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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the 25 banks in Macao had a total of 5,165 employees at the end of the third quarter of 2011, up by 7.8% year-on-year. Analyzed by occupation, 2,356 were clerks, with 831 being bank tellers, up by 6.8% and 4.7% respectively year-on-year; technicians and associate professionals totalled 1,450, an increase of 10.9%. In September 2011, average earnings (excluding bonuses and allowances) of full-time employees amounted to MOP19,900, up by 5.7% year-on-year. Average earnings of directors and managers stood at MOP40,760, up by 3.8% year-on-year, and that of bank tellers increased by 6.5% to MOP11,540. At the end of the third quarter of 2011, number of job vacancies of the Banking Sector totalled 169, an increase of 16.6% year-on-year; vacancies for clerks stood at 90, with 42 for bank tellers. In terms of recruitment prerequisites, 57.4% of the vacancies required working experience, and 71.0% required tertiary education. Besides Cantonese, other preferred language skills were Mandarin (95.3%) and English (82.8%). The Banking Sector hired 470 new employees in the third quarter of 2011, and the employee recruitment rate surged by 2.3 percentage points year-on-year to 9.3%. The employee turnover rate rose by 0.3 percentage point year-on-year to 5.5%, while the job vacancy rate decreased by 0.5 percentage point to 2.5%.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the Composite CPI (112.12) for October 2011 increased by 6.71% year-on-year. The increment was attributable to rising charges for meals bought away from home and dearer prices of gasoline. For the 12 months ended October 2011, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.34% from the previous period; the CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.01% and 5.52% respectively. In comparison with October 2010, significant increase was observed in the price index of Miscellaneous Goods & Services (+10.03%); Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+9.75%); and Transport (+9.23%) on account of dearer prices of gasoline, gold jewellery, fresh fish and fresh pork, as well as rising charges for meals bought away from home. On the contrary, price index of Communication decreased by 14.00% year-on-year. The CPI-A (111.32) and CPI-B (112.47) for October 2011 increased by 6.42% and 6.93% respectively. The Composite CPI for October 2011 increased by 0.58% month-to-month, of which the price index of Clothing & Footwear rose by 2.08% upon new arrival of men and women's clothings. However, price index of Recreation & Culture and Transport decreased by 0.55% and 0.33% respectively. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.59% and 0.56% respectively month-to-month. The average Composite CPI for the first ten months of 2011 increased by 5.62% year-on-year; the CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.28% and 5.81% respectively. The Composite CPI, with base year April 2008-March 2009, reflects the impact of price changes on the general population. The CPI-A relates to about 50% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP6,000 to MOP18,999. The CPI-B relates to about 30% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP19,000 to MOP34,999.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao released today the credit card statistics for the third quarter of 2011. The total number of personal credit cards in circulation was 503,221 at the end of September 2011, equivalent to an increase of 6.4% over a quarter ago. The numbers of Pataca (MOP) cards, Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) cards and Renminbi (RMB) cards were 385,281, 65,511 and 52,429 respectively. MOP cards, HKD cards and RMB cards witnessed respective growth of 5.8%, 2.9% and 15.5% quarter-to-quarter. On an annual basis, RMB cards soared 129.3% while MOP cards and HKD cards grew 19.9% and 12.0% respectively. As at the end of September 2011, credit card credit limit granted by banks in Macao reached MOP8.5 billion, up 4.9% from end-June 2011. Credit card receivables amounted to MOP1.3 billion while the rollover amount totalled MOP457.2 million, accounting for 34.5% of credit card receivables. The delinquency ratio, i.e. the ratio of delinquent amount overdue for more than three months to credit card receivables, remained virtually unchanged at 0.98%.
During the third quarter of 2011, the credit card turnover rose 8.2% quarter-to-quarter to MOP2.5 billion. The cash advance turnover was MOP139.8 million, accounting for 5.5% of total credit card turnover. Credit card repayments, in which payments for interest and fees are included, jumped 11.8% from the previous quarter to MOP2.6 billion. For enquiry, please contact: Research and Statistics Department
Monetary Authority of Macao (Tel：8395 2532Fax：2835 3042)
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that purchase and sale of property decreased significantly in the third quarter of 2011 on account of the measures introduced by the Government to curb the soaring property prices. As per Stamp Duty record, a total of 3,738 building units were purchased and sold at MOP9.62 billion in the third quarter, down by 71.1% and 75.2% respectively quarter-to-quarter. There were 2,194 residential units purchased and sold at MOP5.92 billion, down by 73.4% and 82.2% respectively over the previous quarter. Analyzed by year of completion of the building, 696 residential units purchased and sold were completed in 2000 and after, 868 units in 1990-1999 and 630 units in 1989 and before. As regards floor area of the unit, the majority (1,012) had an area of 50 to 99.9 square metres (46.1% of total). The average transaction price of all residential units amounted to MOP36,345 per square metre of usable area, down by 17.9% quarter-to-quarter. The average price of those in the Macao Peninsula (MOP35,416), Taipa (MOP38,162) and Coloane (MOP61,893) decreased by 16.3%, 10.1% and 11.7% respectively quarter-to-quarter. The average price of residential units with an area of 100 to 149.9 square metres decreased by 19.8% quarter-to-quarter to MOP41,210 per square metre, those having 50 to 99.9 square metres decreased by 17.5% to MOP35,778 per square metre. In addition, the average price of office units decreased by 7.1% quarter-to-quarter to MOP34,011 per square metre; however, the average price of industrial units increased by 25.1% to MOP14,678 per square metre. In the third quarter of 2011, a total of 2,262 cases of real estate sale and purchase contracts were made, down by 35.8% quarter-to-quarter, and the number of units dropped by 29.5% to 3,032. Moreover, there were 1,884 cases of residential mortgage contracts signed, a decrease of 24.4% quarter-to-quarter. In the third quarter of 2011, gross floor area of buildings completed stood at 18,066 square metres, altogether providing 122 units (107 are residential units), 73 parking spaces for cars and 38 parking spaces for motorcycles.
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It's all systems go for the start of the 58th Macau Grand Prix, which gets underway tomorrow with the first of four days of non-stop action. FIA officials, accompanied by members of the Macau Grand Prix Committee, this morning carried out the final inspection of the 6.2km Guia street circuit, and gave the green light for the event to get under way. Away from the track, race officials attended a final briefing to put the finishing touches to the myriad arrangements which are involved in the meticulous planning of this unique nine-race event. With a stellar line-up of the world's best single seater, touring and sports car drivers, and exciting road racing motorcyclists, substantial media coverage is expected from the more than 1,000 reporters, photographers and broadcasters who have been accredited to cover the event. Live satellite broadcasts will bring all the high-octane thrills and spills to countless millions across the globe. While organisers to continue to upgrade the event each year, this time Reservoir and Grandstand ticket holders won't miss a second of the action with more TV screens added in the general areas. As the sun rises on the Macau SAR on Thursday morning, the city will be perfectly prepared for a memorable four-day spectacular.
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Japan Formula 3 champion Yuhi Sekiguchi will compete in the "SJM" Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix, bolstering an already-strong grid, which also includes the champions of the F3 Euro Series, British Formula 3 and ATS Formel 3 Cup. The 23-year-old is a last-minute replacement for Macau driver Michael Ho, who injured his wrist while at the gym. Sekiguchi joins the Mücke Motorsport squad alongside Sweden's Felix Rosenqvist for the highly anticipated Grand Prix, which is also the FIA Formula 3 Intercontinental Cup and the season finale for the inaugural FIA Formula 3 International Trophy. Sekiguchi, who won six races in his championship campaign this season, made his Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix debut in 2010, where he finished 20th. Practice for tomorrow's "SJM" Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix begins at 11:00 am.
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Drivers and riders pose for photographs in front of the famous Ruins of St. Paul's, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Centre of Macau, ahead of this week's 58th Macau Grand Prix – Official Sponsor "SJM". Drivers from the "SJM" Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix and the FIA World Touring Car Championship – Guia Race of Macau – Presented by "SJM", and riders from the City of Dreams Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix – 45th Edition gathered on the steps of one of Macau's most recognizable landmarks to celebrate this year's Grand Prix. Following the photo session, the competitors headed to the Macau Grand Prix Museum for an autograph session with some of the Grand Prix's youngest fans. The local children, from the Chinese and Portuguese schools in Macau, happily posed for photographs with the competitors, with the annual meet-and-greet popular with both fans and the media. Preparations for this year's event, which involve many different Government departments and organizations, are now complete, and Macau is ready to host the 58th running of one of the world's most eagerly-anticipated sporting events.
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The Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF), an initiative by the Macao government, is contributing to China's efforts to achieve specific objectives for a low carbon society, as well as to raise public awareness and improve conditions for humanity. From its launch in 2008 through to 2011, MIECF has grown from strength to strength and regarded as a success by delegates, exhibitors and the international community. Now, MIECF returns for its fifth edition in 2012 from March 29 to March 31, at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. As the 2012MIECF Event Manager, Koelnmesse Pte Ltd is inviting interested service providers to participate in the second phase of Call for Tender, for appointment of service contracts. The range of services being tendered for are: Manpower services (Assist in booth operation and interpretation)
Promotion services
Conference and Green Public Day Operator
Networking Event Operator Interested parties are welcome to submit their tenders. Submission deadline is 1 December 2011. Full information on the tender procedures and specifications can be obtained form the website at www.macaomiecf.com.
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The Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government presents a photographic exhibition titled European Splendour: Photo Exhibition of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in European Union Member States. The exhibition, to be installed in the Mount Fortress Corridor, opens on 26 November 2011.
Featuring 42 extraordinary images of heritage sites in 14 European Union member states, the exhibition portrays various historic centres, natural sites and architectural treasures, including the City of Graz – Historic Centre, the Historic Centre of Prague, Old Rauma, La Grand-Place in Brussels, the Pilgrimage Church in Wies, the Archaeological Site of Delphi, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay, Venice and its Lagoon, the Amsterdam Canal Houses, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, the Rock Carvings in Tanum and Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites.
The Consulates General of the European Union Member States in Hong Kong and Macao decided to share these images of their prestigious heritage sites with the public in Hong Kong and Macao. Organised during the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the exhibition is a result of joint effort and co-operation between the EU and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government.
This event provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the grandeur of the sites protected as cultural heritage in Europe. The exhibition runs from 26 November 2011 to 29 January 2012, in the Mount Fortress Corridor of Macao, and is open daily from 7am to 7pm. Admission is free.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said the Government would study whether to revise the Annex I and II of the Basic Law, which laid out the method for the selection of the Chief Executive and the formation of the Legislative Assembly. Speaking at a press conference after delivering the Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2012, Mr Chui said the Government had been gathering opinion from the public over the issue of development of political system. Since the establishment of the Third-term Macao SAR Government, it had received 164 written responses from the public, he said. On the whole, most of the opinions gathered expressed the wish to make adequate adjustments to the elections of the Chief Executive in 2013 and the Legislative Assembly in 2014, he said. He said the Government would conduct public consultations to continue to gather opinion and stressed that the Government had no preference in the revision of the methods of the two elections. He would soon write to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to confirm the necessary procedures. Mr Chui said the Government would step up relevant studies of Macao's middle class to take into account their concerns when formulating public policies. Speaking on the issue of housing, Mr Chui said the Government would complete the constructions of 19,000 public housing units by the year-end of 2012, begin the planning of a reserve of 6,300 public housing units and waive the rent of public housing tenants for next year. He said the Government had reserved enough land for public housing and urged the public to be patient and have confidence in the Government. Though the Government expected the monthly gaming revenue next year to exceed 20 billion patacas, it would take a cautious approach in managing public finance. He also said that the Government would continue the renewal of urban areas in order to enhance the standard of the environment and hygiene of the older districts. As for the revision of the salary system of civil servants, Mr Chui said he had met many civil servants' associations recently to listen to their opinions. The Government would study the establishment of Civil Service Pay Council, to allow for a fair, independent and scientific pay adjustment mechanism for civil servants.
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