News

IFT's training hotel Pousada de Mong-Há received TripAdvisor 2014 Travelers' Choice Awards, ranked as the 6th out of the Top 10 Small Hotels in Greater China. It also won the Number 5 Bargain Hotel in the Greater China among the Top 25. Besides, it is also honoured as one of the Top 25 Hotels for Romance in Greater China, ranked as the 14th on the list. Pousada de Mong-Há is a training hotel operated by Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT). It features 20 guestrooms including 4 suites, with 2 restaurants, a conference room, gym room and a cozy library. Situated on a historic hilltop and away from the casino glitz, the hotel is an oasis in the bustling little city where guests can enjoy time in peaceful ambience. What makes the hotel different is that it is operated by a team of hospitality professionals and enthusiastic students, providing services to guests sincerely. Guests not only can feel the care of the students, they also directly contribute and being a part in the training process of cultivating local tourism talents. Being a training hotel, receiving awards and getting recognitions from the public means a lot to students. Pousada de Mong-Há has honorably received this award from TripAdvisor for 4 consecutive years. It gives them a lot of valuable support and encouragement. This is also recognition for IFT's teaching standards and thus motivating IFT to always be at the forefront of teaching quality. The annual TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards honour the world's best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers. Unlike many other hotel awards programmes in the world, TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice winners are based on the millions of reviews and opinions from guests around the world. Further to the TripAdvisor award, Pousada de Mong-Há has also been recommended by the Michelin Hong Kong Macau Guidebook for 6 consecutive years.
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In order to promote the development of the local music culture and enhance the training and performance abilities of young local musicians, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (CAB) promotes the 32nd Macao Young Musicians Competition. Applications are open from 28 February to 10 March, 2014 (weekends included), at the Cultural Affairs Bureau Building, located in Tap Seac Square, Macao, from 9am to 1pm and from 2.30pm to 7.30pm (applications are not accepted during lunch time). The competition will be held at the Dom Pedro V Theatre from 14th June to 27th July, and comprises 45 different categories divided in Western instruments, Chinese instruments and vocal music. Western instrument categories include strings, plucked-strings, winds and percussion; Chinese instrument categories include Chinese winds, plucked-strings, bowed-strings and percussion; vocal categories include vocal solo and vocal ensemble. Group competitions are also available for Western instruments including Chamber Music for Strings, Wind and Percussion Instruments, as well as for Chinese instruments. The CAB made amendments to the competition regulations, prizes and assessment criteria this year. The competition is divided into preliminaries and finals. A total of three levels - 'Elementary Level', 'Intermediate Level' and 'Advanced Level' – comprise the preliminary round. All levels will offer a Certificate of Merit as well as a First, Second and Third Prize. In the preliminary round, participants who win a First Prize or individuals / groups recommended by adjudicators are eligible to enter the finals. To effectively reflect the performance level and skill of awarded participants, one Cultural Affairs Bureau Prize and First, Second and Third Prizes will be awarded at the finals for each Solo category at Elementary Level, Intermediate Level and Advanced Level, as well as one 'Best Ensemble Performance Prize' for the Group categories. The Cultural Affairs Bureau Prize consists of a scholarship for a Bachelor's programme of music performance (musical instruments or voice). The value amount of this scholarship equals the net amount of the first-year tuition fee and the winner will also have the opportunity to perform in concerts organised by the Macao Orchestra or the Macao Chinese Orchestra of the Cultural Affairs Bureau. Participants in the Chinese/Western instruments categories must be born in or after 1991, while those entering the vocal music categories must have been born in or after 1989. All participants must have a valid Macao Resident ID. To provide adequate time for participants to choose a satisfactory accompanist, the age of those accompanying is not limited although they must also hold valid Macao Resident ID Cards. The information of the accompanist need not be submitted during registration although they must present their original Macao Resident ID card at the competition venue in order to have their identity verified. Participants are required to submit completed forms with relevant documents upon registration. To facilitate applications, the Organiser allows participants to be registered by a representative or in groups in addition to conducting registration procedures in person. The relevant rules and regulations, registration forms and name list of compulsory pieces can be downloaded from the Cultural Affairs Bureau website (www.icm.gov.mo/cjmm). Participants who would like to look up the music scores of compulsory pieces are welcome to do so at the Cultural Affairs Bureau Building from 9am to 5.30pm, from Monday to Friday, and at the Macao Central Library (No. 89 A-B, Av. Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida) from 10am to 8pm from Monday to Sunday. For enquiries, please contact the CAB through phone (853) 8399 6609 / 8399 6618 / 8399 6620 or (853) 8399 6621 during office hours. From 28 February to 10 March, please contact the CAB through phone (853) 8399 6911.
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Consumer Council conducted its sixth 'Supermarket price survey' in February on 19th February for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Surveyed locations included 9 supermarkets in São Lázaro and São Lourenço Parishes. 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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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, new SME lending approved by Macao banks continued to grow in the second half of 2013. Concurrently, the utilisation of SME credit in proportion to the credit limit approved by banks rebounded. New Lending Approved In the second half of 2013, new SME credit limit approved by Macao banks totalled MOP16.3 billion, up by 29.1% from the first half year or 33.8% from the same period of 2012. The collateralised ratio, which indicates the proportion of credit limit with tangible assets pledged, was 77.7%, up 2.5 percentage points when compared with the last survey period or 12.9 percentage points when compared with the same period of 2012. Credit Utilisation As at end-December 2013, the outstanding value of total SME loans increased 22.4% from end-June or 26.9% from a year earlier to MOP40.4 billion. When compared with end-June, SME loans to "non-monetary financial institutions", "wholesale and retail trade" and "transport, warehouse and communications" increased at respective rates of 67.4%, 44.7% and 23.9%, whereas those to "agriculture and fisheries", "restaurants, hotels and similar activities" and "education" dropped 10.9%, 10.7% and 6.1% respectively. The utilisation rate, defined as the proportion of outstanding credit balance to the credit limit granted, rose 8.3 percentage points from six months ago to 65.0%. Delinquent Loans At the end of 2013, the outstanding balance of delinquent SME loans decreased by 12.6% from six months ago to MOP144.5 million. Compared to a year ago, the balance dropped 52.0%. The delinquency ratio, a ratio of delinquent loans outstanding balance to total SME loans outstanding, dropped 0.14 percentage points from end-June or 0.59 percentage points from a year earlier to 0.36%. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao
(Tel：83952532; Fax：28353042)
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total spending (excluding gaming expenses) of visitors for the whole year of 2013 reached MOP59.5 billion, up by 14% from MOP52.3 billion in 2012. Per-capita spending of visitors was MOP2,030, up by 9% year-on-year, with that of overnight visitors and same-day visitors rising by 8% and 13%, at MOP3,475 and MOP662 respectively. In the fourth quarter of 2013, total spending of visitors amounted to MOP16.3 billion, up by 12% year-on-year. Spending of overnight visitors totalled MOP13.4 billion and that of same-day visitors was MOP2.9 billion, up by 7% and 46% respectively. Per-capita spending of visitors in the fourth quarter was MOP2,201, up by 9% year-on-year. Mainland visitors had the highest per-capita spending of MOP2,801, and spending of those travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) reached MOP2,909; besides, per-capita spending of visitors from Japan and Singapore was MOP1,800 and MOP1,795 respectively. Visitors from Australia had relatively high per-capita spending among the long-haul visitors, at MOP1,367. Analysed by consumption structure, visitors spent mainly on Shopping (50%), Accommodation (26%) and Food & Beverage (18%) in the fourth quarter of 2013. Shopping items included Jewellery & Watches (21%) and Local Food Products (21%). Mainland visitors spent an average of MOP1,605 on shopping, while shopping spending of IVS visitors was MOP1,895, up by 11% and 19% respectively year-on-year. Meanwhile, long-haul visitors spent primarily on Accommodation and Food & Beverage. In the fourth quarter, per-capita spending of overnight visitors amounted to MOP3,776, and that of same-day visitors was MOP746, up by 6% and 40% respectively year-on-year. Per-capita spending of overnight and same-day Mainland visitors was MOP4,852 and MOP949 respectively, while that of overnight and same-day IVS visitors reached MOP5,036 and MOP1,462. According to the results of Visitors' Comments Survey in the fourth quarter of 2013, about 89% of the visitor-users were satisfied with the services and facilities of hotels, while those complimented on the services of shops and travel agencies accounted for 85% each. However, 12% of the visitors commented that points of tourist attractions were inadequate, and 11% considered that public transport services should be improved. For the whole year of 2013, about 91% and 90% of the visitor-users were satisfied with the services and facilities of hotels and services of travel agencies. Meanwhile, some visitors commented that points of tourist attractions were inadequate and public transport services should be improved, each at 8%.
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According to the statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, the proportion of international business in the local banking sector remained stable in the fourth quarter of 2013. At end-2013, the share of international assets in total banking assets advanced to 85.3% from 84.9% at end-September 2013, whereas the share of international liabilities in total banking liabilities dropped slightly to 80.8% from 81.1%. Foreign currencies were the dominant denomination in international banking transactions. At end-2013, the shares of Pataca (MOP) in total international assets and total international liabilities were 0.8% and 1.6% respectively. Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) and Other Foreign Currencies (OFCs) accounted for 35.9% and 63.3% of total international assets as well as 46.4% and 52.0% of total international liabilities respectively. International Banking Assets
At end-2013, total international assets expanded by 3.8% from a quarter ago or 27.1% from a year earlier to MOP844.4 billion (USD105.7 billion). Within this total, external assets grew by 26.2% year-on-year to MOP652.8 billion while local assets in foreign currencies increased by 30.4% to MOP191.6 billion. As a major component of international assets, external loans & deposits advanced by 25.8% to MOP603.5 billion. International Banking Liabilities
Total international liabilities increased by 2.8% from three months ago or 25.7% year-on-year to MOP799.6 billion (USD100.1 billion). Of this total, external liabilities and local liabilities in foreign currencies grew year-on-year by 27.3% to MOP396.8 billion and 24.2% to MOP402.8 billion respectively. Foreign currency deposits held by residents and the MSAR government continued to form a major component of international liabilities. This type of deposits grew by 23.4% to MOP375.8 billion at end-2013 from MOP304.7 billion at end-2012. Breakdown of External Banking Assets and Liabilities by Region
The majority of external assets and liabilities were related to the regions of Asia and Europe. At end-2013, claims on Hong Kong and Mainland China occupied 33.6% and 31.0% of total external assets correspondingly, while claims on Portugal, Luxembourg and Germany took up 9.6%, 1.7% and 1.1% respectively. On external liabilities, Hong Kong and Mainland China accounted for 47.4% and 20.9% of the total respectively while France, Portugal and Germany took up respective shares of 4.5%, 4.3% and 2.3%. The compilation of International Banking Statistics follows the methodology advocated by the Bank for International Settlements in order to facilitate Macao SAR's participation in the "Locational International Banking Statistics" project of the international organisation. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao
(Tel：8395 2532; Fax：2835 3042)
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) is hosting the tourism promotion event "Experience Macau – Nanning, Guangxi" in Nanning, Guangxi. The outdoor program starts from today (18 February) until 23 February. Through the event, the Office aims to promote the positioning of Macau as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure among citizens in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region so as to attract Guangxi residents to Macau for a fascinating experience of the unique blend of East and West culture as well as the city's festive ambience. The outdoor promotional activities of "Experience Macau – Nanning, Guangxi" take place at the square named Mosaic in Nanning. There are Macau photo exhibitions, culinary delights, souvenir and travel information booths as well as 3D audiovisual projection mapping show, Portuguese embroidering performance and singing performance. The event has attracted many local visitors and livened up the square. The 3D audiovisual projection mapping show projects 3D images upon the background of various iconic architectures from the World Heritage "Historic Centre of Macau" such as the Ruins of St. Paul's, A-Ma Temple and Guia Lighthouse in harmony with music. The perfect symphony of light and shadow manifests the diverse culture and scenery of Macau for Guangxi residents to experience the aura of the city in a different way. Visitors not only can obtain brochures which introduce Macau's latest tourism facilities and products from the travel information booth, but also can get a printed photo on the spot as souvenir by adding MGTO's account on Wechat. There are happy clowns giving out balloons to visitors, adding a festive air in the event. Currently there are daily direct flights between Macau and Nanning. Last year, Macau welcomed 400,000 visitor arrivals from Guangxi, a record which ranks high among other provinces and autonomous regions.
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Consumer Council conducted its fifth 'Supermarket price survey' for February on 17th February for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets at Lam Mau, Patane and San Kio areas in Santo António 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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The Cultural Heritage Protection Law, which will come into force on 1 March, includes several provisions referring to the competences of the Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT). In order to strengthen the coordination between DSSOPT and the Cultural Affairs Bureau in terms of execution of the law, and also to allow personnel to get to know the legal diploma, the two departments organised an opinion exchange meeting on this topic for their managers and technical staff. The meeting took place on 28 January, at 3pm, in the Transport Bureau building. Present at the 3-hour meeting were the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Ung Vai Meng; the Deputy Directors of DSSOPT, Chan Pou Ha and Shin Chung Low Kam Hong; the Head of the Cultural Affairs Bureau's Cultural Heritage Department, Cheong Cheok Kio; the Head of the DSSOPT's Land Management Department, Teresa Mourato Lopes; and the Head of the DSSOPT's Urban Planning Department, Lao Iong. The meeting emphasised the knowledge about the diploma and discussions on the coordination between services once the law comes into force. In addition, in order to reinforce communication and cooperation among public services, the Cultural Affairs Bureau also organised an information session on the Cultural Heritage Protection Law, on 27 January, at the Macao Museum Auditorium. Aiming to promote more widely and reinforce the population's knowledge about the new law, the Cultural Affairs Bureau will also conduct an information session for the general public on 23 February, Sunday, at 10am, at the Macao Museum Auditorium. Admission is free. The session will be conducted in Chinese (Cantonese); simultaneous translation to Portuguese will be available. Seating is limited and reservations are advisable. For more information, please contact Ms. Leung, during office hours, through the numbers 8399 6432 or 8399 6431.
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, new approvals of residential mortgage loans (RMLs) grew in December 2013 whereas those of commercial real estate loans (CRELs) dropped. With regard to outstanding balance, RMLs and CRELs both witnessed increases. New Lending Approved In December 2013, new RMLs approved by Macao banks grew 1.2% month-to-month to MOP3.0 billion; of which, 99.1% was extended to residents. In terms of value, new RMLs to residents increased 4.2% whereas the loans to non-residents declined 75.8%. When compared with the same period of 2012, new approvals of RMLs witnessed increase of 14.5%. New RMLs collateralised by uncompleted units (i.e. equitable mortgage) increased by 12.3% month-to-month to MOP141.8 million. When compared with the same period of 2012, this type of bank mortgage expanded 57.9%. New CRELs dropped 27.8% month-to-month to MOP2.3 billion; of which, 98.3% was granted to residents. In terms of value, new CRELs to residents declined 28.3% whereas the loans to non-residents witnessed an increase of 16.8%. On an annual basis, new approvals of CRELs edged down 0.7%. Outstanding Balances As at end-December 2013, the outstanding value of RMLs reached MOP118.3 billion, an increase of 1.3% from one month earlier or 22.3% from a year ago. The resident component made up 94.8% of the total. Compared to end-November 2013, outstanding RMLs to residents grew 1.5% whereas those to non-residents slid 1.2%. Concurrently, the outstanding value of CRELs increased 1.1% from end-November 2013 and was up 23.8% from end-December 2012 to MOP85.3 billion. Residents accounted for 93.2% of the loans. Compared with one month earlier, outstanding CRELs to residents grew 1.5% whereas those to non-residents dropped 4.3%. Delinquency Ratios At the end of December 2013, the delinquency ratio for RMLs, at 0.06%, went up slightly from one month earlier and from a year ago. The ratio for CRELs edged down from end-November 2013 or slid 0.14 percentage points from end-December 2012 to 0.03%. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department Monetary Authority of Macao
(Tel：83952532; Fax：28353042)
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