News

The election for the fourth Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region was held this morning (31 August) with Mr Chui Sai On elected to the position, winning 380 votes, representing 95.96 percent of total votes. The election, held at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, commenced at 10 am and was completed in about 1 ½ hours. During the election, 396 out of the 400 members of the Election Committee (99 per cent) cast their votes: one member was absent with advance notice, one unexpectedly absent, and two arrived at the venue after the election process was completed. Of the total ballots cast, 380 were valid, 13 were blank and three were void. After all the ballot papers have been audited and verified by the General Audit Committee, the Chairperson of the Electoral Affairs Commission, Ms Song Man Lei, announced that candidate Chui Sai On had received 380 votes, representing the majority of members of the Election Committee, and was duly elected fourth term Chief Executive of the Macao SAR. In accordance with the provisions of the Chief Executive Electoral Law, the results of the election will be submitted to the Court of Final Appeal for confirmation, and will be officially announced in Section One of the Macao SAR Gazette. After he was elected, Mr Chui stepped on to the stage to thank all Election Committee members for their support, and all citizens for their concern about the election and for their support and advice. He promised to double his efforts to live up to the people's trust as he takes up his duties and responsibilities. Mr Chui said he would bear this substantial responsibility and would, together with his administrative team, spare no effort to steadfastly adhere to the principles of "One country, two systems", "Macao people governing Macao" and a high degree of autonomy, to fully implement the Basic Law of Macao, and to realise reform with the spirit of innovation, according to his election platform. Mr Chui also said he would expedite adequate economic diversification, enhance the people's well-being, maintain balanced development between economic and environmental needs, improve the social environment, and help enhance local people's self-confidence and competitiveness. He concluded that he would make his best efforts and contributions to realise the grand Chinese Dream for the nation and the wishes of the people of Macao for a better quality of life.
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The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) is closely monitoring the developments of the situation following the tour bus accident that occurred today in Coquihalla Highway, heading to Vancouver, Canada.
From the information gathered through the Macao travel industry, until the present moment, there is no indication that any Macao residents have been affected and the Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) has not received any request for information or assistance.
If necessary, Macao residents can call the 24-hour Tourism Hotline (853) 2833 3000.
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The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) has recently completed the review of the applications for the 2013 Support Programme for the Production of Feature Films. From the 16 applications received and after the initial review and the second review, the Programme's Adjudicating Panel selected four applications to receive the subsidies: Sweet Home by Choi Ian Sin, Cliché by Ivo M. Ferreira, The Island of Heart by Ho Fei, and Passing Rain by Chan Ka Keong.–These projects are granted a subsidy up to a maximum of MOP1,500,000 each, for production, promotion and marketing. Members of the Adjudicating Panel will also provide professional advice to support the production, promotion and marketing of the selected feature films. IC launched the "Support Programme for the Production of Feature Films" in September 2013, aimed at encouraging the production of local feature films and enhancing the development of the Macao film industry. The Adjudicating Panel of the Support Programme was formed by movie professionals from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao as well as representatives from the IC, including directors, producers, academics and public authority representatives, such as Peggy Chiao (Professor at the Department of Filmmaking, Taipei National University of the Arts, film academic and producer), Alexander Law Kai-yui (Executive Committee member of the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild, member of the Hong Kong Film Development Council, film producer and screenwriter), Samson Chiu Leung-chun (Hong Kong film producer and screenwriter), Albert Chu Iao Ian (President of the Macao Association of Audio-Visual "CUT") and the Chief of the Department for the Promotion of Cultural and Creative Industries of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Chan Peng Fai (representative of the IC). The panel believes that the general standard of the selected projects is satisfactory, and will meanwhile provide professional advice and share experiences regarding aspects like script, production, promotion, executive and marketing plan. IC hopes the support of the Panel, will elevate the filmmaking standards of the Macao film industry. For enquiries regarding the results of this Support Programme, please contact Mr. Leong or Mr. Chong through (853) 2892 4040 during office hours.
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The Bachelor of Science in Accounting with Specialization in Professional Accountancy, which is offered by the University of Macau's (UM) Faculty of Business Administration, becomes the first bachelor's degree programme in Macao accredited under the Qualification Programme (QP) of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The said programme, together with the Bachelor of Science in Accounting with Specialization in Accounting and Information Systems, were accredited by the Certified Practising Accountants of Australia in 2013. Students admitted in the Bachelor of Science in Accounting with Specialization in Professional Accountancy from academic year 2013/2014 to 2015/2016 are eligible for direct entry to the QP. After completion of the QP and having gained sufficient recognized work experience, the students can register as the Institute's Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). They can also register as CPAs (practising) practising public accountancy in Hong Kong provided that they have sat and passed the Aptitude Test/ Practising Certificate (PC) Examination on Hong Kong Law. The Institute was incorporated by the Professional Accountants Ordinance (Chapter 50, Laws of Hong Kong) since 1973. It is the only statutory licensing body of accountants in Hong Kong responsible for the professional training, development and regulation of the accountancy profession. Currently there are more than 35,000 members and 17,000 registered students around the world. Members of the Institute can use the initials "CPA" or "FCPA" for their appropriate status in the Institute. The Institute's QP is accorded recognition on five continents. The Institute has signed agreements with the chartered accountant institutes of Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Wales and Zimbabwe, and with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, the Certified Practising Accountants of Australia, the Association of International Accountants, and the NASBA/AICPA International Qualifications Appraisal Board of the United States, for access to membership in their institutes and practicing rights in their countries. The QP is a combination of theory and practice and is designed in collaboration with the international experts to achieve the highest standards as a world-class accountancy programme. The QP requires self-study and completion of the workshops and open-book examinations of four modules, and an integrated final examination. QP graduates can also receive four paper exemptions of the PRC CPA Uniform Examination.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the growth momentum, affected by the reverse in exports of gaming services, decelerated in the second quarter of 2014; Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanding by 8.1% year-on-year in real terms, lower than the 12.4% in the first quarter. Economic growth in the second quarter was fuelled by the impetus of investment and exports of other tourism services, of which private investment soared by 56.4%, both merchandise exports and exports of other tourism services rose by 10.4%; however, exports of gaming services shrank notably, down by 0.5% year-on-year. In the first half year of 2014, the economy expanded by 10.2% year-on-year; the implicit deflator of GDP that measures the overall change in prices surged by 9.8% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2014. Private consumption expenditure posted solid growth. In view of the buoyant labour market and mounting manpower needs, both total employment and working income rose to record high, pushing private consumption expenditure to rise by 7.0% year-on-year. Household final consumption expenditure in the domestic market and abroad increased by 7.3% and 6.6% respectively. Government final consumption expenditure increased by 4.8% year-on-year, of which compensation of employees rose by 3.4%, and net purchases of goods and services increased by 7.5%. Investment was the main driver of growth. Gross fixed capital formation, the gauge of investment, expanded by 52.7% year-on-year, higher than the first quarter growth of 30.9%. Private investment soared substantially by 56.4% as construction of the major tourism and gaming facilities was in full swing, of which construction and equipment investment surged by 58.3% and 46.9% respectively. Government investment increased by 9.6%, public construction investment and equipment investment rose by 10.4% and 4.0% respectively. Merchandise growth sustained. Merchandise exports grew by 10.4% upon moderate increase in external demand; meanwhile, merchandise imports rose by 18.3% at the back of an expanding private investment, rising private consumption expenditure and visitor arrivals. Trade in services decelerated. With visitor arrivals and spending rising concurrently, exports of other tourism services increased by 10.4%; however, exports of gaming services decreased by 0.5% year-on-year, marking an end to upturn during the past six quarters. Under the lacklustre performance of the gaming sector, growth in total exports of services narrowed significantly to 1.3%, while imports of services declined by 11.1% year-on-year.
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Consumer Council received over 3,200 cases in the first half of this year (2014). A detailed analysis of all complaint cases received is included in the latest issue no. 252 Consumer Report, the latest issue also includes a questionnaire on the services and charges of local 3G prepaid cards. The Council handled 3,230 cases in the first half of this year, which includes 790 complaint cases, 2,402 enquiries, and 38 suggestions. The top five categories of complaints, namely telecommunication equipments, telecommunication services, food & beverage, electrical appliances, and public transportation, amounted to over 45 percent of the total number of complaints received. A detailed analysis is available in the issue no.252 Consumer Report, covering the main complaint issues and other cases which have increased in number in recent years. The Council provides suggestions to the relevant industries and hopes that consumers will pay attention and be aware of situations that will infringe their own consumer rights. The Council conducted a questionnaire on the services and charges of 3G prepaid cards provided by the local four telecommunication service providers, results of the questionnaire can be found in the latest issue Consumer Report. Surveyed questions include the types of 3G prepaid cards, calculation methods, and any measures adopted by telecommunication service providers when consumers lose their cards. Consumers are advised to check with the questionnaire results for reference. Issue no. 252 Consumer Report also features the answers to the crossword puzzle held by Consumer Council; winners will be notified separately. Other featured articles include a wrap-up of the public consultation of ''Review on Consumer Protection Law', and other recent works of the Council. 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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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals in package tour increased by 35% year-on-year to 1,158,000 in July 2014, attributable to a 39% surge in visitors from Mainland China (946,000), with 367,000 coming from Guangdong Province. Visitors from Taiwan (75,000) and Japan (12,000) increased by 28% and 23% respectively, and those from the Republic of Korea (27,000) also registered a slight growth. On the contrary, visitors from Hong Kong (34,000) and Thailand (12,000) decreased by 5% and 22% respectively. In the first seven months of 2014, visitor arrivals in package tour reached 6,546,000, up by 19% year-on-year. Outbound residents using services of travel agencies were 158,000 in July, up by 26% year-on-year; those travelling in package tour totalled 53,000 and the main destinations were Mainland China (76% of total), Taiwan (7%) and the Republic of Korea (6%). In the first seven months of 2014, outbound residents totalled 867,000, up by 5% year-on-year. There were 99 hotels and guesthouses operating at the end of July 2014, providing 28,000 guest rooms, up by 1% year-on-year; 5-star hotels accounted for 66% of the total supply, with 18,000 rooms. A total of 939,000 guests checked into hotels and guesthouses in July, up by 3% year-on-year, with those from Mainland China (614,000) rising by 13%; guests staying in 5-star hotels accounted for 59% of the total. The average length of stay of guests held stable as July 2013, at 1.3 nights. The average occupancy rate of hotels and guesthouses increased by 2 percentage points year-on-year to 87%, with 5-star hotels leading at 88%. In the first seven months of 2014, hotel guests totalled 6,247,000, up by 2% year-on-year; the average occupancy rate stood at 86%, an increase of 6 percentage points. In the first seven months of 2014, visitor-guests accounted for 70% of the total overnight visitors, down by 1 percentage point year-on-year.
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Consumer Council conducted its eighth 'Supermarket price survey' in August on 27 August for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included 12 supermarkets in Taipa and Coloane area. 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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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total merchandise export for July 2014 amounted to MOP759 million, up by 2% year-on-year; value of re-exports (MOP567 million) and domestic exports (MOP192 million) rose by 1% and 6% respectively. Total merchandise import was MOP7.24 billion, up by 4% year-on-year. Merchandise trade deficit amounted to MOP6.48 billion. In the first seven months of 2014, total value of merchandise export increased by 8% year-on-year to MOP5.78 billion, of which value of re-exports (MOP4.62 billion) increased by 12%, but that of domestic exports (MOP1.16 billion) decreased by 2%. Total value of merchandise import grew by 12% to MOP50.54 billion. Merchandise trade deficit widened to MOP44.76 billion. Analysed by destination, merchandise export to Hong Kong (MOP3.44 billion) and the EU (MOP196 million) in the first seven months of 2014 increased by 19% and 16% year-on-year, while export to Mainland China (MOP862 million) and the USA (MOP196 million) decreased by 10% and 9% respectively. Exports of Non-textiles (MOP5.35 billion) increased by 11% year-on-year, of which exports of Machines, apparatus & parts (MOP1.04 billion) and Clocks & watches (MOP621 million) rose by 32% and 80% respectively. Exports of Textiles & garments (MOP431 million) decreased by 15%, of which exports of Knitted or crocheted garments (MOP141 million) declined by 16%. By country of origin, merchandise import from Mainland China (MOP16.36 billion) and the EU (MOP12.82 billion) increased by 10% and 24% year-on-year. Imports of Consumer goods rose by 13% to MOP32.38 billion, with imports of Food & beverages (MOP6.57 billion) and Watches (MOP4.85 billion) increasing by 23% and 52% respectively. Moreover, imports of Construction materials (MOP2.01 billion) grew by 38%. External merchandise trade reached MOP56.33 billion in the first seven months of 2014, up by 12% compared with MOP50.41 billion a year earlier.
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Four PhD graduates from the University of Macau's (UM) State-Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI and Faculty of Science and Technology recently passed their oral defense with flying colours, with external examiners unanimously praising their PhD dissertations for reaching world-class standards. The four new doctors are Un Ka-Fai, Yan Zushu, Lin Zhicheng, and Lin Fujian. Two of them have received job contracts from Qualcomm in the United States, which is the world's No 1 mobile chip maker. One has joined Mediatek in Singapore, which is Asia's largest fabless IC design company and ranks No 4 in the world. The other one has decided to stay at UM as a post-doctoral researcher. The external examiners for the oral defense are all leading experts in the field of microelectronics, including Prof Eric Klumperink from the University of Twente, The Netherlands; Prof Howard Luong from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; Prof David Allstot from the University of California Berkeley, the United States; and Prof Franco Maloberti from the University of Pavia, Italy. Three of them are IEEE Fellows. These external examiners unanimously praised the four PhD graduates' papers for reaching world-class standards. The four PhD graduates have published five papers at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC), which is considered the "Chip Olympics". They are also authors of five papers published in the IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits (JSSC), three papers published in the IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems; two papers published in IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, two papers published in IEEE Circuits and Systems Magazine, as well as many others papers published or under review. All of them received the Macao Science and Technology Award in the PhD student category, and one of them received the prestigious IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society Pre-doctoral Achievement Award 2013-2014. The four PhD graduates' supervisors are UM Vice Rector (Research) Prof Rui Martins and Prof Elvis Mak Pui-In.
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