This sentiment is enthusiastically echoed by Dr Da-Hsuan Feng, director of UM's Global Affairs Office and special assistant to the rector. "Taiwan's NSRRC, established in 1995 as a 1.5 GeV facility, will soon be upgraded to a 3.0 GeV facility in 2015," says Dr Feng. "After the upgrade, the NSRRC will become one of the most important facilities for material science and bio-materials in Asia. UM's signing an MOU with the NSRRC cannot be better timed since UM is just initiating a robust programme in health and material research!"
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Consumer Council conducted its second 'Supermarket price survey' in December on 9 December 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), 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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In order to attract even more residents and tourists to the St. Lazarus' quarter and to promote more in-depth visits, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC, from the Portuguese acronym) launched the "Installation of Signage Towards St. Lazarus Plan". The first phase is centred on St. Lazarus' Church, and directional signage will be installed in its six main surrounding arteries. St. Lazarus' Quarter is a classified architecture group, and St. Lazarus' Church and forecourt are listed as monuments. The church, boasting a long history, and with the characteristic surrounding streets, makes up a uniform group of Southern Europe style two-storey buildings. It is hoped that the installation of these street signs will lead to a systematic re-routing of visitors towards St. Lazarus' Quarter, who can then experience the area's history and culture, while, at the same time, promoting the development of cultural tourism and cultural and creative industries in this neighbourhood. The first six locations where this signage will be installed include the area in front of Macao Conservatory's School of Music, the exterior of 10 Fantasia, the Almirante Costa Cabral roundabout, the exterior of no. 14 of Rua de Eduardo Marques, the exterior of IC's building in the direction of the Estrada do Cemitério and the exterior of Iau Luen Building at Rua de Ferreira do Amaral. In the future, this signage will be extended to other places in the zone, and there are plans to install signs of area, in order to gradually improve the signage system for tourists. In order not to affect and occupy public space, the signs will be suspended from buildings' walls and, taking into consideration the European style decorative elements, will be creatively made out of iron. Its design will be inspired by the imposing St. Lazarus' Church, a visual focal point at no. 7 of the area's main artery, Calçada da Igreja de São Lázaro, to which an image of a running child will be incorporated, in way to metaphorically symbolise "enter into the community". It is hoped that the streets create a unique landscape and establish a vibrant and energetic cultural atmosphere in the area. The installation of these signs relies on the cooperation and support of institutions and the general public, thereby contributing to disseminate in unison Macao's traditional neighbourhoods' cultural atmosphere. The St. Lazarus' Quarter is not only a classified architecture group but it has also become in recent years an important incubator area of local cultural and creative industries, in addition to hosting annually the "Parade through Macau, Latin City". In this event, artists from Macao and Latin languages countries sing and dance through the neighbourhood's streets, rich in Latin style, revealing the unique cultural characteristics of Macao as well as its atmosphere of cultural fusion, creating a beautiful scenery year after year. The "Installation of Signage Towards St. Lazarus Plan" will contribute to the participation of residents and tourists in cultural activities held in this area, in order to gather people and to promote the development of cultural tourism and cultural and creative industries.
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In cooperation with new company called 789 Multimedia Marketing Limited, Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) Year 4 Tourism Business Management students taking the Strategic Management course led by Dr. Fernando Lourenço worked on a project to screen opportunities and develop a three year strategic plan aiming to exploit opportunities for multimedia products and services in the cultural and creative industries. This was a fantastic opportunity for IFT students to understand the process of strategic planning for a new business startup. Opportunity as such is rare because traditional business case studies and industrial project tend to serve large enterprise. IFT students gained firsthand experience related to what entrepreneurs do when a company is starting up from scratch. This was an excellent way to build stronger links with the industry by offering support to local business enterprises that have an intention to help building the cultural and creative industries. To support the assessment of the outcomes derived from the project, we have invited Mr. Miguel Khan, a multimedia specialist and a member of the Cultural Industry Committee came to IFT to offer feedback to our students. 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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A photo exhibition which showcases the achievements of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) in the 15 years since its return to the motherland, opened today at the Beijing Exhibition Center. The State Councillor, Mr Yang Jiechi, and Macao Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, gave speeches at the opening ceremony of the exhibition entitled "Thriving Together – the Introduction to the Achievements Exhibition for the 15th Anniversary of the Macao Special Administrative Region". Officiating guests included the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Zhang Dejiang; the Vice President of People's Republic of China, Mr Li Yuanchao; Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Ho Hau Wah; the Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Wang Guangya; and the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Li Gang. In his address, Mr Yang Jiechi said that with the great support of the Central Government and the solidarity of the Macao Government and the people of Macao, the SAR had made splendid achievements since its return to the motherland, making the "One country, two systems" concept widely recognised in the world. On behalf of the Central Government, Mr Yang congratulated the successful holding of the exhibition, saying that the multi-dimension and different-formatted exhibits enable visitors to experience the extraordinary developments and progress of the SAR in a more direct and comprehensive approach. The principle of "One country, two systems" was the best to ensure Macao's long-term stability, upholding the principle would not only fulfill the fundamental interests of the country and Macao, but also the common values of the people across the nation and Macao residents. The Central Government would steadfastly implement the principles of "One country, two systems", "Macao people governing Macao" and a high degree of autonomy; strictly abide by the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law of Macao, and greatly support the legal ruling of the SAR Government and the Chief Executive, said Mr Yang. Also speaking at the opening, Macao's Chief Executive said the exhibition was a precious opportunity to share the developments of the SAR with the people in the mainland; it was also a platform to express appreciation to the Central Government and the people across the country. Mr Chui said he sincerely expected the people in the mainland to learn about Macao in all domains through the exhibition and could greatly support the future development of Macao. As Chief Executive of the fourth-term Government who would take his oath on 20 December, Mr Chui said he and his government team would enhance policy visions on prospects and crises, seize the opportunities brought by the country and unify the people in Macao to improve their livelihood, expedite social development and sustain long-term prosperity. He said the achievements of Macao were contributed by the growing power of the country, the implementation of the principle of "One country, two systems", the strong support of the Central Government and the people in the mainland as well as solidarity of the Macao residents. After the opening, the guests accompanied by the Chief Executive toured the exhibition. Also attending the ceremony were officials of the Central Government, foreign affairs ministers, representatives of the Beijing municipal government, delegates of the Macao Government, dignitaries from the community and 300 guests. The exhibition is open to the public from 8 to 28 December. Featured with a rich variety and diversified pictures, coupled with text descriptions and graphs, the exhibition is divided into six sections, namely Preface, Messages from the Central People's Government, Zone I – Facilitation of economic diversification by establishing a "Centre" and a "Platform"; Zone II – Long-term mechanisms for pursuing social wellbeing; Zone III – The family bond between Macao and the motherland and the Conclusion. In the 2500-square-metre exhibition hall, more than 280 photos displayed on the interactive monitors enable the visitors to learn the achievements of Macao since its return to the motherland in first hand, and to experience the unique cultures of Macao.
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Mo Yan, the first Chinese citizen to win the Nobel Prize in literature and this year's recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University of Macau (UM), today (7 December) spoke on the "Achievements of Chinese Literature and Its Future" at UM's Doctor honoris causa Forum in the University Hall. During the forum, Mo Yan and Macao Foundation Administrative Committee President Wu Zhiliang and UM's Chair Professor Yang Yi had a high-level academic discussion session, providing a literary feast for a full-house audience. UM Rector Wei Zhao said that at yesterday's honorary degree conferment ceremony, Mo Yan, a current focus of worldwide attention in the field of Chinese literature, officially became a member of UM, which also put UM in the spotlight both locally and internationally. Mo Yan's becoming a member of UM will without a doubt further enhance the global impact and competitiveness of UM's Chinese disciplines. Rector Wei Zhao noted that Chinese is one of the key foundational disciplines at UM. Earlier, UM's Department of Chinese formed an academic alliance with its counterparts at Peking University, Taiwan University, and the University of Hong Kong, and the alliance has successfully organised a series of activities. During the academic discussion session between Mo Yan, Wu Zhiliang and Yang Yi, which was moderated by UM's Department of Chinese Head Prof Zhu Shoutong, Mo Yan shared his insightful views on the current state and prospect of contemporary Chinese literature. He discussed the global impact contemporary Chinese has had through the creation of Chinese literature, as well as the positive and negative effects of the geographical and cultural diversity of Chinese literature on the development of literature. Mo also discussed the future of Chinese literature and the challenges ahead. He expressed confidence that Chinese literature will have a bright future. The forum attracted a full-house audience. Attendees included students and teachers from local universities and secondary schools as well as representatives from various organisations including the Macao Writers Association, and the co-organiser, the Organising Committee of Macao Youths Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Macao SAR. After the forum, Mo Yan attended a book exhibition held in UM Wu Yee Sun Library, where several of his classic novels were exhibited. Mo Yan is one of China's foremost living writers. In the mid-1980s, Mo became noted for having written a corpus of in-search-of-roots works with infusions of the raw rural culture. He received the Mao Dun Literature Prize for his novel Frog. In 2012, he received the Nobel Prize in literature for his ability to merge "hallucinatory realism" with "folk tales, history and the contemporary" in his work.
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The University of Macau (UM) today (6 December) held a Doctor honoris causa Forum in the University Hall. The theme of the forum was "Finance and Social Responsibility". Prof Robert C Merton, the 1997 Nobel laureate in economics and this year's recipient of an honorary doctorate from UM, was the keynote speaker. Mr Tian Guoli, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank of China, was the guest speaker. Prof Merton and Mr Tian discussed the driving force improving the global financial system as well as ways to build a socially responsible financial sector. The forum attracted nearly 1,000 people, including UM faculty members, students, staff, scholars, and finance practitioners. UM Rector Prof Wei Zhao said that Prof Merton is noted for putting finance theories into practice and has re-shaped the world of finance and economics with his Option Pricing Theory and Intertemporal Capital Asset Pricing Model. Prof Merton's replicating portfolio strategy remains a standard approach to pricing derivative securities. UM conferred an honorary doctorate on Prof Merton in recognition of his significant contributions to the development of a new method for pricing derivatives. Rector Wei Zhao also praised Mr Tian for his contributions to the financial and economic development in China as an influential banker. In his speech entitled, "On the Role of the Science of Finance in the Global Practice of Finance: Past, Present and Future", Prof Merton discussed how, over the past four decades, financial innovation has been a central force generally improving the global financial system with considerable economic benefit having accrued from those changes. The scientific breakthroughs in finance in this period both shaped, and were shaped by, the extraordinary innovations in finance practice that expanded opportunities for risk sharing and lowered transaction costs as well as information and agency costs. But Prof Merton also pointed out that financial innovation can also carry with it increases in risks, particularly from mismatches between innovation and the infrastructure necessary to support it, as experienced in the financial crisis between 2008 and 2009, which was a result of inappropriate use of financial innovations. Through a series of examples, Prof Merton explored finance science and the innovations in capital markets surrounding the manifest transactional functions of the financial system, connected sources of capital with users of capital, and identified those best suited to bear economic risks. He also illustrated the use of financial innovation to help solve the global retirement funding challenge.
Mr Tian shared his experience as a veteran finance practitioner in his speech entitled "Assuming responsibility and Advancing Sustainable Development of Society". He discussed how, if the financial institutions single-mindedly pursue profits, lack a sense of social responsibility, and become overly commercialised, the gap between theory and reality would be widened. Finance practitioners, Mr Tian believes, must assume their social responsibility and maintain a balance between engaging in behaviour as an economic man and assuming their social responsibility. Mr Tian thinks that the financial sector is part of society and should assume the responsibility to advance the development of society. UM arranged a conversation session after the forum to give students a chance to have face-to-face interactions with Prof Merton. Participating students thought it was a rare and precious opportunity to speak to a Nobel laureate face-and-face and felt they benefitted a great deal from the experience.
The forum received support from the Bank of China. The second Doctor honoris causa Forum will be held on 7 December at 3:00pm. Prof Mo Yan, the 2012 Nobel laureate in literature, will speak on the topic of "Achievements of Chinese Literature and Its Future". Macao Foundation Administrative Committee President, Dr Wu Zhiliang, and UM Chair Professor Yang Yi will be the guest speakers.
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