News

Consumer Council conducted its sixth 'Supermarket price survey' in December on 18 December 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.
…

The President Xi Jinping arrived in Macao today to attend tomorrow's 15th Anniversary Celebration of Macao's Return to the Motherland and the Inauguration Ceremony of the Fourth-term Macao Special Administrative Region Government. A cheering crowd waving the Chinese national flags and the MSAR flags greeted Mr Xi as he descended the ramp stairs from his special flight at Macao International Airport, accompanied by his wife Madam Peng Liyuan. Mr Xi, who is also General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, said in a short speech on his arrival that he was very happy to be back in Macao after he last visited five years ago. "I believe that Macao will make steadier and greater strides in the future under the guidance of the principle of 'one country, two sytems' and the Basic Law." Mr Xi was welcomed on the tarmac by the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, and his wife Ms Fok Wai Fun; Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Mr Ho Hau Wah; the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Li Gang; the President of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Ho Iat Seng; President of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Sam Hou Fai; Secretary for Public Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan; Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen; Secretary for Public Security, Mr Cheong Kuoc Va; Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U; Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io; Public Prosecutor-General, Mr Ho Chio Meng; Commissioner Against Corruption, Mr Fong Man Chong; Commissioner of Audit, Mr Ho Veng On; Commissioner-General of the Unitary Police Service, Mr Jose Proenca Branco; Director-General of the Macao Customs Service, Mr Choi Lai Hang; Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the MSAR, Mr Chen Sixi; Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the MSAR, Mr Hu Zhengyue; Commander of the People's Liberation Army Macao Garrison, Mr Wang Wen; Political Committee Member of the People's Liberation Army Macao Garrison, Mr Ma Biqiang; Member of the Ministerial Board of the CPC Publicity Department and Deputy Director of the State Council Information Office, Ms Cui Yuying; Vice Minister of Public Security, Mr Liu Yanping; and Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xu Ze. The President's entourage included Member of the CPC Politburo and Director of the Central Policy Research Office, Mr Wang Huning; Member of the CPC Politburo and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Mr Fan Changlong; Member of the CPC Politburo, Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat and Director of the General Office of the CPC, Mr Li Zhanshu; Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the NPC Standing Committee, Mr Wang Chen; State Councillor, Mr Yang Jiechi; Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the CPPCC National Committee, Mr Zhang Qingli; Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Wang Guangya; and Deputy Director of the General Office of the CPC and Director of the Office of President Xi Jinping, Mr Ding Xuexiang. From the airport, the President and his entourage were driven to San Chok Un guesthouse, where he is staying for his two-day visit; he will meet the Chief Executive at the guesthouse. In the evening, the President will attend a welcome reception in his honour hosted by the MSAR Governemnt.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (103.15) for November 2014 increased by 6.12% year-on-year, attributable to higher rentals for dwellings and dearer charges for eating out. In comparison with November 2013, notable increase was observed in the price index of Housing & Fuels (+11.75%); Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.30%) and Health (+5.42%) on account of rising rentals for dwellings, as well as higher charges for eating out and out-patient services. On the contrary, price index of Communication decreased slightly by 0.02%. The CPI-A (103.26) and CPI-B (102.22) increased by 6.71% and 5.80% respectively year-on-year. The Composite CPI for November 2014 increased by 0.46% month-to-month. Higher prices of women's clothing and rising charges for out-patient services drove up the price index of Clothing & Footwear and Health by 2.20% and 1.84% respectively. On the other hand, price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco and Miscellaneous Goods & Services decreased by 1.30% and 0.57% respectively due to lower prices of tobacco, alcoholic beverages and gold jewellery. Meanwhile, receding prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas and gasoline tapered off the increase of the Composite CPI. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.48% and 0.30% respectively month-to-month. For the 12 months ended November 2014, the average Composite CPI increased by 6.06% from the previous period. Price index of Housing & Fuels (+11.86%) and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.16%) registered remarkable increase, while price index of Communication decreased by 0.45%. The average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.58% and 5.94% respectively. The average Composite CPI for the first eleven months of 2014 increased by 6.09% year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.61% and 5.96% respectively. The 2013/2014-based Composite CPI reflects the impact of price changes on the general households. The CPI-A relates to about 50% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP10,000 to MOP29,999. The CPI-B relates to about 30% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP30,000 to MOP54,999.
…

Consumer Council conducted its fifth 'Supermarket price survey' in December on 17 December for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets at Lam Mau, Patane and San Kio areas in Santo António Parish. The latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' is now available on Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo), and the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. The survey is also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM's Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. With reference to the local six parishes and the number of supermarkets in each parish, the Council has divided around 100 supermarkets into 8 areas for price collection. The Council collects prices from these supermarkets for the provision of a more comprehensive database for consumers to check price discrepancies and make price comparisons according to their desired locations. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
…

In order to encourage philatelic collection and promote appreciation for the stamps of Macao, the Communications Museum is organizing a stamp poll – "My Favourite Stamps of Macao, 2014". All stamp lovers are invited to vote for their favourite stamps and souvenir sheets issued by Macao Post of the year 2014. All Macao SAR residents who have become 6 after 1st January 2014 are welcomed to participate. From 26th December 2014 to 2nd February 2015 (22:00), you are welcomed to vote for a maximum of 3 items from your favourite philatelic products in each category at http://macao.communications.museum . The products with the highest number of votes will be ranked as the most favourite issues of the year. Every participant with a valid vote will enter the lucky draw automatically. Prizes include:
(* please find the attached file)
…

Organized by the Communications Museum and co-organized by the Macau Society of Biomedical Engineering (MSBME), the Science and Arts Activity for Primary Student was completed in the afternoon of December 13, 2014. The panel of judges was constituted by Ph.D. Vai Mang I, President of MSBME, Ph.D. Wei Bing, Faculty of Education of University of Macau and a representative of Communications Museum, Best works were evaluated from 19 teams of Family & Friends Group and 53 teams of School Group that participated in the activity. Best works of Family & Friends Group:
1. Tou Sam Iao, Tou Kin
2. Iong Chi Chong, Iong Kuok Kin
3. Leung Chin Chong, Wong Kit Man Best works of School Group – Group A (Primary 5):
1. Sheng Kung Hui Choi Kou School Macau: Kuong Chin Hin, Lai Hei Tong
Supervisor: Check Iong Kam Lan
2. Sacred Heart Canossian College, English Section: Chan I Man, Chio Chi Cheng
Supervisor: Lo Lai Man
3. Chan Sui Ki Perpetual Help College: Mou Fu Tak; Supervisor: Chau Choi Ying Best works of School Group – Group B (Primary 6):
1. Instituto Salesiano da Imaculada Conceição: Tam Chon Wai, Lei Chon Hei
Supervisor: Mak Kam In
2. Sheng Kung Hui Choi Kou School Macau: Wong Chon In, Lou Chon In
Supervisor: Ho Wing Iu
3. Sacred Heart Canossian College, English Section: Che Chong Man, Jin Tim Supervisor: Lo Lai Man
…

In celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the Reunification of Macao with the Motherland, Macao Post will issue a thematic pack under the theme "15th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region" on that date. This pack comprises 5 series of stamps and souvenir sheets with the significance of the Establishment of the Macao SAR, which included the Establishment of the Macao SAR, the 1st, the 5th,, the 10th and the 15th Anniversary. The protective hardcover is illustrated with the images of the Macao World Heritage "Ruins of St. Paul's", and the large sculpture "Lotus Flower in Full Bloom" offered by the Central Government as a gift to Macao SAR, it symbolizes the everlasting prosperity of Macao with the support from our Motherland. This pack will be available for sale at the Philatelic Shop of Macao Post Headquarters, "Rua do Campo" Post Office, Maritime Ferry Terminal Post Office, Airport Post Office, and the Communications Museum starting from 20th December, 2014. This pack is priced at MOP195.00, and it is an excellent product, either as a collectable or as an elegant gift.
…

The Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM), China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) and the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance signed a co-operation agreement today (18 December 2014) in Macau to enhance their co-operation against insurance fraud. The co-operation agreement sets out a framework that enables the regulators in the three places to provide assistance and information to each other for performing their supervisory work relating to the monitoring of insurance fraud risks. Member of the Board of Directors of AMCM, António José Félix Pontes, said, "The co-operation agreement will foster exchange of information and co-operation against insurance fraud, and will nourish a safe and stable insurance market, thereby achieving the objective of protecting policyholders." The Vice-chairman of CIRC, Huang Hong, said, "As the three regulators are already in close connection to combat insurance fraud, the signing of the agreement will enhance such co-operation efforts." The Commissioner of Insurance of Hong Kong, Annie Choi, said, "With the growing economic interactions and people flow between the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau, enhanced co-operation amongst the three regulators will help raise their regulatory effectiveness against cross-border insurance fraud risks."
…

President of the People's Republic of China, Mr Xi Jinping, will arrive in Macao tomorrow to officiate at 15th anniversary celebrations of Macao's return to the motherland. Mr Xi, who is also Secretary General of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, will officiate at the inauguration ceremony of the fourth-term Government of the Macao Special Administration Region (MSAR) on 20 December. Mr Xi will lead a Central Government delegation here for a two-day official visit and meet with the Chief Executive of the MSAR, Mr Chui Sai On, soon after his arrival. In the evening, Mr Xi will attend the welcoming banquet hosted by the Macao Government and watch a celebratory variety show titled "Dream of Macao Heart of China". During his stay, Mr Xi will meet with Macao's leading outgoing and incoming officials from the administration, legislation, Judiciary, and local representatives of people from all walks of life. Mr Xi is scheduled to leave in the afternoon on 20 December. To mark the 15th anniversary of Macao SAR, the Government will arrange a string of activities including the flag-raising ceremony at Golden Lotus Square at 8 am on 20 December, and a cocktail reception in the afternoon. The Sports Development Board will stage a sports and cultural show to mark this occasion. The Government Tourism Office will hold a fireworks display on the same day. Communities, associations and civil organisations will hold a kaleidoscope of celebratory events including cultural performances, exhibitions and sports competitions. For more details of the celebrations, please visit the 15th anniversary event website http://www.macao15.gov.mo/.
…

In cooperation with Vector ITS Group, Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) Year 4 Tourism Retail and Marketing Management students taking the Strategic Management course led by Dr. Fernando Lourenço conducted a project to help a newly developed and launched mobile phone app "Yummy Macau" which aims allow people to search for high quality restaurants in Macao. This student project involves screening for opportunities and threats in the business environment, assessing the strength and weakness associated to the app, developing a three year strategic plan as well as designing and executing a marketing campaign to promote "Yummy Macau" which includes photography and video campaign on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, WeChat, blog writing on Sina Weibo, Baidu, travel forums, flash mob campaign (dance), giving out corporate gifts whilst wearing eye catching costume on popular touristic area and many more ingenious activities. This was a fantastic opportunity for IFT students to understand the process of strategic planning for new business startup in the mobile app industry. This was an excellent way to build stronger links with the industry by offering support to local business enterprises that have an intention to promote higher quality hospitality to the locals and to tourist. Gilberto Camacho, co-founders of Vector ITS Group, appreciates greatly of the effort put into the project because the download rate of the mobile application and 'like' from their Facebook page increased substantially as a consequence of the project. Prizes and certificates were given to students to congratulate their efforts and hard work. This was a fantastic recognition that proves the quality of our students.
…