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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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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals decreased by 6.5% year-on-year to 2,146,542 in May 2012; same-day visitors (1,109,995) accounted for 51.7% of the total. The average length of stay of visitors decreased by 0.1 day year-on-year to 1.0 day, with overnight visitors and same-day visitors staying 1.8 days and 0.2 day respectively. Analyzed by place of residence, visitors from Mainland China decreased by 4.2% year-on-year to 1,271,540, coming mostly from Guangdong Province (616,540), Fujian Province (58,585), Hunan Province (48,807) and Zhejiang Province (48,607). Mainland visitors travelling to Macao under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) fell by 0.9% to 526,279. At the same time, visitors from Hong Kong (540,435); Taiwan, China (78,834); and the Republic of Korea (31,292) decreased by 11.8%, 23.2% and 2.1% respectively, while Japanese visitors (33,655) increased by 17.6%. Besides, long-haul visitors from the Americas (26,783), Europe (19,515) and Oceania (9,417) also recorded year-on-year increase of 5.7%, 3.2% and 0.5% respectively. In the first five months of 2012, visitor arrivals increased by 3.7% year-on-year to 11,471,018. Visitors from Mainland China (6,890,366), the Republic of Korea (184,993) and Japan (171,519) increased by 9.8%, 12.6% and 12.5% respectively; long-haul visitors also registered year-on-year increase. However, visitors from Hong Kong (2,915,451) and Taiwan, China (414,366) decreased by 6.0% and 15.2% respectively.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao starts in the current month to disseminate mortgage loans statistics on a monthly basis. According to statistics released today, new approvals of residential mortgage loans (RMLs) rose whereas commercial real estate loans (CRELs) dropped in April 2012. With regard to outstanding balance, RMLs and CRELs witnessed slight increases. New Lending Approved In April 2012, new RMLs approved by Macao banks grew 2.5% month-to-month to MOP2.8 billion; of which, 91.7% was extended to residents. In terms of value, new RMLs to residents edged down 0.2% whereas those to non-residents grew 45.9%. New RMLs collateralised by uncompleted units (i.e. equitable mortgage) rose 49.2% month-to-month to MOP96 million; of which 97.1% was extended to residents. The equitable mortgage to residents rose 118.7% whereas that to non-residents dropped 87.0%. New CRELs declined month-to-month by 59.5% to MOP1.5 billion; of which, 91.4% was granted to residents. In terms of value, new CRELs to residents and non-residents contracted 49.8% and 86.7% respectively from one month earlier. Outstanding Balances As at end-April 2012, the outstanding value of RMLs reached MOP79.2 billion, an increase of 1.7% from one month earlier. The resident component made up 92.3% of the total. Outstanding RMLs to residents and non-residents grew by 1.7% and 1.6% respectively over one month earlier. Concurrently, the outstanding value of CRELs grew 1.2% from end-March to MOP61.8 billion. Residents accounted for 90.1% of the loans. Compared with one month earlier, outstanding CRELs to residents edged up 0.7% while those to non-residents rose 6.0%. Delinquency Ratios At the end of April 2012, the delinquency ratio for RMLs stood at 0.09%, up 0.01 percentage point from one month earlier. The ratio for CRELs remained unchanged from end-March at 0.09%.
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To develop the safety management concepts of the operators, and further ensure that the operators comply with the Macao aviation regulations and the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to implement their Safety Management Systems (SMS), the Civil Aviation Authority (AACM) organized an SMS course on 19 to 21 June 2012 and invited an ICAO expert to conduct training to the local airlines and the airport operators. The three-day course aimed at developing the knowledge of the participants on SMS concepts and also strengthening the importance of complying with the relevant Macao regulations on SMS and the ICAO SARPs to implement the different tasks in SMS. In addition, the operators should understand their responsibilities within SMS, and how SMS can enhance aviation safety, improve service quality and operation efficiency to ultimately deliver success to the company on the long run. The course was divided into 10 modules and was carried out in lectures, group discussions, practical exercises and case study tests. The main topics covered were SMS concepts, hazard and risk identification and management, safety management requirements in the annexes of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, relationship between State Safety Programme (SSP) and SMS, planning and implementation of SMS and so on. The speaker invited by AACM was the Chief Technical Advisor, Cooperative Development of Operational Safety & Continuing Airworthiness Programme – South East Asia (COSCAP-SEA), ICAO, Mr. Kim Trethewey, who is also the Project Coordinator and Flight Operations Expert in COSCAP-SEA. Mr. Kim Trethewey has enriching experience in lecturing SMS. He has been invited by Macao in the past to lecture similar topics and is familiar with the safety management environment in Macao. He is able to convey to the Macao participants the experiences in other countries as reference for application in Macao. The SMS course was conducted in AACM office with participation of more than 30 people, most of whom were management and technical staff responsible for flight safety, quality control, security and aircraft maintenance. These participants came from AACM, Air Macau Co. Ltd., East Asia Airlines Ltd., JetAsia Ltd., Macau Jet International Co. Ltd, Administration of Airports Ltd., and Menzies Macau Airport Services Ltd. To work together with the industry to strengthen the management of safety and create a good safety culture, AACM being the regulatory body in aviation safety in Macao organizes regular training courses for the industry to allow the latter to better understand Macao's aviation regulations, ICAO requirements as well as their own company responsibilities. AACM has already conducted a number of SMS courses lectured by ICAO experts for over 150 industry people. The SMS is a systematic approach to managing safety and is implemented by the airlines, maintenance organizations, air traffic service providers and airport operators. Its components include organization structure, accountability, policies and procedures. In compliance with the Convention on International Civil Aviation, Macau International Airport, all local airlines and the ground handler have implemented their respective SMSs in or before 2009. In addition to implementing SMS by the operators, AACM commenced the drafting of the Macao SAR Safety Programme (Macao SAR SSP) in 2010 and has since then devised the Macao SAR Safety Policy, the SSP Manual, the SMS Audit Guidelines and the SMS Requirements Update. As the Macao SAR SSP should interact with the operators' SMSs, AACM will collaborate with the operators to implement the two systems, with the objective of contributing to the long-term and effective management of safety in Macao.
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The Human Trafficking Deterrent Measures Concern Committee was established in September 2007, aiming to tackle the problem of human trafficking by the Law "Combat the Crime of Trafficking in Person", which is in line with a number of international conventions; as well as working under the 4P framework adopted internationally including prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership. To prevent trafficking in persons, the VITA system is adopted to identify victims. Seminars and campaigns are organized in community and campus. Broadcast is made at the immigration office and Public Health Laboratory to remind foreign workers to be aware of being trafficked. Promotions are made on television, radio, newspapers, buses, taxis and public streets so as to raise the awareness of human trafficking and protection of minors. Hotlines are set up for report and assistance. Nearly 7,000 staffs, including frontline officers are given training on the issue. Moreover, a commissioned study was conducted by the Faculty of Education of the University of Macau. Multi-languages pamphlets and posters are also distributed to the public. In order to better protect the victims, independent shelters for male victims, female victims and minors are established. Victims are being taken care of through social support services, including subsidies, transportation and visa fees, clothing, daily necessities, food, etc. The victims can also receive counseling, physical examination, medical services, language translation and vocational training. If the victim's personal safety is being threatened, protection will be provided. They will also be given permit to stay in Macau until the trial is over and then sent home safely. Macau, together with the Mainland and Hong Kong Police annually carry out joint anti-crime operations, focusing on combating cross-border crimes including human trafficking. Coordinated by the Unitary Police, the Public Security Police and Judiciary Police carry out raids and inspections in casinos, karaoke, bars, Internet cafes, billiard rooms, hotels, motels, games centers, massage parlors and nightclubs. Over the past five years, a total number of 51 human trafficking cases of sexual exploitation are cracked, 77 female victims are rescued and 46 suspects were arrested. The Committee works closely with local and international NGOs, as well as International Organizations. The Good Shepherd Center assists the government in providing translation of foreign languages. The Committee also funds the Good Shepherd Center's propaganda to raise awareness in protecting women and minors. In collaboration with the Women's General Association of Macau, a 24 hour helpline was set up, community education events are also organized in order to prevent trafficking and forced labour. The Committee also works with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Hong Kong Office in organizing training and escorting victims to return home safely. In addition, a cooperation agreement on human trafficking is signed with the Mongolia government, setting up a point-to-point contact mechanism. By participating in the Bali Process meeting, the Community is given a chance to explore the global trend of human trafficking and illegal immigration, so as to master the changing situation of the environment. Trafficking in persons is an international and cross-border crime which impairs the legal interests of our society. The Human Trafficking Deterrent Measures Concern Committee will never underestimate the rapid change and challenges in the future of the international community and the economic environment, and will continue to enhance our effort in combating human trafficking.
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The Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) sends the 2011 Population Census questionnaires and respective documents to be destroyed at the Macao Incineration Plant on 21 June 2012. Data collection of the 2011 Population Census was conducted in August 2011. In accordance with Article 14 of the Administrative Regulation 15/2011, questionnaires of the 2011 Population Census have to be destroyed within one year after data collection. Following the publication of the detailed results, about 200,000 questionnaires and documents containing data on individuals, households and building units are sent to the Macao Incineration Plant on 21 June 2012 to be destroyed under the close supervision of the DSEC staff.
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