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A public seminar was held on 29 November at IFT to share with the public some of the preliminary findings of an ongoing two-year research project collaboration between Institute for Tourism IFT and Oxford Brookes University, U.K. (OBU) on the SME sector in Macao. Prof. Levent Altinay and Dr. Maureen Brookes, both from the Oxford School of Hospitality, OBU and Dr. Ruth Yeung from IFT, are the principal research investigators of the research project, which deals with how SMEs in Macau can thrive more successfully in the future under different environmental and economic conditions. Professor Altinay and Dr. Brookes are among the world's foremost experts in the area of entrepreneurship, small businesses and franchising. The Oxford School of Hospitality, OBU is collaborating with IFT because a significant number of SMEs in Macau are linked to food, hospitality and beverage services, among others of course. This is the second institutional research collaboration between the Oxford School of Hospitality and IFT in the last 3 years. The public seminar attracted 22 participants including government officials and owners, proprietors or managers of small local enterprises. The speakers emphasized that factors such as socio-cultural background, marketing orientation, human resources strategies and learning capability were important determinants in the entrepreneurial orientation and growth of small and medium sized enterprises. Preliminary findings also indicate that language proficiency, educational attainment and previous business experience were important on entrepreneurial activities and SME growth while social cultural factors such as family and labor contribute to the entrepreneurial orientation of the SMEs. The researchers recommended that entrepreneurs and their community networks identify learning and training needs, evaluate market trends and the extent of competition, adopt a more professional marketing and strategic development approach, pay attention to soft elements of relationship marketing, and recruit, train and empower employees for stronger learning capability. Business advisers and government agencies, in turn, should provide relevant training to capitalize on strengths and overcome the socio-cultural barriers for entrepreneurial development. The researchers also recommend developing stronger collaborations between universities and SMEs through government funded partnerships, and reduce bureaucracy for startup capital application and borrowings.
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1.Macao, special administrative region of People's Republic of China, participated in OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) for the first time in 2003. Macao participated again in 2006, 2009, 2012, and will participate for the fifth time in 2015. 2.In each three-yearly cycle of PISA assessment, three kinds of literacy are examined, namely: reading, mathematical and scientific literacy. The target students assessed are all secondary students who are aged between 15 years three months and 16 years two months at the time of assessment. For Macao, most students are studying in the three middle grade levels (i.e. grade 8, 9 and 10), whereas some students are studying in the lower or higher grade levels (i.e. grade 7, 11 and 12). This grade distribution has implications for the literacy performance attained in the Macao sample. 3.When comparing the literacy performance across schools, it is important to note that the literacy assessed actually referred to the cumulative educational effects of all the schools that the students have attended previously. Therefore, a low-performing school identified in PISA may not be a poor school. Low-performing students who drop out from one school may subsequently enroll in another school thereby have a possibility of lowering the sampled school's literacy performance level. 4.The focus of PISA 2012 was on mathematics. Amongst the 65 participating countries/economies, Macao's mathematical literacy performance was statistically significantly above the OECD average, and ranked between 6 and 8 on the combined mathematics scale. In decreasing order of the mean of the mathematical literacy score, the five countries/economies statistically significantly higher than Macao are: Shanghai-China, Singapore, Hong Kong-China, Chinese Taipei, and Korea whereas the two countries/economies comparable in performance with that of Macao are: Japan and Liechtenstein. 5.Altogether there are six proficiency levels (i.e. level 1-6) in the combined mathematical literacy scale. There are three important findings. First, students performing below level 2 are regarded as low-performers. About 11% of Macao's 15-year-olds performed at this low level. Second, students who cannot reach the lowest level (i.e. level 1) are regarded as disadvantaged. They run the risks of being unable to function productively in the life-long learning society in the 21st Century. About 3% of the students are thus seriously at risk. Third, students who can reach the top two levels (i.e. level 5 and 6) are crowned as high-performers. They are cherished as valuable talents who are much needed in nowadays knowledge society. In Macao, close to a quarter of the adolescents are high performers in mathematical literacy. 6.Amongst the three problem-solving processes of mathematical literacy, Macao's 15-year-olds performed pretty well in problem formulation, very well in employing mathematics to solve problems, and quite well in interpreting the problem solving solutions. Contrary to previous cycles of PISA assessment, gender difference in mathematical literacy favoring males is not pronounced in PISA 2012. Admittedly, there is a small gender difference favoring males observed in mathematical problem formulation. 7.A minor focus of the PISA 2012 was on the assessment of scientific literacy. Amongst the 65 participating countries/economies, Macao's scientific literacy performance was statistically significantly above the OECD average, and ranked between 9 and 19 on the scientific literacy scale. In descending order of the mean of the scientific literacy score, countries/economies statistically significantly higher than Macao are: Shanghai-China, Hong Kong-China, Singapore, Japan, Finland, Estonia, Korea and Canada. 8.Another minor focus of the PISA 2012 Study was on the assessment of reading literacy. Amongst the 65 participating countries/economies, Macao's reading literacy performance was statistically significantly above the OECD average, and ranked between 12 and 22 on the reading literacy scale. In descending order of the mean of reading literacy score, countries/economies statistically significantly higher than Macao are: Shanghai-China, Hong Kong-China, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Finland, Ireland, Chinese Taipei, Canada, Poland and Estonia. 9.Same as previous three cycles of PISA assessment, the slope of the literacy-ESCS relationship is gentle and the percentage of literacy performance variance explained by economic, social and cultural status (ESCS) is the lowest of the 65 participating countries/economies. Therefore, Macao's basic educational system continues to provide equitable schooling opportunities for the student body it served. 10.Five sets of quality education indicators for the betterment of mathematics education in Macao schools have been identified, namely (1) Learning Mathematics (e.g. familiarity with mathematical concepts); (2) Mathematics Experiences (e.g. mathematics teacher's classroom management); (3) Problem Solving Experiences (e.g. openness for problem solving); (4) Availability and Use of ICT (e.g. ICT use at home for school-related tasks); (5) Classroom and School Climate (e.g. teacher-student relations). Using these indicators as guideposts, suggestions can be made to help low-performing students enhance mathematical literacy performance. 11.Since 2003, Macao has participated four times in the PISA assessment of mathematical, scientific and reading literacy (i.e. PISA 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2012). As at 2012, Macao students have reached very high standards in mathematical literacy, improved appreciably in reading literacy up to the OECD average standard, and maintained fairly good standard in scientific literacy. To raise literacy standards to new heights in the forthcoming PISA 2015, it is important to elevate the mathematical and reading literacy performance standard of the low-achievers, and increase the scientific literacy standard of the high-achievers.
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Consumer Council conducted its first 'Supermarket price survey' for December on 2nd December for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets near Areia Preta and Avenida de Venceslau de Morais 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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The University of Macau (UM) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UB) to enhance academic collaborations and the development of higher education in Asia. Under the MOU, UM and UB will explore the possibilities of joint PhD scholarships in selected fields for junior faculty members of Asian universities, collaborations in supporting initiatives at universities in mainland China and elsewhere in Asia to improve faculty teaching-learning practices, as well as other academic exchange programmes of mutual interest between UM and UB's partner institutions in Asia. The delegation, consisting of 23 trustees and staff of its New York and Hong Kong offices, were warmly received by UM Rector Wei Zhao, Vice Rectors Prof. Simon Ho and Prof. Haydn Chen, College Masters Prof. George Watt and Prof. Kevin Thompson, Honours College Dean Prof. Mok Kai Meng, Librarian Dr. Paul Poon, and Centre for Teaching and Learning Enhancement Director Prof. Spencer Benson. Prof. Simon Ho, Prof. Haydn Chen, and Prof. Benson told the guests about UM's latest developments, including the 4-in-1 mode of education, the general education programme, internationalisation strategies, research development, the residential college system, as well as teaching and learning initiatives. UB Board of Trustees Vice Chair Dr. Judith Berling, UB President Dr. Nancy Chapman, and UB Vice President for Programmes Dr. Glenn Shive shared the mission and vision of UB and its recent development with UM colleagues. The UB delegation toured the new campus after the meeting. They visited the new library and the various teaching facilities, saying that the new campus was very beautiful and well-planned.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the computer usage rate in the business sector was 51.0% in 2012, up by 4.1 percentage points year-on-year. Analysed by industry, the usage rate in Travel Agencies reached 98.0% while Services and Gaming had a rate of 80.8%; meanwhile, the usage rate in the Restaurant Sector increased by 3.2 percentage points year-on-year but remained low at 32.7%. The major purposes of using computers included word processing (72.5%) and databank (60.5%). Proportion of staff using computers was 45.0%, with the Hotel Sector having the highest proportion of 70.7%. Among the establishments and enterprises using computers, 82.6% had Internet connection, of which 84.0% connected via fixed line broadband, and the major purposes of using the Internet included information search (70.2%) and sending & receiving e-mail (69.3%). With regards to households, there were 156,400 households possessing information technology (IT) devices, accounting for 87.6% of the total, up by 2.7 percentage points year-on-year; the internet usage rate of households was 82.5%, up by 2.0 percentage points. For the population aged 3 and above, the rate of computer and Internet usage was 62.1% and 61.3%, up by 0.3 and 1.1 percentage points respectively year-on-year; those aged 15-24 had the highest rate of computer and Internet usage, at 93.9% and 91.4% respectively. With the popularity of mobile phones, proportion of population using mobile phone to access the Internet soared by 29.8 percentage points year-on-year to 63.5%. Among the Internet users, 86.9% used the Internet for searching information and 85.1% for communication; 81.5% of the Internet users went online everyday. Survey coverage of IT usage in the business sector includes establishments and enterprises engaging in Industrial Production; Construction; Wholesale & Retail Trade; Travel Agencies; Hotels; Restaurants; Transport, Storage & Communications; and Services & Gaming (Real Estate Management; Security Services; Cleaning Services; Gaming; Advertising, Conference/Exhibition Organising Services). Data on IT usage in households are collected from individuals aged 3 or above.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that inward foreign direct investment (FDI) flows amounted to MOP 27.5 billion in 2012, up by MOP 21.6 billion year-on-year on account of foreign enterprises reinvesting part of their operating profits into the business. The majority of inflows were invested in the Gaming Sector (MOP 15.5 billion), Wholesale & Retail (MOP 4.5 billion) and Banks & Securities (MOP 3.9 billion). Analysed by investors' place of usual residence, FDI inflows came mainly from the British Virgin Islands (MOP 11.9 billion), the Cayman Islands (MOP 4.2 billion) and Hong Kong (MOP 3.8 billion). On the other hand, outward FDI flows from Macao enterprises amounted to MOP 3.6 billion, resulting in a net FDI inflow of MOP 23.8 billion in 2012. Inward FDI income earned by foreign investors totalled MOP 55.4 billion in 2012, up by 18% year-on-year, of which income earned from the Gaming Sector hit a record high of MOP 34.6 billion, accounting for 63% of the total; income from Wholesale & Retail (MOP 7.6 billion) and Banks & Securities (MOP 5.1 billion) shared 14% and 9% respectively. Meanwhile, Macao enterprises registered an income of MOP 0.9 billion from outward FDI, down by 26% year-on-year. At the end of 2012, stock of inward FDI reached MOP 151.3 billion, up by 27% year-on-year. Analysed by industry, stock of inward FDI in the Gaming Sector increased by 28% to MOP 87.6 billion, accounting for 58% of the total; stock of inward FDI in Banks & Securities (MOP 27.5 billion) and Wholesale & Retail (MOP 16.0 billion) rose by 21% and 45% respectively to share 18% and 11% of the total. Analysed by investors' place of usual residence, inward FDI stock was mainly financed by investors from the Cayman Islands (MOP 49.4 billion), Hong Kong (MOP 39.1 billion) and the British Virgin Islands (MOP 30.2 billion), up by 10%, 26% and 64% respectively. Meanwhile, stock of outward FDI of Macao enterprises amounted to MOP 9.3 billion in 2012, up by 75% year-on-year, with investment in Hong Kong rising by 5% to MOP 4.7 billion. Direct Investment Statistics provide an analysis of the FDI profile between Macao and other economies. For statistical purposes, Macao and Mainland China are considered as two separate economies. Coverage of Direct Investment Statistics includes the major industries of Macao, namely Industrial Production; Construction; Wholesale & Retail; Hotels & Restaurants; Transport, Storage & Communications; Financial Services; Gaming; and Cultural, Recreational & Other Services. In 2012, there are 2,115 inward FDI enterprises.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) will launch the Year of the Horse commemorative coins in January 2014 and will accept subscription for the coins starting from December 4 (Wednesday), 2013. To ensure the orderly conduct of the subscription process, AMCM will implement a quota system. From 7.30 am onwards on December 4 (Wednesday) at its office building (Calçada do Gaio, nº 24 e 26), AMCM will commence the distribution of fixed number of subscription passes to queuing subscribers who are holders of either permanent or non-permanent Macao resident identity card and each of them will be distributed only one pass while stock lasts. The pass-bearing subscribers should bring along their Macao resident identity card and come to AMCM to complete the subscription process in accordance with the date indicated on the passes. The maximum number of gold proof coins, 5 oz silver proof coins and the 1 oz silver proof coins that each subscriber can order is 2 pieces, 1 piece and 1 piece respectively and the commemorative coins will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. On the other hand, the said commemorative coins will not be marketed by banks in Macao. For further details relating to the coins' selling price or subscription procedures, please refer to AMCM's webpage (www.amcm.gov.mo) or telephone 28565071.
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In view of the renewed reminder by the Embassy of P.R.C. in Thailand for Chinese citizens to remain vigilant of security risks in Bangkok, Thailand, the Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) reminds Macau residents in Bangkok and those who intend to visit Bangkok to remain vigilant, be aware of local security developments, carefully plan travel itineraries, elevate personal safety precautions and avoid getting close to the vicinities of demonstration areas. Following is the full translated text: Recently, the rallies in Thailand are spreading. Anti-government protesters are occupying a number of government departments and judiciary entities, also trying to breach barricades outside the police stations. TV stations and telecommunication providers have been invaded, causing electricity and telecommunications to be interfered. Cases of violence have occurred in Ramkamhaeng University on Novermber 30 and caused casualties. Anti-government protesters announced the organization of another larger scale demonstration on December 1. The Government authority in Thailand had strengthened local security in major areas. In view of the current situation, the Embassy of P.R.C. in Thailand reminds Chinese citizens in Bangkok and those who intend to visit Bangkok again to remain vigilant and aware of local security advice, plan travel itineraries carefully, avoid getting close to the vicinity of demonstration areas, try not to stay out during the night and take effective precautions to ensure personal safety. Red or yellow attire should be avoided, so as not to attract unnecessary problems. If in danger, please contact the Embassy of P.R.C. in Thailand, Tel: 00 66 854 833 327 (call in Thailand: 0854833327)." As per information collected from the Macao tourism industry, there are 4 Macao tour groups totaling around 40 pax currently traveling in Thailand. 6 Macao tour groups with an approximate total of 74 pax will depart to Thailand in the coming week. To date, GGCT has received 23 telephone inquiries but no requests for assistance. GGCT will continuously monitor the local situation. If necessary, Macao residents can call the 24-hour tourism hotline (853) 2833 3000 or the Embassy of P.R.C. in Thailand for assistance.
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(Macao—1 December 2013) In accordance to the nomination of the Decoration Awards Committee, the Macao Government announced the recipients of Decorations, Medal and Certificates of Merit to 40 individuals and entities in recognition of their outstanding achievements, contributions and distinguished services rendered to the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR). Decorations of Honour, including the Decoration of Honour - Grand Lotus, the Decoration of Honour - Golden Lotus and the Decoration of Honour - Silver Lotus, are awarded to individuals or entities that have made outstanding contributions to the image and reputation of the Macao SAR. The recipients are: Decoration of Honour – Grand Lotus
Mr Lau Cheok Va Decoration of Honour - Golden Lotus
Ms Ho Lai Cheng Decoration of Honour – Silver Lotus
Ms Lei Sio Iok
Mr Jia Rui Seven types of Medals of Merit are awarded for: 1. Professions; 2. Industry and commerce; 3. Tourism; 4. Education; 5. Culture; 6. Philanthropy; and 7. Sport. Each of these categories of decorations is awarded to individuals or entities that have make major or excellent contributions in their respective fields.
The recipients are: Medal of Merit – Professions
Mr Raimundo Arrais do Rosário
Mr Leong Keng Seng
Mr Lui Va Long Medal of Merit - Industry and Commerce
Mr Cheong Lok Tin
Mr Lei Chi Fong
Mr Si Tou Tek Lam Medal of Merit – Tourism
Macau Grand Prix Committee Mr António José Neves da Conceição Coelho Medal of Merit – Education
Mr Chan Chi Kwan
Ms Yip Wai Ming Evelyn
Mr Vong Kuoc Ieng
Ms Choi Sok I Medal of Merit – Culture Mr Dai Dingcheng
Yu Un Chinese Calligraphers and Painters Association of Macao
Portuguese Institute of the Orient
Medal of Merit – Philanthropy Ms Ung Pui Kun Medal of Merit - Sport Mr Lau Hong Meng
Mr Mak Chi Kun
Mr Choi Tat Meng Medals for Distinguished Services are awarded to public entities, organisations or their staff for outstanding performance of their duties or community service.
The recipients are: Medal for Distinguished Service - Medal for Dedication Department of Gardens and Green Areas of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Ms Cheang Mui Leng
Mr Lam Wai Hou
Ms Wong I Lin Medal for Distinguished Service - Medal for Community Service Ms Maria Amélia da Conceição António Saldanha
Ms Lou Kan Sam
Mr Liang Baijin
Mr Sam Weng Kan Certificates of Merit including the Honorific Title - Prestige and the Honorific Title – Merit, commend Macao SAR residents or other people who have made major contribution to the reputation, development or social progress of the Macao SAR. The recipients are: Honorific Title – Merit
Mr Che Chon Seng
Mr Wong Ka Fai
Ms Tam Chih Wei
Mr Iao Chon In
Mr Chong Ka Seng
Mr Kuok Kin Hang
Ms Feng Xiao
Ms Liu Qing
Mr Cai Aolong The decorations, medals and certificates of merit awards ceremony will be held in the mid of December 2013.
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For the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June, Consumer Council conducted its specific price surveys on personal hygiene products, household cleansing products, and shampoo & shower gels on 28th November. Results of the mentioned 3 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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