News

Prof. Jia Jinhua from the University of Macau (UM) Faculty of Arts and Humanities has been elected fellow of the National Humanities Center (NHC) of the United States, becoming the first from the Greater China region (Macao, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore) to be elected a fellow of NHC. She has also been invited to work on her research projects at the centre during the 2014-2015 period. NHC is one of the few renowned "institutes for advanced studies" in the world. It is dedicated to promoting intellectual autonomy, intellectual depth, and scholarly community. Earlier Prof. Jia was elected member of the Academic Committee of the Academy of Chinese Buddhism. She has also been invited to serve as a partner of the World Consortium for Research in Confucian Culture and as a plenary speaker for the Consortium's inauguration conference "Confucian Values and a Changing World Cultural Order" to be held in October 2014 in Hawaii.
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The Institute for Tourism Studies "Career Day 2014" was held on 26 February at IFT Taipa Campus. The event aimed to provide more information on the employment trends and prospects in the tourism and hospitality industry for graduating students, thus increasing their chances of success in job hunting. 19 organisations with about 1,300 job vacancies from the tourism and services industry joined the event. These included DFS Cotai Limitada, East Asia Airline Limited, EGL Tours (Macau) Company Limited, Four Seasons Hotel Macao Cotai Strip, Galaxy Entertainment Group, Grand Hyatt Macau, L'Arc Macau, Lisboa Hotels Complex Macau, Louis Vuitton Macau Company Limited, Melco Crown Entertainment, MGM MACAU, Menzies Macau Airport Services Limited, New Yaohan, Nuance-Watson (Macau) Limited, Sands China, Sheraton Macao, Shun Tak Holdings (Macau) Limited, Wing On Holidays (Macau) Limited and Wynn Macau. Representatives from the participating organisations introduced career prospects and positions available in their companies as well as arranged on site interviews for graduating students and alumni. The graduates-to-be and alumni were enthusiastic about the event. Questions regarding employment trends and employers' expectation were raised and discussed in the fair. The employment rate of IFT graduates is always satisfactory. A graduates' employment survey was conducted with respondents of 2011/12 graduates. According to the survey results, 96.7% of the degree programme graduates were employed, 3.3% graduates pursued further studies; 78% of the employed graduates worked in the tourism and hospitality sector, the median salary of MOP12,900. The Career Day aimed to be the direct communication platform between students and employers, allowing students to have a better idea about the current job market and maximised their chance of successful job application.
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Three PhD students from the University of Macau (UM) State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI and Faculty of Science and Technology did exceptionally well at the 61st IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC), which is considered the "Chip Olympics". One of them received the IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society Predoctoral Achievement Award, and the other two were interviewed during the conference by a number of the world's leading IC companies including MediaTek and Qualcomm, with Qualcomm inviting them to visit its headquarters in San Diego, United States, with full financial support, to present their papers and to each receive an intensive five-hour job interview. The three students, Yan Zushu, Lin Fujian and Lin Zhicheng, are supervised by Chair Professor Rui Martins and Prof. Elvis Mak Pui In.
Over 3,000 representatives from the academia and industry attended this year's ISSCC, which was held in San Francisco, United States. The UM team presented four state-of-the-art chips at the conference. Yan Zushu received the IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society Predoctoral Achievement Award, making UM one of the first two universities from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao to receive this award since its founding in 1983 (the other university being the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology). The other seven recipients of this award come from the University of California, Berkeley; the University of California, Los Angeles; the California Institute of Technology; the KU Leuven; the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST); and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
The other two students, Lin Fujian and Lin Zhicheng, after presenting their works which were considered to be of exceptional quality, were interviewed during the conference by a number of the world's leading IC companies including MediaTek and Qualcomm, with Qualcomm inviting them to visit its headquarters in San Diego, United States, with full financial support, to present their papers and to each receive an intensive five-hour job interview. The award and the international recognition are testament to the high quality of the research results achieved by UM's students in the highly competitive field of electronics.
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Consumer Council conducted its seventh 'Supermarket price survey' in February on 24th February for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Surveyed locations included 12 supermarkets in Sé Parish. The latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' is now available on Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo), and the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. The survey is also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM's Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. With reference to the local six parishes and the number of supermarkets in each parish, the Council has divided around 100 supermarkets into 8 areas for price collection. The Council collects prices from these supermarkets for the provision of a more comprehensive database for consumers to check price discrepancies and make price comparisons according to their desired locations. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) hosts spring banquets and travel marts in Taipei and Kaohsiung today and tomorrow, taking this chance to introduce MGTO's main working goals this year to local media and travel trade while providing networking and cooperation opportunities for industry partners from Macau and Taiwan. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes and about 20 travel trade delegates set off from Macau for spring-festival group visits and promotion activities in Taipei and Kaohsiung on 24 – 25 February. The program includes travel mart, media luncheon, trade dinner and trade award ceremony, etc. During the visit, MGTO introduces its working goals in 2014 as well as its projects and schemes for Taiwan market. The activities are held to facilitate cooperation and exchange opportunities between industry partners from both destinations. The Office also presents awards to encourage Taiwan trade to keep promoting Macau as a travel destination. Head of Macau Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan, China, Nadia Leong Kit Chi; Chairman of Travel Agent Association of Taiwan and Taipei Association of Travel Agents, Louis Hsu; Deputy Director of Cross-Strait Tourism Exchange Association Taipei Office, Li Jianping attended the trade dinner in Taipei. Director Senna Fernandes commented that despite inauguration of direct flights across the Straits, the number of flights between Taiwan and Macau has dropped to certain extent; nonetheless, the ratio of overnight stay visitors and hotel overnight guests from Taiwan keeps growing in Macau, having almost doubled over the past five years. Macau has gradually become a leisure tourism destination worthy of a longer trip in Taiwanese visitors' perspective, a phenomenon that can be attributed to the concerted efforts of the trade, media and MGTO. With the signing of "Air Transport Agreement between Macao and Taiwan", it is expected that more airlines can provide flight service between Macau and Taiwan. The Office will also enhance its cooperation with airlines and travel agencies in Taiwan market, suggesting fun ideas of exploration in Macau and various itineraries ranging from cultural, festive to shopping tour packages which are tailor-made for different niche audiences like "family visitors", "office workers", "female visitors", "newlyweds" and "silver peers" so that any types of visitors can enjoy a trip in Macau which accommodates their interest. In addition, the Office will continue to promote multi-destination tour products and in particular, launch a new Macau – Hengqin tour route riding on the opening of Chimelong's theme park in Hengqin this year. Visitors can therefore explore both cities as a new and diverse experience. MGTO will visit Kaohsiung along with Macau trade delegates on 25 February and host a banquet for local media and trade. The Office will also organize a travel mart for industry partners from both destinations to explore and discuss business opportunities. In the end, the Office hopes that more residents in Southern Taiwan will find it a fascinating idea to visit Macau.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that as the Lunar New Year falls on January this year, visitor arrivals totalled 2,503,609, up by 8% year-on-year, attributable to an increase in visitors from Mainland China. Same-day visitors accounted for 54% of the total, at 1,344,101. In January 2014, visitors from Mainland China increased by 15% year-on-year to 1,689,277, coming primarily from Guangdong Province (815,240), Fujian Province (59,924) and Shanghai (54,046); Mainland visitors travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme totalled 832,381, sharing 49% of the total from Mainland China. Moreover, visitors from Taiwan, China (77,859) and the Republic of Korea (59,143) increased by 1% and 12% respectively year-on-year, while those from Hong Kong (494,149) and Japan (25,736) decreased by 3% and 4%. Long-haul visitors from the United States (14,483), Australia (11,311) and Canada (5,750) decreased by 1%, 7% and 4% respectively year-on-year; on the contrary, visitors from the Russian Federation (4,115) increased by 6%. The average length of stay of visitors stayed unchanged from a year earlier, at 1.0 day in January 2014; overnight and same-day visitors stayed an average of 1.9 days and 0.2 day respectively.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total value of retail sales for the whole year of 2013 reached MOP 66.04 billion, up by 23% year-on-year. Analyzed by value of sales, retail of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (MOP 20.46 billion) and Goods in Department Stores (MOP 10.39 billion) accounted for 31% and 16% of the total respectively. Volume of retail sales for 2013 increased by 24% year-on-year, with notable increase in sales of Communication Equipment (+49%); Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (+39%); and Leather Goods (+27%). Value of retail sales for the fourth quarter of 2013 totalled MOP 18.25 billion, up by 14% compared with the revised figure of MOP 16.05 billion in the third quarter. Retail sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery amounted to MOP 5.56 billion (30% of total), sales of Goods in Department Stores shared 16%, Leather Goods took up 11% and Adults' Clothing shared 10%. Value of retail sales for the fourth quarter of 2013 increased by 25% year-on-year, with marked increase being observed in sales of Communication Equipment (+64%), Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (+35%), Chinese Food Products (+29%) and Goods in Department Stores (+27%). After removing the effect of prices, volume of retail sales for the fourth quarter of 2013 increased by 28% year-on-year, of which sales of Communication Equipment (+67%) and Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (+56%) posted significant increase. Meanwhile, volume of retail sales rose by 13% quarter-to-quarter, of which sales of Adults' Clothing (+26%), Cosmetics & Sanitary Articles (+24%) and Footwear (+24%) grew notably; on the contrary, sales of Furniture & Lighting; and Motorcycles, Parts & Accessories declined by 13% and 8% respectively. In respect of the comments of the retailers, about 68% stated that sales volume in the fourth quarter of 2013 increased or held stable over the previous quarter, same as those holding the same sentiment in the third quarter, while 32% reported decrease in sales volume. In terms of the retail prices, about 68% reported stable prices, 25% stated an increase and 7% noted a decrease. In comparison with the same quarter of 2012, about 66% expressed that the stock level was normal in the fourth quarter of 2013, while 16% indicated that the stock level was low. As regards business outlook for the first quarter of 2014, about 19% anticipate that sales volume will increase from the fourth quarter of 2013, and 58% expect sales volume to remain stable, while 23% foresee a decrease. Concurrently, about 65% predict stable retail prices, 27% expect an increase, while 8% predict a decrease in retail prices.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (127.85) for January 2014 increased by 6.35% year-on-year, under the influence of the Lunar New Year that falls in January this year, while in 2013, Lunar New Year falls in February. Increase in the Composite CPI was attributable to higher rentals for dwellings, as well as rising charges for eating out and hairdressing services. In comparison with January 2013, notable increase was observed in the price index of Housing & Fuels (+11.26%); Recreation & Culture (+8.18%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.73%) on account of higher rentals, rising charges for eating out and package tours, as well as general increase in the prices of fresh food and produce during the Lunar New Year period. On the contrary, price index of Communication decreased by 1.62%. The CPI-A (128.25) and CPI-B (128.31) increased by 6.93% and 6.30% respectively year-on-year. The Composite CPI for January 2014 increased by 0.77% month-to-month. Price index of Miscellaneous Goods & Services and Recreation & Culture rose by 2.69% and 1.72% month-to-month due to higher charges for hairdressing services and package tours. Meanwhile, seasonal sale of winter clothing pushed down the price index of Clothing & Footwear by 1.65%. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.86% and 0.77% respectively month-to-month. For the 12 months ended January 2014, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.61% from the previous period. Price index of Housing & Fuels (+10.05%); Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.64%); and Health (+6.31%) registered remarkable increase, while price index of Communication and Education decreased by 2.33% and 0.97% respectively. The average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.20% and 5.50% respectively. The 2008/2009-based Composite CPI 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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For the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June, Consumer Council conducted its specific price surveys on oral care products and milk powder on 20th February. Results of the mentioned surveys have been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and are available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call the Council's hotline: 8988 9315.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) attended Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) 2014 in Australia to promote Macau's latest travel information and Incentive Travel Stimulation Program among Australian and international business-tourism industry partners, hoping to encourage more event organizers to hold meetings and incentive travel events in Macau so as to boost the city's business tourism development. MGTO attended AIME 2014 in Melbourne, Australia on 18 – 19 February together with Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and delegates representing eight business tourism enterprises from Macau. As one of the largest and most influential events in the meetings and events industry in Asia-Pacific Region, AIME was held at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre this year, offering an important platform for exchange among industry partners from around the world. The organizer expressed that this year's number of Australian hosted buyers surged by 46% over last year. 80% of hosted buyers have confirmed business with exhibitors they met at AIME 2013. The event also saw a rise of 25% in the Australian hosted buyer target this year. Macau co-exhibitors commented that those who engaged in the travel fair are prominent industry buyers and they are satisfied with their achievement in AIME 2014. Themed after its promotional slogan "Vibrant Moments･Experience Macau", MGTO ran a 90-square-meter booth, released its latest promotional videos and distributed its newest discs "The Incentive Guide". The Office also showcased Macau's latest business tourism trends and products including event venues, hotels, sightseeing attractions, restaurants, activities and various development schemes.
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