News

The Monetary Authority of Macao released today the credit card statistics for the third quarter of 2012. The total number of personal credit cards in circulation was 621,724 at the end of September 2012, equivalent to an increase of 3.8% over a quarter earlier. The numbers of Pataca (MOP) cards, Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) cards and Renminbi (RMB) cards were 454,417, 70,049 and 97,258 respectively. MOP cards, HKD cards and RMB cards witnessed respective growth of 3.3%, 2.6% and 7.5% quarter-to-quarter. Compared with a year ago, RMB cards advanced 54.0% while MOP cards and HKD cards rose 14.7% and 6.9% respectively. As at end-September 2012, credit card credit limit granted by banks in Macao reached MOP10.2 billion, up 3.8% from end-June 2012. Credit card receivables amounted to MOP1.4 billion while the rollover amount totalled MOP500.3 million, accounting for 34.7% of credit card receivables. The delinquency ratio, i.e. the ratio of delinquent amount overdue for more than three months to credit card receivables, edged up to 0.74%. For the third quarter of 2012, the credit card turnover increased 4.5% quarter-to-quarter to MOP2.9 billion. The cash advance turnover was MOP165.9 million, accounting for 5.7% of total credit card turnover. Credit card repayments, in which payments for interest and fees are included, went up 10.8% from the previous quarter to MOP3.0 billion.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today announced a string of measures ranging from financial support for the general public and target groups to recommence accepting applications for Home-Ownership Scheme Housing and public rental housing in the first quarter of next year. Mr Chui disclosed these measures in his Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2013, entitled 'Enhance the Well-being of Society and Prepare for Long-term Development', delivered at the Legislative Assembly this afternoon. He announced extending measures, including another injection of 6,000 patacas into the individual central savings account of each eligible Macao citizen: all permanent residents would also receive 8,000 patacas and non-permanent residents 4,800 patacas in the Wealth Partaking Scheme. The amount on medical vouchers would go up from 500 patacas to 600 patacas, old-age allowance from 5,000 patacas to 6,000 patacas, and monthly pension from 2,000 patacas to 3,000 patacas. For employees and middle-income groups, the reduction in personal income tax would be raised from 25 per cent to 30 per cent. The Government would also offer a rebate of 60 per cent in personal income tax paid by Macao residents this year, to be capped at 12,000 patacas and to be rebated in 2014. The study allowance for Macao citizens studying in a tertiary education programme will be increased from 2,000 patacas to 3,000 patacas, textbook allowances for all secondary and primary school students to be increased from 1,900 patacas to 2,400 patacas, and the allowances for children in kindergartens from 1,500 patacas to 2,000 patacas. These initiatives, described above, would cost the Government 9.78 billion patacas. In his annual policy blueprint, Mr Chui pledged to develop a 'long-term mechanism for effective administration' which would become policies in four categories -- housing, social security, medical and healthcare services, and education. On housing, Mr Chui said the construction of 19,000 public housing units previously announced would soon be completed and that the Government had begun allocating them to families on the waiting list. He announced that the Government would recommence accepting applications for Home-Ownership Scheme Housing and public rental housing in the first quarter of next year. The Government would also adjust the income ceiling for Home-Ownership Scheme Housing to make 80 per cent of the people of Macao qualify to apply. It would also reserve more land for public housing in addition to the previously announced programme of 6,300 units, plus establishing a mechanism to receive regular applications for public housing, including waiting time. The Government would reserve land for public housing at Reclaimed Zone A where reclamation work is expected to be completed by 2015 to produce 137.8 hectares of land. The Government would also study the public's views on a "Macao property for Macao residents" policy and conduct research in the laws required to support this. Speaking on social security, Mr Chui said the Government would inject 37 billion patacas into the Social Security Fund between 2013 and 2016, and also maintain monthly pensions to more than the minimum subsistence index. It would also earmark 910 million patacas to subsidise 43 community service centres that would come into operation between 2013 and 2015. The government would also provide free health services through a primary healthcare network to all citizens of Macao. Specialist medical services and rehabilitation services would be extended free of charge to more than 80 per cent of patients in public hospitals. The Government would provide long-term subsidies to 13 non-profit health service organisations, to benefit almost 500,000 people per year. It would also allocate 10 billion patacas to implement the Plan for Perfecting the Medical and Healthcare System to establish a more effective medical system by 2020, including new health centres and a medical complex. For disadvantaged families, the Government would extend the Short-term Food Assistance Programme from six weeks to eight weeks. On enhancing education, the Government would increase the budget for non-tertiary education, the Education Development Fund and the Student Welfare Fund in 2013 to 2015 by 26 per cent, 25.7 per cent and 35.2 per cent respectively. The Government would also ease the requirements and limits for student loan applicants to support Macao residents enrolling for education programmes at tertiary level or above, and to increase the loans to 4,500 patacas. Student loans and scholarships would also be increased to a maximum of 4,500 patacas per month and special bursaries to a maximum of 5,400 patacas per month. Mr Chui said the Government had established a comprehensive human resources database for all enrolments for tertiary institutions by Macao citizens. The database could provide reference to evaluate the need for specific skills and talents and to formulate human resources policies in Macao. Speaking on the economy, Mr Chui said it would continue to adequately diversify Macao's economic portfolio by promoting the convention and exhibition sector, the cultural and creative industries and strengthen support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Government would introduce an interest-free loan scheme for young entrepreneurs, with a ceiling of 300,000 patacas and a maximum loan tenure of eight years. It had already started work with Hengqin authorities to make special arrangements for Macao's SMEs in major development projects on the island. As regards to environmental protection, the Government planned to formulate a subsidy scheme of about 400 million patacas to encourage replacement of highly polluting vehicles, and would introduce Macao's first electric bus route in Taipa.
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South African Food & Wine Week 2012, organised by IFT, is taking place at IFT from 12 to 16 November. Acclaimed Chef Pete Gottgens and renowned Master of Wine Ms. Cathy van Zyl were invited from South Africa to present this region's gastronomic and wine oasis at IFT, while IFT Educational Restaurant brings you an appetizing savor of South Africa. A series of enticing Food & Wine events include a wine tasting session and a gala dinner which kicked off the whole-week events on 12 November. On 13 November, IFT hosted a South African Cooking Demonstration where local hospitality and food and beverage professionals can enrich their knowledge on authentic South African gastronomy that is not easily found in Macau. Participants were able to taste some dishes, including Trio of Cape Seafood, Guinea Fowl Ballotine and Fairview Blue Rock Bread & Butter Pudding demonstrated by the renowned South African Chef Pete Gottgens. In addition, a South African Wine Seminar series launched at IFT from 12 - 14 November. During the seminars, Master of Wine from South Africa Ms. Cathy van Zyl introduced diverse South African wines to audience. It is always good to enjoy delectable food with family and friends. To share this tempting South African unique flavors with Macao food lovers, IFT Educational Restaurant specially offer mouthwatering South African special set lunch and Braai BBQ Dinner Buffet and Wine Buffet within the week. The set lunch will be served at 1230 – 1500 at MOP180 per person; Braai BBQ Dinner Buffet and Wine Buffet will be served at 1900 – 2230; the BBQ buffet at MOP210 per adult and MOP105 per child, and Wine Buffet at MOP 120 per adult. No government tax or service charge required and free parking at IFT will be offered. For reservation and enquiry, please contact 85983 076/ 077/168. IFT has always been dedicating to organise gourmet promotions of different ethnic cuisines for the public. At the same time, these promotion events arouse the interests of food services industry in Macao as to explore more ideas in cooking and provide local chefs and IFT students with valuable opportunity to learn and experience the cuisines.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that a total of 12,737 Wholesale & Retail establishments, market stalls and fixed stalls on the street were operating in 2011, a decrease of 274 compared with 2010. At the end of 2011, total number of persons engaged increased by 1% year-on-year to 44,555. Total Receipts and Total Expenditure reached MOP68.77 billion and MOP61.52 billion, up by 30% and 29% respectively year-on-year. Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy surged by 46% to MOP15.27 billion; Gross Fixed Capital Formation amounted to MOP829 million, up by 32% year-on-year. There were 10,962 Wholesale & Retail establishments operating in 2011, down by 188 year-on-year, of which 862 were engaging in Sales of Motor Vehicles & Automotive Fuel, 4,332 in Wholesale Trade and 5,768 in Retail Trade. Number of persons engaged totalled 41,573, up by 2% year-on-year. In view of expanding domestic demand and rising visitor arrivals, Sales and Other Receipts of the establishments reached MOP67.44 billion, up notably by 30% year-on-year. Receipts of Sales of Motor Vehicles & Automotive Fuel (MOP5.19 billion), Retail Trade (MOP40.16 billion) and Wholesale Trade (MOP22.09 billion) increased by 38%, 35% and 21% respectively year-on-year. Total Expenditure of the establishments amounted to MOP60.43 billion, up by 29% year-on-year, of which Operating Expenses (MOP7.52 billion), Purchase of Goods & Commission Paid (MOP48.79 billion) and Compensation of Employees (MOP4.12 billion) increased by 37%, 30% and 11% respectively year-on-year. Furthermore, Gross Value Added (MOP15.01 billion) and Gross Fixed Capital Formation (MOP829 million) increased by 46% and 32% respectively. There were 1,775 market stalls and fixed street stalls operating in 2011, down by 86 year-on-year, comprising 764 market stalls and 1,011 fixed street stalls. Number of persons engaged totalled 2,982, with only 387 being paid employees (13% of total). Receipts and Expenditure amounted to MOP1.32 billion and MOP1.10 billion, up by 12% and 11% respectively year-on-year; Gross Value Added increased by 13% to MOP267 million.
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Co-organized by the Historical Archives of Macao of the Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Macau Alumni Association of Sun Yat-Sen University of Medical Sciences, "Philanthropy in Medical Care - Historical Photographs Exhibition" opened to visitors on November10, at the Gallery of the Archives. Present at the opening ceremony were the Member of the Macau Alumni Association of Sun Yat-Sen University of Medical Sciences, Prof. Yu GuoJing; the former Director of Kiang Wu Hospital and Member of the Macau Alumni Association of Sun Yat-Sen University of Medical Sciences, Mr. Leong Chi Fai; the Vice-President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Mr. Yao Jingming; the Member or the Macau Foundation Board of Directors, Mr. Au Weng Chi; the Member of the Executive Council of the Macao S.A.R, Mr. Leong Vai Tac; the Director of the Historical Archives of Macao, Ms. Lau Fong; the President and the Chairman of the Board of the Macau Alumni Association of Sun Yat-Sen University of Medical Sciences, Tong Ka Io and Lo Peng Iok, respectively, among others. This exhibition is the first of its kind resulting from the cooperation between the Historical Archives of Macao and a non-governmental organization. It includes over 300 photographs, some dating back to 1930s, which document the active involvement of Macau alumni of Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences in the medical and social development of Macau over the recent 80 years. The photographs are a depiction of the contributions and achievements of respected alumni, amongst others Ke Lin, Chan Mun, Sio Kuan Lon, Io Pat Iok and Tam Woon Yung; as well as an illustration of the growth of the society and local health services. The origin of Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences can be traced back to three institutions of medical studies, namely Boji Medical School founded in 1866, Guangdong Guanghua Medical Society founded in 1908 and Guangdong Public Medical School founded in 1909. In 1953, the three institutions of medical studies merged to become South China Medical College. Over the years, the South China Medical College evolved and had its named changed to Zhongshan Medical School and Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences. In 2001, the former Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Science and the former Sun Yat-sen University were amalgamated to form the new Sun Yat-sen University, and the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Sun Yat-sen University was established. Around 300 to 400 alumni of Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences have or had practised medicine in Macao. Sharing the serving spirit and dedication of the University, they have jointly safeguarded the health of the community and the society. "Philanthropy in Medical Care - Historical Photographs Exhibition" will open daily from 10am to 6pm and remain on display until 25 November. Members of the public are welcome to the exhibition to revisit the history of Macau's social and medical development. Admission is free. For further details, please call 28592919.
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South African Food & Wine Week 2012, organised by IFT, launches at IFT from 12 to 16 November. Acclaimed Chef Pete Gottgens and Masters of Wine including renowned Ms. Cathy van Zyl were invited from the South Africa to present this region's gastronomic and wine oasis at IFT, while IFT Educational Restaurant brings you an appetizing savor of South Africa. South Africa is renowned for its large variety of cuisine and wine. South African cuisine is heavily meat-based and barbecue cooking style, while the country has also developed into one of the major wine producing countries in the world, with the wine production mainly taken place in Cape Town where the first wine recorded in South Africa was produced. This Food & Wine Week kicked off on 12 November with a meaningful Charity Gala Dinner and Chef Pete Gottgens worked with IFT chefs to present the exotic cuisine to the guests. All profits generated are donated to the Action Oasis of the Chinese Educators Association of Macau for providing education opportunities to the poor children in mainland China. Earlier on the same day, a wine tasting session took place at IFT where the wine producers and specialists from over 10 South African wineries introduced and presented their red and white wines from the Country to the audiences from the industry and the public. IFT has been attaching high importance in widening the visions of local hospitality and food and beverage professionals as well as students. Through hosting the globalised food promotion, industry practitioners and students can experience diversified cuisines and cultures of different countries at IFT. Besides, they can take the opportunities to study the knowledge and cooking methods of overseas gastronomy so as to better equip for their hospitality and food and beverage industry career and overcome the challenges of cultural diversity in the future.
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This year, to promote the "Parade through Macao, Latin City" around the entire region, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has designed an official Parade Mascot, named "VIVA". Symbolising life and energy, VIVA will lead the Macao community with "Peace, Love and Cultural Integration" on the parade through the streets and alleys of the city, even taking part in some of the performances along the parade route. His participation in this carnival-like event will add jubilance to the Macao Handover celebrations. The Bureau is joining hands once again with the international non-profit organisation ORBIS, after their successful co-operation during last year's Macao International Music Festival. This time, all proceeds from the sale of VIVA mascot souvenirs will go towards ORBIS's efforts in the prevention and treatment of blindness worldwide. The Cultural Affairs Bureau will distribute paper models of the mascot VIVA to stores along the parade route, inviting business owners to assemble the paper model into a unique display for their shop windows, thereby stimulating creativity and encouraging participation within the entire city. This activity will also provide greater exposure for the mascot throughout the community and in the lives of residents. The Bureau also welcomes participation from additional stores not on the parade route, located in other parts of Macao. Interested shop owners may contact the Cultural Affairs Bureau to receive a paper model of VIVA. All businesses displaying the decorated mascot may apply to compete for the "Best VIVA" and "Creativity Awards". Details of this activity will be announced at a later date.
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A variety of parallel promotions have been launched in support of this year's "Parade through Macao, Latin City". The "Parade through Macao, Latin City – Mobile App" allows users to browse details of the event on their mobile devices and includes a camera-phone game, "10 Fun Like", offering photo up-loaders the chance to redeem limited edition souvenirs. The Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Photographic Society of Macao have joined hands to organise the "Parade through Macao, Latin City – Photography Contest", providing local shutterbugs with a platform to exchange and share their images of the festivities. The contest is divided into Student and Public categories. The Bureau is installing outdoor screens at several locations – St. Dominic's Square, Rotunda de Carlos da Maia, Areia Preta Park, Avenida do Infante D. Henrique and Travessa de S. Paulo (Tourism and Cultural Activities Centre) – to simulcast the event from 4pm to 7pm on Parade Day (20th December), enabling those residents and tourists unable to join in the parade to experience it and share in the joy. TDM's Chinese channel and TDM HD will also televise a live broadcast of the event, and TVB Jade will report on and broadcast parts of the event on its entertainment show Scoop, which airs at 7:30pm that evening. TVB Jade will also air a one-hour TV special, Parade through Macao, Latin City, at 10:30pm on 22nd December, reporting in greater detail about the parade festivities.
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The Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. will hold the Celebration of the 13th Anniversary of Macao's Handover to China "Parade through Macao, Latin City" on the 20th of December, the day marking the establishment of the Macao S.A.R. The Parade continues under the banner of last year's theme, "Peace, Love and Cultural Integration", with a new slogan: "An annual celebration for the entire city – VIVA!". This year's cultural feast will attract even more residents and tourists, inviting them to dig deep into the diverse cultural atmosphere of Macao and its legacy of integration between China and the West. On the afternoon of 12th November, the Cultural Affairs Bureau hosted a press conference regarding the "Parade through Macao, Latin City" at the Tourism Activities Centre. The President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Dr. Ung Vai Meng, President of the Executive Board of the Macao Association for the Promotion of Exchange between Asia-Pacific and Latin America Gary Ngai Mei Cheong, Department Head of the Cultural Events Department Kent Ieong Chi Kin and Division Head of the Special Projects Division Boyce Lam Chon Keong were present at the press conference to introduce this year's parade. Also attended in the conference were representatives from various local performing groups. Last year's parade took the Region by storm, attracting an aggregate viewership of several million which includes the audience present at the parade, those who watched the live televised broadcast and the simulcast on outdoor screens at various locations, plus those who tuned in to the special Parade programme on TV. This exciting event is now close at hand once again, ready to wind another legendary route through the Latin City. The "Parade through Macao, Latin City" is organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and is co-organised by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, the Macao Government Tourist Office, the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau of Macao, the Public Security Police Force, the Transport Bureau, the Fire Services Bureau, the Social Welfare Bureau and the Macao Association for the Promotion of Exchange between Asia-Pacific and Latin America. It is also supported by various organisations, including the Macao General Union of Neighbourhood Associations, the Macao Sam Pa Mun Residents Mutual Aid Association, the Macao Soi Ho Cheok Residents Mutual Aid Association, the Macao Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre, the Casa de Portugal em Macau, the Macao Flying Eagles Association, the Scout Association of Macao, the Macao Community Youth Volunteers Development Association, the Association of Social Service Volunteers Macao, the General Volunteers Association of Macao, the Macao Civil Servant's Association and the Recreation Club of the Bank of China, Macao Branch. In addition, TDM (Teledifusão de Macau, S.A.) is serving as the designated television broadcaster. "100 Dancers" get things started; Grand Finale brings "Peace, Love and Cultural Integration" to Tap Seac Square
The opening ceremony takes place at 4pm in front of the Ruins of St. Paul's, with bells, beautiful voices and shouts of 'VIVA' ushering in a joyous exchange between the Chinese and Western cultures. One hundred dancers will gracefully inaugurate the momentous occasion, setting the stage for foreign performers from various corners of the world to join hands with local artists and lead everyone on a colourful and dazzling journey. The Parade route differs slightly this year, beginning on Rua de S. Paulo and winding its way past St. Anthony's Church, Companhia de Jesus Square, Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro, Rua dos Artilheiros, Rua de Sanches de Miranda, Calçada da Igreja de São Lázaro, the Old Ladies' House (Albergue), Rua de São Roque, Rua Nova de São Lázaro, St. Lazarus Church, Rua do Volong, Rua do Tap Seac and Rua de Afonso de Albuquerque. Residents and tourists are welcome to join and follow the parade at any point on the route, to experience and share in the joyous ambience of this extravaganza! This year's Parade embraces performing groups from over 20 countries and regions including Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Chile and Colombia, among them the Association Colombie Côte d'Azur, Les Chimères from France, Ballet Folclórico del Estado de México, Qhapaq Negrole Chanta A La from Peru, Sbandieratori Principi D'Acaja from Italy, and Diabolo Dance Theatre from Taipei. Joining them in the Parade are 40 local groups, bringing the total estimate of performers and staff to an amazing 2,000 creative participants, each of them striving to delight audiences with their very best performance. Realisation of Cultural Integration between China and the West; giant puppet 'VIVA' to entertain at Tap Seac Square This year's parade features several highlights taking place at various stations, allowing followers to join in at any point on the route. The typically calm Rua de S. Paulo will be transformed into a Puppet Playground for the delight of children and adults alike. The Magic Show at St. Anthony's Square will surprise audiences with wonderful illusions, while the Musical Salon sets up on Companhia de Jesus Square to style visitors with a variety of coiffures and hairdos against a musical soundtrack. The Bollywood Dances at Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro take audiences to exotic India, while the Artists on Stilts at Rua de Sanches de Miranda deliver a thrilling performance. Performing groups will gather for the Colourful Show in St. Lazarus featuring dazzling Chinese Dunhuang dance and the Portuguese Tumbala drums, coupled with guqin performances and live painting, created on spot. Finally, at Tap Seac Square, the giant Italian puppet 'VIVA' welcomes the Parade followers to the Grand Finale "Peace, Love and Cultural Integration", which brings the event to a close with a multi-media performance. The giant puppet VIVA will remain on Tap Seac Square from 21st to 26th December. Related Events and Enquiries To promote this extravaganza far and wide and create a joyous ambience throughout the entire city, TDM will transmit a live broadcast of the event. Furthermore, the Cultural Affairs Bureau will install outdoor screens at several locations – St. Dominic's Square, Rotunda de Carlos da Maia, Areia Preta Park, Avenida do Infante D. Henrique and Travessa de S. Paulo (Tourism and Cultural Activities Centre) – displaying a live simulcast from 4 to 7pm on 20th December, for the convenience of residents from other parts of the city. The organiser is also holding a series of related events in parallel, including a photography contest (divided into student and public categories) and a downloadable mobile game app (with the chance to win prizes). The organiser has recruited nearly 500 volunteers this year and is providing them with advance off-site and on-site training in preparation for the big show on 20th December. Streets along the parade route will be temporarily closed to traffic on parade day, and first-aid stations and service centres (for souvenirs and information) will be available along the route. For convenience and environmental health, residents are encouraged to walk to the parade venues on foot or use public transportation. For more details about the event and its contents, please visit the Bureau's website at www.icm.gov.mo/macaoparade or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/macaoparade.
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Consumer Council released its latest specific price survey on canned foods, the result showed that prices of various brands of canned foods remained stable, price difference of the same brand of canned food in different retail outlets ranged from 20% to 30% respectively and the highest price difference recorded at 50%. Consumer Council conducted a price check on 11 different brands of canned foods from 20 retail outlets on 8th November. In comparison with the data collected in September, prices of 6 out of 11 brands of canned foods remained unchanged, the result reflected that prices of canned foods tended to be stable. On the other hand, the highest and lowest selling prices of "Narcissus Brand Spiced Pork Cubes (142g)" recorded in the recent survey were $13.00 and $19.90 respectively, with a percentage difference of around 53.08 %. In addition, the highest and lowest selling prices of "Swanson Clear Chicken Broth (250ml)" in different retail outlets were $4.50 and $6.50 respectively, with a percentage difference of 44.4%, the result indicated that price difference of the same band in different retail outlets varied from 20% to 30% respectively whereas the minimum price difference was about 7%. In comparison with the data collected in last survey, the selling price of Tulip Pork Luncheon Meat (340g) recorded an increase in price at 28.5% as a result of the cancellation of the special offer in two retail outlets of Supermercado San Miu. Consumers are advised to check with the survey data to make practical consumption. The specific price survey on canned foods is now available on Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps.
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