News

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, will be in HK to attend activities to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR and the inauguration of the Fourth Term Government of the HKSAR.
A statement today by the Office of the Government Spokesman said Mr Chui will leave tomorrow to attend the banquet to welcome the President, Mr Hu Jintao, hosted by the HKSAR Government and watch a cultural show. On 1st July, he will attend the inauguration ceremony of the Fourth Term Government of the HKSAR.
The Chief-of-Cabinet of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Tam Chon Weng and the Advisor of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Fung Sio Weng will also attend the activities with Mr Chui.
The Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan, will be Acting Chief Executive while Mr Chui is away.
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More than 260 contestants have submitted their works for the "Precious Moments in Macao" 2012 Photography Competition, which is co-organised by the Government Information Bureau together with eight photographic organisations and four media associations. Out of a total of 1,834 entries, 53 winning entries have been picked after six rounds of professional evaluation. The judging was held on 3 June; the judging panel comprises one representative from the Photographic Society of Macao, Photography Salon Society of Macao, Macao Association for the Promotion of Photographic Art, Macao Association of Photographers, Macao Multimedia Photographic Art Association, Macao Association of Photographic Art, Macao Camera Lens Art Association, Macao Digital Photography Association, Macao Media Workers Association, Macao Journalists' Club, Macao Journalists' Association, and the Macao Media Club, respectively as well as representatives from the Government information Bureau. This year's competition has used an online portal for the submission of entries for the first time. During the submission period between 7-20 May, a total of 1,834 entries from 266 contestants were submitted. These entries reflect changes in Macao's skyline and precious moments in the lives of Macao residents. In addition to the record number of contestants and entries, this year's competition is also marked by the variety and quality of submissions. After six rounds of evaluation by the 13-member judging panel, the following 53 winning entries have been named: First Prize: Ung Teng Pong; Title of Work: Tranquil Prosperity
Second Prize: Cheong Keng Lim; Title of Work: Religious Pomp
Third Prize: Tam Kam Weng; Title of Work: Striving for the Best Winners of the 50 merit prizes are as follows (in no particular order): Agostinho Guilherme Fernandes - Four Girls
Chong Io Sang - Macao's Night Scene
Chong Io Sang - Fireworks over the Water Lam Sai Kuong - Fireworks
Maria Ferreira Sin - Fireworks Splendour
Wong Kwok Fai - Lakeside
Ho Waikin - Hustle and Bustle
Ho Chon In - Small City
Ung Teng Pong - Metamorphoses
Li Man Lok - Glitter Lam Sao Wa - Panoramic View of Taipa and Coloane
Lam Sao Wa - Colourful Skyline
Lam Sao Wa - Piggyback Ride
Leong Kafai - Macao at Dusk
Kuok Kim Va - Frontrunners
Kuok Kim Va - Religious Procession
Kuok Kim Va - Team Work
Kuok Kim Va - Strike
Kuok Kim Va - Amid the Rain
Chan Meng Kai - After the Rain
Chan Chou Meng - Fireworks Display
Chan Chou Meng - Latin Parade
Lok Wai Keong - Bringing Joy to the Elderly
Lok Wai Keong - Lighting up the Sky
Mak Heng Kin - Running Neck and Neck
Vong Kuok Kei - Welcoming the Buddhist Bone Relic
Wong Chang Man - Rolling out the Red Carpet for the Buddhist Bone Relic
Vong Hoi Veng - Taking Flight
Vong Hoi Veng - Sports for All
Wong Keng Si - Unique Macao
Lao Chao I - Buddhist Blessing Ceremony
Au Ieong Kin Hou - Nightfall
Au Ieong Kin Hou - Macao Science Centre
Pun Tak Cheong - Magnificent Pyrotechnics
Pun Tak Cheong - Splash with Blessings
Tang Loi Cheng - Age of Innocence
Tang Chan Seng - Willowy Dance
Tang Chan Seng - Rugby Contest
Tang Chan Seng - Family Fun
Tang Chan Seng - Breaking Loose
Tang Chan Seng - Full Speed Ahead
Tang Ian Tek - Sunset
Tang Kai Lon - Tough Competition
Tang Kai Lon - Mother & Daughter Sharing a Laugh Tang Kai Lon - Hitting the Finishing Line
Jose Lopes Lai - Happy Family
Lou Chon Man - Twilight
Hon Peng U - Nurturing Seedlings
Kuan Fu Lon - Turning Point
Kuan Ka Pou - Over the Horizon Winners of the first, second and third prizes will get a cash prize of MOP8,000, MOP5,000 and MOP3,000 respectively in addition to a trophy while winners of the merit prizes will each get a cash prize of MOP500 and a certificate. In addition, three submissions from the above winning entries have been picked as winners of this year's Yearbook Full-page Illustration Award and their winners will each get a cash prize of MOP1,000. The three winners are as follows (in no particular order):
Tang Chan Seng - Rugby Contest
Kuok Kim Va - Amid the Rain
Tang Loi Cheng - Age of Innocence This year's Yearbook Cover Award, which is decided by the Editorial Committee of the 2012 Macao Yearbook, has been left vacant due to the lack of suitable entries.
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To welcome the coming of summer holidays in July and August, Communications Museum is organizing various interesting summer activities to let participants unleash their potential through interactive, explorative and experimental activities. All are welcome to apply for the activities that still have vacancy, including: The workshop "Component Commando" is suitable for students of Primary 4 to 6 to learn electric components through composing their unique robots. Students of Form 1 to 3 may choose workshops of "Introduction to Electric Circuits", "Electricity and Electromagnet" and / or "Component Commando" to make batteries, lighting decorations, simple telegraphs and electric bars. Students from Primary 6 to Form 1 who like mathematics may choose the workshop "Graphic for Fun". The "Creative Card & Gift Bag Design" workshop will be held for students who are in Form 1 or above and interested in handicrafts.
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The Camp is organized by the Macau Society of Biomedical Engineering and the IEEE-EMB Hong Kong - Macau Joint Chapter, and co-organized by the Biomedical Engineering Laboratory of University of Macau and the Communications Museum. It will wrap up the series of summer activities for the month of July this year. The objective is to inform students on the development and prospects of Biomedical Engineering to expand their perspective of their future studies and choice of elective subjects. The 4-day summer camp targets students promoting to Form 4 or above. In addition to the seminars and workshops to be held in Macau, there will be a tour going to the science park in Zhuhai in order to visit the production lines and enterprises of medical equipment. For details, please refer to the Museum website http://macao.communications.museum .
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the unemployment rate and the underemployment rate for March-May 2012 held stable as the previous period (February-April), at 2.0% and 0.8% respectively. Total labour force decreased slightly by 1,000 from the previous period to 344,000; the labour force participation rate stood at 71.9%, down by 0.5 percentage point. Total employment was 337,000, down by 1,100 over the preceding period. Analysed by industry, employment of Real Estate & Business Activities declined, while that of the Construction, Hotel and Gaming Sectors registered increase. Number of the unemployed was similar to the previous period, at 6,900, with 7.9% being fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job, down by 4.2 percentage points. In comparison with March-May 2011, the unemployment rate and the underemployment rate decreased by 0.6 and 0.5 percentage point respectively, but the labour force participation rate remained unchanged.
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The much anticipated "Macau Gallery" in Malacca, Malaysia opened this afternoon (26) and the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Cheong U led a delegation to Malacca to attend the opening ceremony and gala dinner. While in Malaysia, Cheong U paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Tourism, Malaysia, Y.B. Dato' Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen in Putrajaya. Secretary Cheong U and Director of Macau Government Tourist Office João Manuel Costa Antunes were joined by Chief Minister of Malacca Y.A.B. Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam and Mayor of Malacca Y.Bhg. Zainal bin Hj. Abu to officiate at the ribbon cutting and eye-dotting ceremony to mark the opening of "Macau Gallery". Cheong U had a meeting with Y.A.B. Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam and Mayor of Malacca Y.Bhg. Zainal bin Hj. Abu before the opening. "Macau Gallery" is located only ten minutes away from central Malacca in the number 6 of Bukit Peringgit. The original house was a Pre-War English bungalow in typical Siam style. It was later used as a governmental department of the authority of Malacca and now it is part of the historical heritage in Malacca. Designed and managed by MGTO, "Macau Gallery" is divided into zones with different themes, namely Macau World Heritage, Maritime Routes, Macau Events, Origins and Cultures, where Macau's history, culture, economy and intangible cultural heritage are displayed through multimedia, images, models, ceramic and handicrafts. The gallery also features an information counter, library, multi-function room and esplanade. To supplement the exhibition, 12 art pieces by Macau's painters will be displayed at the "Macau Gallery" from the opening day to the end of September to depict some of Macau's valuable world heritage sites. To promote and increase the exposure of "Macau Gallery", tourism authorities of Malaysia and Malacca includes this venue in the itinerary for its familiarization tours for trade and media and the first familiarization tour consists of media and trade members from Singapore and Malaysia will visit "Macau Gallery" tomorrow. When former Chief Executive Edmund Ho paid an official visit to Malacca in 2007, Chief Minister of Malacca Y.A.B. Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam invited Macau SAR to set up a gallery to promote its tourism and culture in one of Malacca's historical building. In 2009, Chief Executive Chui Sai on, who was the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture at that time, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of Macau SAR government with Malacca authority for the management and usage of the architecture and a renewal construction would be made to transform this property into a center for promotion and exhibition of Macau without compromising and changing the appearance and architecture that mark the origin of the building. The gala dinner was held tonight at Renaissance Melaka Hotel where Antunes addressed the guests saying that the gallery that opened its doors today will serve as an ideal venue for both the people of Malacca as well as its visitors, and also friends from Malaysia at large, to learn about Macau, in particularly its history, culture and tourism elements. He added that given the common ground Macau and Malacca share in their historical link with the Portuguese and being recognized by the UNESCO as world cultural heritage site, the Macau Gallery will also be a platform for mutual exchange to enhance understanding, strengthen friendship and consolidate cooperation. During the dinner, together with the Portuguese folk dance group from Malacca, Macau Lo Liang Athletic Association, Dóci Papiaçám, handicraft artists and singers including Chui Chi Iong, Priscilla Chow and Vivian Chan from Macau brought wonderful performance to the guests, showcasing the unique and yet related cultural charm of the two places. Members of the delegation include Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Cheong U, MGTO Director João Manuel Costa Antunes, MGTO Destination Promotion Department Head Betty Fok, Macau Museum Director Chan Ieng Hin, Maritime Museum Director Wu Chu Peng, representatives from University of Macau and Macau Artist Society.
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Jointly organized by the Environmental Protection Bureau and the Law Reform and International Law Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, the workshop on "EU's Experience in Establishment and Implementation of the Environmental Impact Assessment System" took place on June 22nd in Macao. This workshop invited two Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) experts from the European Union (EU), in a bid to share EU's invaluable experience in its establishment and implementation of an EIA system. To share and exchange experience on EIA legislation and implementation with regions already having a comprehensive EIA system in place, the EU and the relevant public departments of the Macao SAR co-organized the workshop on "EU's Experience in Establishment and Implementation of the Environmental Impact Assessment System". This event was integrated as part of the 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field and took place on June 22nd, in the Lotus Room of the World Trade Center Macau, 5th floor. For the workshop, the organizers invited two EU EIA experts as keynote speakers: Ms. Lubomila Popova, an expert on EU environmental law from the Environment Agency Austria, and Dr. Philippe Bergeron who is an independent consultant. The keynote speeches featured the principles, objectives and components of the EU EIA Directive, and case studies about applying EIA in the construction of environmental infrastructure facilities in the EU. A total of 120 participants from a wide range of sectors - professionals from the Macao SAR Government departments, teachers and students from higher education institutions , to experts in the environmental and legal studies - exchanged ideas and experience during the Q&A session. By organizing this workshop, the Environmental Protection Bureau hopes to promote exchange, capacity building and training in the regulatory and technical aspects of EIA, and increase relevant professional's knowledge and understanding of the EIA system in various regions, for the impetus towards an establishment of an EIA system in Macao. The 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, which incorporates this workshop, has as its main objective the "Consolidation of the Macao Legal System" and will take place until December 2013. The execution of this Programme is coordinated by the Law Reform and International Law Bureau, with the participation of several other MSAR's entities and public departments.
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The University of Macau's (UM) first University Assembly and University Council Joint Meeting for the 2011/2012 academic year was held on 13 June. Chui Sai On, chief executive of Macao SAR, chancellor of UM, and chair of UM's University Assembly, said at the meeting that with the completion of the new campus at the end of this year, UM will embark on a new stage of development. He expressed his hope that UM educates students with a multi-faceted approach to increase the international competitiveness of Macao people and make a contribution to the development of Macao and China. The latest development of UM, including the progress of the new campus and the Charter revision work were also reported at the meeting. In his speech, Chui Sai On noted that the SAR government's goal to develop Macao into a world tourist centre and a platform for business and trade cooperation with Portuguese-speaking countries requires that UM, as the first university in Macao, fulfill its responsibility to continue to nurture quality graduates, because education is an important means of providing a steady supply of professionals to answer society's needs. He praised that UM has lived up to people's expectations since the founding of the Macao SAR government. He said that UM has always made an effort to seize the opportunities brought by the rapid economic development and bravely risen up to the various challenges with the progress of society. He noted that with the support of the SAR government and the local community, UM has constantly improved itself in various areas, as reflected in the introduction of an international-quality campus management system, the development of a quality faculty team, the promotion of an environmentally-friendly campus, the effort to create a group of high-quality disciplines with distinct character, the importance it attaches to the state key laboratories, and the implementation of a new "4-in-1" pedagogical model that consists of discipline-specific education, general education, research and internship education, and community and peer education. He said UM keeps pace with the times and is determined to become a world-class university with regional characteristics through various reforms. UM will embark on a new stage in its history after the new campus is built. Chui expressed his hope that UM can draw a blueprint for the future and nurture outstanding graduates with a multi-faceted approach in order to raise Macao people's international competitiveness and contribute to the development of Macao and China. He said that the SAR government will increase investment in education and provide continued support for UM. UM Rector Wei Zhao then gave a speech in which he made a work summary for 2012 and shared work priorities for the 2012/2013 academic year in administration, academic affairs, student affairs and research. He said in administration UM will continue to cooperate with the UM Charter Revision Task Force to implement the various phases of the Charter revision, and will revise the mid- and long-term development plans and devise contingency plans for new campus construction and relocation, to ensure safety and stability during the relocation process. He added that UM will operate in accordance with law and use public funds prudently. In academic affairs, he mentioned that UM will implement a multi-track academic staff management scheme, continue to reform law programmes, and institutionalize the "4-in-1" pedagogical model. On the front of student affairs, he disclosed that UM will further improve the student affairs system through restructuring, and will increase the scale of residential colleges. For research, he said UM will make preparations for the establishment of a large-scale, open biochemical laboratory, and will promote multi-disciplinary cooperation and explore other research methodologies of social sciences. Attendees at the joint meeting included Chui Sai On, Ng Fok, Vitor Ng, Lei Pang Chu, Lam Kam Seng, Siu Yin Wai, Zhou Ligao, Maria Edith da Silva, Ma Iao Lai, Susana Chou, Leong Vai Tac, Ho Iat Seng, Joaquim Jorge Perestrelo Neto Valente, Wong Chi Seng, Wong King Keung, Lao Ngai Leong, José Lai, Kong Tat Choi, Lei Pui Lam, Wong Chong Fat, Tong Chi Kin, Kou Kam Fai, Chui Sai Peng, Au Chong Kit, Leong Heng Teng, Vong Hin Fai, Yeung Tsun Man, Huen Wing Ming, Iao Man Leng, Sou Chio Fai, Vitória Alice Maria da Conceição, Tse Chi Wai, Wei Zhao, Simon Ho, Rui Martins, Alex Lai, Philip Chen, Jacky So, Xu Jie, Tong Io Cheng, Ao Peng Kong, Kot Man Kam, Liao Jianfeng, and Vu Kai Pong. Cheong U, secretary for social affairs and culture of Macao SAR, and Tam Chon Weng, chief of the Office of the Chief Executive also attended the meeting as non-voting delegates.
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MGTO's representatives from around the world joined the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) Annual Marketing Meeting held from June 18th to 22nd in Macau to report and discuss upcoming promotion plan and strategies. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Cheong U attended the welcome dinner. MGTO and the representatives also had a meeting with Hong Kong Tourism Board to strengthen cooperation and promote multi-destination itinerary. 54 MGTO representatives from various countries and regions arrived Macau on the 18th to attend the MGTO Annual Marketing Meeting. On the night, Secretary Cheong was present at the welcome dinner and met with the representatives. During their stay in Macau, the representatives participated in the Public Release of PATA/Macau Task Force Report "Towards a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure" and a mini mart organized by MGTO to communicate with local travel trade for exchange and update. MGTO also arranged the representatives to inspect the newly-opened tourist facilities in Macau. MGTO department heads met with different representatives to review their work over the past year, while to discuss future projects and plan in order to launch promotion activities more effectively. Directors of MGTO conveyed the latest information and directions to the representatives, hoping that the promotion work in different countries and regions can go well in accord with Macau tourism development and facilitate the goal of developing Macau into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. Led by Chairman Anthony Lau, representatives from Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) took the opportunity to meet with directors, department heads and representatives of MGTO to exchange ideas regarding marketing strategies and probed into the prospect of further cooperation and jointly promote multi-destination itineraries while sharing best practices in marketing.
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University of Macau (UM) Prof. Fan Jianhong from the Faculty of Law and Dr. Zhao Yuan, a postdoctoral student at UM, published a book entitled "Law of Corporations and Partnerships in Macau" via Kluwer Law International, a world-famous publishing company. The book has also been included in the International Encyclopaedia for Corporations & Partnerships. ( Suppl. 63 ) . Prof. Fan's PhD student Lao Io Keong, who is a lawyer in Macao, also contributed to the introduction to the book. Kluwer Law International is now part of Wolters Kluwer Law & Business. Legal practitioners, corporate counsel and business executives around the world rely on its journals, looseleafs, books, and electronic products for comprehensive information in many areas of international legal practice. Wolters Kluwer Law & Business is a leading provider of research information and workflow solutions in key specialty areas. The strengths of the individual brands of Aspen Publishers, CCH, Kluwer Law International and Loislaw are aligned within this Wolters Kluwer division to provide comprehensive, in-depth solutions and expert-authored content for the legal, professional and education markets.
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