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The 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) covers an exhibition area of over 30,000 square metres, has various characteristic exhibition zones. The fair provides business communities with a platform for co-operation in trade and economic, and brands promotion, showcases distinctive fashion products to the public. Electronics Fair shines light on technology products
This year the Economic, Trade and Information Commission of Shenzhen Municipality led a delegation of Shenzhen information technology (IT) enterprises to participate at MIF in the "Macao (Shenzhen) Electronics Fair".
It covers electronics manufacturing and trade enterprises, and features the latest cutting edge and innovative IT products. An exhibitor who participated MIF for the first time praised the professional and high-quality services available at MIF, commenting on the considerate arrangement that had been shown in the planning of the pavilions, and saying they felt very honoured to participate. The exhibitor said MIF was a good platform to assist him connect his business to the world. Another exhibitor said Macao's commitment to building a world tourism and leisure centre, meant there were plenty of opportunities for e-commerce. He said he could publicise his products effectively via the MIF platform, and he intends to participate again next year. SME Exhibition and Trading Corner shows results
This year, the SME (small- and medium-sized enterprises) Exhibition and Trading Zone includes the Macao SMEs Exhibition Zone; Overseas SMEs Exhibition Zone; Taiwan Exhibition Zone; Digital Image and Photography Exhibition Zone, Chinese Ethnic Exhibition Zone, in order to assist SMEs in exploring more business opportunities. The Macao SMEs Exhibition Zone attracted more than 100 enterprises to participate, to exhibit and sell their products including foods, electronics, jewellery, clothing and accessories and household products. Among the Overseas SMEs Exhibition Zone this year, enterprises from Madagascar, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia and Mozambique, showcasing goods including unique arts and crafts, food products, clothing and accessories, in order to explore new markets. Some of the enterprises that have been returning to MIF said the event has helped boost their brand awareness. One local coffee business SME participated MIF for the third year said that MIF boosted their brand awareness and this year they would like to introduce more about specialty coffee to the fair visitors. Another enterprise from Thailand, now in its third year of attending MIF, said they have gained good results at the fair, adding that they have successfully conducted business with local agents and some of their products are now available in Macao's supermarkets.
The first public day of MIF attracted a large and good-natured crowd. Some attendees said they chose Friday because the crowds are not as big as at the weekend, and they are able to see plenty of exhibits and do some shopping. Others said they would recommend MIF to their friends and families – especially because of the food and drink tasting areas that have been set up in the SMEs Exhibition and Trading Corner, and the very reasonable purchase prices for goods on display.
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"SME International Business Days" ("SME Days") were among a wide range of events taking place on Friday (24 October) during the 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF). It was the first of three consecutive days the fair is open to the general public. A total of 800 business matching sessions were successfully arranged, with 15 protocols and contracts signed. Business Opportunities Embedded in SME Days "SME Days" is one of the signature events of MIF, helping SMEs to expand their customer network and explore markets at home and abroad. The services on offer were well received and included the SME Service Corner, services on marketing advice and business operation, two seminars on branding, entrepreneurship and SME operation, promotion events on SME incentive packages and "Macao Ideas" products, as well as the "Franchise & Chain Stores Catalogue Show". The organiser of "SME Days" also invited several brand consultants, entrepreneurs and business mentors from Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, to provide complimentary consultancy services on creating brand image, product and service packaging, as well as to provide advices on enterprises' overall operation. A corporate consultancy service is also being offered during MIF by China Business Advisory (Guangdong). On the second day of MIF, a number of relevant enquiries by local enterprises were received during the event. The second day of the fair also saw a seminar called "How to Build and Leverage your Brand Value". Cynthia Lee, a designer of deluxe packaging for the China and Taiwan markets, explained the importance of brand image in differentiating one product from another and in promoting a business.
Professor Jacky Hou Po-Hsien, Assistant Professor of Department of Creative Product Design of Tungnan University, in Taiwan, pointed out that the key to brand establishment is to produce quality products. Only with outstanding products can one enhance brand value, said the academic. Seizing business opportunities The second day of MIF, and first day of public access, included a wide range of seminars, forums and business matching sessions, providing exhibitors and visitors with information on investment environments across the world as well as about opportunities for co-operation across different industries. The "Latin American Business and Investment Series" showcased the trade and investment potential in Latin America from three different perspectives.
Other events included the "1st Happy Wedding Urban Tourism Cultural Development Forum," and the "Happiness Industry, Wedding Industry and Cultural Tourism Commercial Estate Summit". A keynote speaker for that segment pointed out that Macao, taking advantage of its role in developing a world centre of tourism and leisure, can become a major destination for weddings. In other parts of the fair, the "Jiangsu-Macao – Portuguese-speaking Countries Agricultural Cooperation Roundtable Conference" enabled enterprises to explore business opportunities through promotional exchange and negotiation sessions. In the Macao Fashion Festival event, the session "William Tang: The Intelligence in Fashion", shared insights into experiences of working in and creating designs for, that creative industry. Business matching sessions concluded with multiple protocols signed First estimates are that over 800 business matching sessions were conducted and 15 protocols and contracts were arranged on the second day of MIF, covering the fields of co-operation in conventions and exhibitions; cultural exchange and promotion, global market expansion, cultural and creative industry investment, printing, investment promotion by the European Trade Centre, marketing of tobacco, wine and sake, brand image authorisation, and the marketing of relevant products, technology and research and development of environmentally-friendly clothing materials. Enriching activities to explore The first public day of MIF attracted good numbers to several thematic exhibition zones. They included the Portuguese-speaking Countries' Food and Beverages Exhibition Zone, Macao Floral Carnival Zone, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Exhibition Zone, and the SMEs Exhibition and Trading Zone. On Saturday (25 October), activities at MIF include the "11th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs", "Cultural and Creative Industry Networking Meeting", "Macao Convention and Exhibition Industry Networking Meeting", "Youth Entrepreneurship & SMEs Operation Seminar", "Asia-Pacific Economic Leaders (Macao) Summit" and "Portuguese-speaking Countries' Food and Beverages Networking Meeting". In addition, there are also two fashion brands shows, which will introduce the latest designs made by over 10 renowned local fashion designers. As MIF encourages green commuting, visitors may take free shuttle bus service at the following pickup points: Estr. Marginal do Hipodromo (near Royal Supermarket at Areia Preta), Av. Dr. Mario Soares (Macao Square) and Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira da Almeida (near Pak Wai bus stop) on the Macao peninsula; and Avenida de Guimarães (Parque Central Da Taipa) on Taipa Island. Bus schedules are as follows: 9.30am to 7pm on 25 October and 9:30am to 5pm on 26 October running from the pickup points mentioned above to the MIF venue at Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel's CotaiExpo; 10:30am to 8:30pm on 25 October and 10:30am to 6pm on 26 October running from the MIF venue to the pickup points. Alternatively, visitors may also park their cars at the public car park of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel (charges of MOP15 per hour apply). Visitors may also consider parking at the Central Park at Taipa (charges of MOP3 per hour apply) and take a shuttle bus there to the MIF venue. For more information, please visit the MIF official website www.mif.com.mo.
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Consumer Council conducted its sixth 'Supermarket price survey' in October on 23 October for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets in São Lázaro and São Lourenço Parishes. 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 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) opened on Thursday (23 October 2014). Activities included forums, seminars, and conferences, to promote the investment environment, investment projects, services, technology and branded products of Mainland China and other overseas countries and regions. The event aims to create new business opportunities for all participating enterprises and trade visitors. International Trade and Investment Forum 2014
The International Trade and Investment Forum is the signature forum of MIF each year. This year, under the theme "Regional Co-operation and Mutual Development", senior officials from China and overseas, as well as experts in their field have been invited to participate as keynote speakers. They include: Mr Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR; Mr Lu Peng Qi, Vice Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade; Mr Su Zhi Gang, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and Chairman of Guangdong Chimelong Group Co., Ltd; Mr Daniel Ysau Maurate Romero, Deputy Minister of Labour and Promotion of Employment of Peru; Mr. Ma Iao Lai, President of the Macao Chamber of Commerce; Mr Chen Xiang, Deputy Director-General of Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Mr Alexandre David de Sousa Costa, State Secretary for Foreign Trade of Angola, Mr Degol Mendes, State Secretary of Planning and Regional Integration of Guinea-Bissau, and Mr Miguel Frasquilho, Chairman of AICEP Portugal Global. Mr Lu Peng Qi mentioned in his speech that economic integration and regional co-operation have become mainstream elements of global economic development. He added that Macao could take advantage of its cordial relations with the European Union and Portuguese-speaking Countries when co-operating economically with the Pearl River Delta Region, the Pan Pearl River Delta Region, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other Southeast Asian Countries.
Mr Miguel Frasquilho stated in his speech that enormous potential is seen in business co-operation and investment promotion between Portugal and China and their enterprises, in view of the economic ties between the two sides. Portugal and its government, as well as AICEP Portugal Global, have been striving to enhance bilateral economic co-operation between the two countries, he said. Macao – being a link between Mainland China and Portuguese-speaking Countries – can help with meetings that create business opportunities and networking among high-level officials. That in turn can promote information exchange and foster closer economic partnerships, Mr Frasquilho said. The International Trade and Investment Forum was attended by around 350 delegates and representatives from the Mainland China, Macao, Hong Kong Portuguese-speaking Countries and overseas governments, trade and investment promotion organisations, chambers of commerce and business communities. The 4th Jiangsu – Macao – Portuguese-Speaking Countries Business Forum
The 4th Jiangsu – Macao – Portuguese-Speaking Countries Business Forum was also held during the day. The forum this year was themed as "Cooperation - Key to Business", with the aim to further promote co-operation between Jiangsu and Portuguese-speaking Countries in fields of trade, investment, tourism, education, and agriculture. A "Council for the Jiangsu – Macao – Portuguese-speaking Countries" was also established during the forum. Fujian, Macao and Portuguese-speaking Countries Economic Exchange Networking Session
The Fujian, Macao and Portuguese-speaking Countries Economic Exchange Networking Session also took place on October 23. Mr Wu Bing Cheng, Deputy Director of Department of Commerce of Fujian Province, stated that Fujian has opened its door to overseas enterprises not only in the traditional textile and light industries, but also in a diverse range of industries such as biomedical sciences, advanced materials, new energy, environmental and energy saving as well as cultural and creative industries. Overseas businesspeople are always welcome to invest in Fujian.
In addition, the Chairmen joint Conference from associations of the convention and exhibition industry from Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macao and the Pearl River Delta Region, the "Shenzhen – Macao Trading Expo" and the "Yangzhou City Promotion Conference for the 4th Jiangsu – Macao – Portuguese-speaking Countries Business Forum" were also featured during day one's activities.
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Macao's annual major trade and economic event, the 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) was officially opened on Thursday (23 October 2014). This year, MIF is again being held under the theme "Co-operation – Key to Business Opportunities". The event floor covers 30,000 square metres containing 1,900 exhibition booths, attracting exhibitors and trade visitors from a total of more than 50 countries and regions. Exhibitors from Peru and Indonesia have joined MIF for the first time. The first day of the event was a success, organised a total of 600 business matching sessions and 29 project agreements were signed. The opening ceremony of 19th MIF was held in the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel on Thursday morning, and was attended by representatives and delegates from over 50 countries and regions.
Officiating guests at the ceremony included the Chief Executive of Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Chui Sai On; Deputy Director General of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Yao Jian; Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Mr Feng Tie; Deputy Minister of Labour and Promotion of Employment of Peru, Mr Daniel Ysau Maurate Romero; State Secretary for Foreign Trade of Angola, Mr Alexandre David de Sousa Costa; State Secretary of Planning and Regional Integration of Guinea-Bissau, Mr Degol Mendes; Vice Governor of the People's Government of Jiangsu Province, Mr Fu Zi Ying; Vice Governor of the People's Government of Hubei Province, Mr Gan Rong Ku; Vice Governor of the People's Government of Guangdong Province, Ms Zhao Yu Fang; Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR, Mr Tam Pak Yuen; Chairman of AICEP Portugal Global, Mr Miguel Frasquilho; Vice Minister of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Mr Luo Li Ming; Vice Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Mr Lu Peng Qi; Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Mr Su Zhi Gang; and President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Mr Jackson Chang.
Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, said in his opening speech that with the support of the Central Government, its relevant departments and other agencies from different business sectors in Macao, MIF had become a famous international exhibition in the region and a key platform for business and trade exchanges and co-operation around the world. He added that MIF in its turn would continue to provide services and support to all those seeking new business opportunities. First day full of exceptional activities
Given the proximity between Macao and its neighbouring city Zhuhai, a common goal is to deepen co-operation between the two places andand to take advantage of the potential and opportunities of Hengqin Island. During the first day of MIF, the Zhuhai Municipal People's Government, supported by IPIM, organised a seminar under the theme "Hengqin, the Highlights of Cooperation between Zhuhai and Macao". The seminar introduced the business environment and investment opportunities in Hengqin, including the opportunities for Macao citizens to make investments in Hengqin and promote economic diversification.
Macao Fashion Festival 2014 also launched on day one of MIF. Two fashion seminars and six fashion shows will be held during MIF, and 13 different fashion designers will feature in the Macao Fashion Festival Exhibition Zone. The opening show is called "Style – Encounter Moment". Macao Goldsmith's Guild, The Macao Academy of Flower Arrangement Designers, plus designers from Hangzhou and Taipei have also been invited to present an event called "New Fashion – Creative", featuring fresh ideas in jewellery and fashion, and. The objective of the activity is to promote cross-strait co-operation and exchanges between fashion and jewellery sectors. First day promotes business matching sessions and new agreements
The first day of MIF has already been a success. According to preliminary data, about 600 business matching were held during the first day of the event and 29 agreements were signed, including: Co-operation agreement between CCPIT Jiangxi Sub Council and IPIM, Co-operation Agreement between Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province and Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute to Provide Consultancy Services, Co-operations between governments and business chambers, Co-operation Agreement on Guangdong and Macao TCM Park Investment(Land-Rental), Agreement on payment services for an international online shopping platform, Sales Agreements on pharmaceutical products, branded cars, golf products, wine, printed fabric products, as well as other co-operation projects on establishment of food science and technology research base, Sichuan Macao Street. MIF opens to the public from 24 to 26 October
This year, many new exhibition zones have been set up. The Portuguese-speaking Countries Enterprises Exhibition Zone displays for the first time a Pavilion of Food and Beverages from Portuguese-speaking Countries. There are also a Macao Floral Carnival Zone, an Arts and Creative Industry Exhibition Zone; Macao (Shenzhen) Electronics Fair and Chinese Medicine Exhibition Zone.
The main features for Friday include the SME International Business Days Opening Ceremony, including a cocktail reception and protocol signing ceremony.
There is also a SME Service Counter providing consultancy services on marketing, entrepreneurship and business operation, as well as a catalogue show on brand re-packaging and branded products. There are also other sessions and seminars planned for the day, including the "Jiangsu-Macao – Portuguese-speaking Countries Educational Cooperation Roundtable Conference"; "Jiangsu-Macao – Portuguese-Speaking Countries Agricultural Cooperation Roundtable Conference"; "Latin American Business and Investment Series"; and "How to Build and Leverage your Brand Value".
The 19th MIF is open to the public from 24 October to 26 October. Free shuttle bus service to the venue is available at different locations for the convenience of exhibitors and the public during MIF. Pickup points on Macao Peninsula include Estr. Marginal do Hipodromo (Areia Preta Royal Supermarket), Av. Dr. Mario Soares (The Macau Square), Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira da Almeida (near Pak Wai bus stop), and Taipa at Avenida de Guimarães (Parque Central da Taipa). Schedules are as follows: 24-25 October: 9:30am to 7pm; 26 October: 9:30am to 5pm, departing from the pickup points to the MIF venue. 24-25 October: 10:30am to 8:30pm; 26 October: 10:30am to 6:30pm, departing from the MIF venue to the pickup points. Visitors may also park in the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel's public car park. Alternatively, visitors can park at the Central Park of Taipa, then take the shuttle bus there to the venue.
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Chao Koi Wang, a Macao citizen studying in Taiwan, won the first prize in the international competition category at the 4th Bangalore International Short Film Festival, which concluded in India recently, with his film A Boy's Prayer. The film A Boy's Prayer, directed and written by Chao Koi Wang, overcame 500 entries from 50 countries to be ranked at the top in the international competition category of the Festival. This film is inspired by a yellow garbage truck, and describes a boy who encounters a pretty cleaning girl by chance, who encourages him to pursue his dreams. The film was subsidised by the Taiwan Public Television Service and the Subsidies for Short Films in Taiwan, and premiered in Taiwan in the middle of last month. In addition, A Boy's Prayer was selected for a number of international film festivals, namely the 6th International Children's Television Festival "Dytiatko" in Ukraine, the Access Code Short Film Festival in Srinagar, India, the 3rd Golden Orchid International Animation Festival, the 8th Annual Indie Fest USA Int'l Film & Music Festival, the Grace Film Festival 2015 in the United States, and the 6th Kuan-Du Film Festival 2014 hosted by the Department of Filmmaking of the Taipei National University of the Arts. Born in Macao, Chao Koi Wang is attending a Master's degree programme in the Department of Filmmaking at the Taipei National University of the Arts. His bachelor graduation project March Rhapsody entered many film festivals and received several awards. He is enthusiastic about local film production. Currently, he is editing the film Disclosure, one of the stories from Macau Stories 3. Chao Koi Wang is attending his Master's degree programme with the financial support of the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC). He is one of the cultural and creative talents receiving a subsidy from IC to study in other regions within the Financial Support for Cultural and Arts Studies Plan. In recent years, IC has proactively been cultivating talents of the cultural and creative industries, providing opportunities for them to go abroad and further their studies. The Plan aims at equipping Macao with talents for the development of the local cultural and creative industries.
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Government Headquarters will once again have its Open Day, on Saturday and Sunday (25 and 26 October), when members of public are invited to take part in this annual event in which SAR Government has arranged a series of activities to present Macao's different perspectives. In the two-day open day, from 9 am to 6 pm, the Protocol Palace and part of the garden will also be open. Visitors can enter the premises of Government Headquarters from the right side of the Protocol Palace on Travessa do Paiva, follow the designated route and proceed to the Multi-purpose Room and the Lotus Room on the ground floor. Walking up the marble staircase will bring them to the upper floor where halls themed in colours are located – the Grand Hall, the Green Hall, the Yellow Hall and the Blue Hall. Before leaving the building through the main entrance, visitors will pass by the garden and appreciate the Southern European style-crafted structure. A photo exhibition entitled "Marks of the Past - Photo Exhibition of Monumental Arches for National Day Celebration in Macao between 1950s and 1970s" -- will be held in the Multi-purpose Room. There will be guided tours to introduce the public to the interior settings of the Grand Hall, reminiscing the nostalgic appearance of Macao. The Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau will also hold a flower show themed in "Fairy-tale Forest", in the Front Gate Display Zone, the Green Lawn Display Zone, the Flower Racks Display Zone, the Indoor Staircase Mini-landscape and the surrounding area. The rose is the themed flower in this year's show. In addition to presenting a wide variety of roses, the show will also feature other flowering plants, creating a lovely and colourful landscape. There will also be other activities in these two days, including performances by the Public Security Police Band and dances staged by students of Macao Conservatory School of Dance. The Macao Post will set up a Temporary Post Counter in front of Government Headquarter on Avenida Doutor Stanley Ho, offering philatelic products customer's selection and commemorative postmarking service. Macao Government Tourism Office will set up a booth to distribute promotional material and the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau will initial the Cybernetic Fountain at Nam Van Lake in the scheduled time-slots. For the convenience of visitors, special traffic arrangements will be in force certain sections of Travessa do Paiva during this period. Drivers are urged to pay attention to the special arrangement and follow the direction of traffic policemen in the vicinity. For more information please visit http://www2.gcs.gov.mo/openday/en/index.php or www.gov.mo , or download "Introduction to the Open Day Application", which is compatible to iOS (5.1 version or later) or Android (4.0 version or later).
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The University of Macau's (UM) Zhuhai Research Institute (UMZRI) will receive a total of MOP 3 million in funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) for eight research projects, according to the results of grants application for the year 2014 recently released by the NSFC. This is the first time the UMZRI has submitted a funding application to the NSFC. The eight funded research projects are respectively headed by Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) associate professor Dr Anna Kou Kit Ian; FST assistant professors Dr Liu Zhi, Dr Hu Guanghui, Dr Ian Hou and Dr Zhou Jiantao; as well as Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS) associate professor Dr Yan Ru and assistant professors Dr Chen Meiwan and Dr Hoi Pui Man. Their research topics are "The Related Topics about Spheroidal Wave Functions in Quaternion Analysis", "Efficient Estimation of Volatility Matrix under Presence of Infinite Variation Jumps with Applications", "Efficient Numerical Methods for Real-Time Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory", "The Peculiar Optical Properties of Superconducting Qubit Systems and their Applications to Quantum Information", "High-performance Image Compression over Encrypted Domain", "A Novel Functional Carrier based on Angelica Sinensis Polysaccharide for the Delivery of Anticancer Drugs", "Targets Discovery of Danshensu for Anti-platelet Aggregation and Vascular Protection", and "Gut Bacteria-involved Regulatory Mechanism in Alterations of Intestinal P-glycoprotein in the Rat Model of Dextran Sulfate Sodium-induced Ulcerative Colitis".
The project, "Gut Bacteria-involved Regulatory Mechanism in Alterations of Intestinal P-glycoprotein in the Rat Model of Dextran Sulfate Sodium-induced Ulcerative Colitis", which is headed by Dr Yan Ru and which will receive MOP 900,000 in funding, has also been selected by the NSFC as one of this year's General Programmes. According to statistics from the NSFC, the medical science category, which Dr Yan Ru's application falls under, receives more than 20,000 funding applications each year, and only about 4,000 are approved for grants of varying amounts. The other seven UM scholars stood out in the category which the NSFC has established specially for young scholars under the age of 35. This category receives about 60,000 funding applications each year, and only about 25% of them, or 15,000 applications, are approved. It is encouraging news that UM has received approval for research grants from the NSFC on eight projects upon first-time application. Founded in 1986, the NSFC aims to encourage innovative scientific research and to promote balanced, coordinated, and sustainable development of various academic disciplines by awarding research grants to outstanding research projects in China on an annual basis.
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Last year, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC, from the Portuguese acronym) launched the "Subsidy Programme Series for Macao's Cultural and Creative Industries", thereby encouraging the development of these local industries. The first two programmes to be designed were the "Subsidy Programme for Fashion Design on Sample Making" and the "Support Programme for the Production on Feature Films", granting subsidies to a total of 12 submitted projects. In order to acknowledge the extraordinary works of the grantees, IC held on 23 October, at the Macao Creative Pavilion at the 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), an awards ceremony for the "Subsidy Programme Series for Macao's Cultural and Creative Industries". The President of IC, Dr. Ung Vai Meng, stated in his speech that these awards aim to recognise the efforts and contributions of the subsidised participants. He also expressed his wishes that these programmes can meet the current development phase of Macao's cultural and creative industries of different areas, offering targeted support measures to these industries, assistance and resources to participants and also gathering an even greater number of high quality local creative works. Present at the ceremony to present awards included: the Head of the Cultural Department of Zhejiang Province, Jin Xingsheng; the President of IC, Ung Vai Meng; the Senior Manager of the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre, Victoria Kuan; the Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Industrial Association of Macau, Fong Son Kin; the member of the Cultural Consultative Committee, Lei Chin Pang; and veteran fashion designer from Macao, António Conceição Júnior. Eight finalists (individuals/groups) for "Subsidy Programme for Fashion Design on Sample Making" included Tam Chi Kit, Chan Wai Chan, Cheang Chi Tat, Lei Weng Man and Lei Ho Sin Ieng (group), Wai Chin Seong, Cheang Man Cheng and Tse Ka Wai (group), Lee Ming San, Cheong Oi Leng, whilst four finalists for "Support Programme for the Production of Feature Films"included Choi Ian Sin (Sweet Home), Ivo M. Ferreira (Cliché), Ho Fei (The Island of Heart), Chan Ka Keong (Passing Rain). Currently, subsidy grantees participate in showcases locally and abroad, engaging in talks with partners and establishing business relationships. This year, the Macao Creative Pavilion is themed on Macao original music, presenting Macao original music and various audio services. During the MIF, music-themed seminars and live shows will be held, in a total of 19 activities. IC organises two seminars on 26 October. The first one, to be held at 11.30am, is themed "Analysing the Past and Exploring the Future: Trends in Independent Music Development", featuring as guest speakers Jesper Chan and Chan Ka Wai, from Hong Kong, and Vincent Cheang, from Macao, who will explore the current state of independent music in Hong Kong and Macao as well as its future development. On the same day, at 2.30pm, the Seminar "Advance to Global Digital Music Platforms, A Way to Recreate Value!" will take place, counting on a representative of Taiwan's Rock Mobile Corporation who will share with the audience the trends and changes in music development. All live shows and seminars are open to the public; admission is free. IC has invited fourteen cultural and creative entities inscribed in the Database for Cultural and Creative Industries to participate in the Macau Creative Pavilion at the 19th MIF, namely Chessman Entertainment Production Co. Ltd., Like Entertainment Production Co. Ltd., AV Depot Ltd., Live Music Association, Macau Association of Composers, Authors & Publishers, Macau Electronic Music Association, 4daz-Le Records, 100 Plus Music Ltd., Venus Audio and Lighting Engineering Co. Ltd., Music Power of Macau, Macau Artistes Association, Class Entertainment Production, Lei Sound – Audio & Lighting Technology Co. Ltd. and Cao Box Ltd.
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The opening ceremony of the exhibition of "Precious Moments in Macao" 2014 Photography Competition was held today at Lou Lim Ieoc Garden Pavilion, showcasing 56 winning works which recorded the precious moments of Macao this year. Speaking at the ceremony, the Director of the Government Information Bureau ("GCS"), Mr Chan Chi Ping, said the GCS began holding this competition in 2004. On the 11th anniversary of this annual competition, Mr Chan recalled that the rise and development of Macao in the past decade and the passion of Macao people are reflected by the photos that enrich and perfect the memories of local residents. There was overwhelming participation coupled with quality of entries reaching new heights, marking a breakthrough for this successful competition. More than 240 participants submitted a total of 1,058 entries this year, with a great variety of themes. According to Mr Chan, a new special feature prize – "Letting Macao thrive through education" – had been added, to showcase the Government's policy objective of building a long-term mechanism for talent training. This was judged by GCS's Macao Yearbook Editorial Committee, which selected five winning works, with the hope that these could inspire people to enjoy the fun of learning. The competition is jointly organised by the GCS, eight photographic associations and four media organisations -- Photographic Society of Macao, Photography Salon Society of Macao, Macao Association for the Promotion of Photographic Art, Macao Association of Photographers, Macau Multi Media Photographic Association, Macao Association of Photographic Art, Macao Camera Lens Art Association, Macao Digital Photography Association, Macao Media Workers Association, Macao Journalists Club, Macao Journalists Association and Macao Media Club. From the 1,058 entries, 51 winning entries were selected after three rounds of professional evaluation. The top three winners are: First Prize: Chan Chi Hong; Title: A Happy Family Race
Second Prize: Ng Hoi Kei; Title: A Smiling Drunken Dragon
Third Prize: Vong Kuok Kei; Title: Viva Macao The winning works of the "Precious Moments in Macao" 2014 Photography Competition will be exhibited at the Lou Lim Ieoc Garden Pavilion from 24 to 27 October 2014, during the opening hours from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All visitors are welcome. The GCS will continue to host photography competitions to capture the amazing moments of people's everyday lives in Macao.
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