News

The 27th Macao International Music Festival (MIMF) enters its fifth and final week featuring choral music, chamber music, jazz and musical theatre. On October 29, Tuesday, at 8pm, at St. Dominic's Church, Divna and Melodi (Serbia) present the concert The Soul of Orthodox Chant. Melodi was founded in 1991 in Belgrade, Serbia, by young singer Divna Ljubojević, who has since served as its conductor and soloist. The choir is composed of musicians who have dedicated many years to the preservation, practise and dissemination of a very specific tradition of sacred music native to the Byzantine cultural sphere. Divna and Melodi perform sacred, spiritual and ancient music, as well as contemporary works for choir, and closely collaborate with opera singers from Switzerland, England and Italy. Founded by four Saint Petersburg Conservatory students in 1986, the Terem-Quartet (Russia), performing on October 30 at the Macao Cultural Centre Small Auditorium, at 8pm, has since gained a worldwide reputation for its eclectic and theatrical performances. Defining their style as crossover, the Terem-Quartet's repertoire merges classical, modern and Russian folk music into captivating concerts that transcend language and cultural barriers. This ensemble of Russian folk instruments has given more than 2500 concerts in over 60 countries, with highlight events including the Edinburgh Festival and WOMAD, and has won numerous awards both at home and abroad. On October 31, Thursday, at 8pm, the Dom Pedro V Theatre welcomes jazz singer Silje Nergaard (Norway), one of Norway's most successful jazz singers and songwriters. In this concert, Nergaard presents her latest album entitled Unclouded, released in the spring of 2012, which includes nine original songs composed by the songwriter plus special contributions by American guitarist John Scofield, blues guitarist Knut Reiersrud and jazz trumpeter Nils Petter Molvær. The album's title refers to the carefree attitude of children and their spontaneity, a quality Silje had been longing for and one that she has successfully recreated with these new songs. Accompanied by only two guitarists, the singer masterfully uses all the nuances of her voice to interpret songs that are true poetry. A moving concert that won't disappoint old fans and is bound to conquer new ones! Taking to the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium's stage and closing the 27th MIMF is Miss Saigon – The Musical, by McCoy Rigby Entertainment (USA) on November 1 ~ 4/11, at 10:30am (4/11), 3pm (2-3/11) and 8pm (1-3/11). A classic love story is brought up-to-date in one of the most stunning theatrical spectacles of all time. Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (the creators of Les Misérables), along with Richard Maltby, Jr., bring Puccini's Madame Butterfly to the modern world in a moving testament to the human spirit and a scathing indictment of the tragedies of war. In the turmoil of the Vietnam War, an American soldier and a Vietnamese girl fall in love, only to be separated during the fall of Saigon. Their struggles to find each other over the ensuing years end in a tragedy for her and a fighting chance for the child he never knew he had. Raw and uncompromising, Miss Saigon is an intensely personal story of the losses we suffer and the sacrifices we make in a world gone mad. A few tickets for Terem Quartet and Silje Nergaard's concerts are still available at Kong Seng Ticketing Network outlets; telephone bookings can be made through no. 2855 5555. Tickets for Miss Saigon are already sold out and tickets for the Divna and Melodi concert have all been distributed.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the unemployment rate (1.9%) and the underemployment rate (0.6%) for July-September 2013 held stable as June-August. Total labour force increased to 371,000 and the labour force participation rate stood at 73.1%. Total employment reached 364,000, up by 2,600 from June-August. Analysed by industry, employment in the Construction sector rose by 9.9% to 38,000. Number of the unemployed was 6,900, down by 300 from June-August; fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job accounted for 15.0% of the total unemployed, up by 1.4 percentage points. In the third quarter of 2013, the general unemployment rate (1.9%) and the unemployment rate of local residents (2.5%) increased by 0.1 and 0.2 percentage points respectively quarter-to-quarter, attributable to a new batch of fresh graduates joining the labour market. Total labour force registered an increase of 7,300 quarter-to-quarter, with total employment and the unemployed rising by 6,800 and 500 respectively. Median monthly employment earnings of the employed held stable as the previous quarter at MOP12,000 in the third quarter of 2013, while that of the employed residents amounted to MOP15,000, an increase of MOP1,000 quarter-to-quarter.
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Consumer Council conducted its 'Supermarket price survey' for October on 24th October for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Surveyed locations included 8 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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The Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) noted recent media report about personal RMB business in Macao and would like to state the relevant rules as follows: - 1. Since 2004, Macao banks have been carrying out the personal RMB business on the basis of the Clearing Agreement concluded between the People's Bank of China and the clearing bank in Macao for RMB business. 2. According to the Agreement, the limit on the value of RMB exchange in cash for each individual each time is RMB20,000 equivalent and RMB exchange through accounts for each individual is RMB20,000 equivalent per day. The AMCM, along with the Macao financial sector, has been endeavouring to promote the development of RMB business in Macao and will continue to discuss with the People's Bank of China to relax the restrictions and to expand the scope of RMB business. As of the end of September this year, RMB deposits in Macao reached RMB 62.3 billion and cross-border trade settlement amounted to RMB 108.9 billion.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) joins China International Travel Mart 2013 in Kunming, Yunnan Province together with Macau industry partners for an occasion not only to strengthen the connections with their Mainland and international counterparts but also to highlight Macau events and the walking tour routes themed as "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities" through promotion. China International Travel Mart (CITM) 2013 is held in Kunming International Convention & Exhibition Center from 24 – 27 October as a four-day event. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes takes part in CITM this year along with travel industry delegates from 12 corporations including hotels and travel agencies. During the fair, Chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), Shao Qiwei visited MGTO's booth which occupies a floor area of 100 square meters under the theme "Touching Moments, Experience Macau". The Office takes the opportunity to promote Macau event highlights including the upcoming 60th Macau Grand Prix and the first four walking tour routes under the project "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities" in order to attract visitors to Macau for a firsthand experience of the city's unique cultural cocktail of East and West. MGTO also distributes promotional leaflets to local citizens, while Macau industry delegates discuss business opportunities with their local and international counterparts. Ahead of CITM, CNTA Vice Chairman Du Jiang hosted a banquet for Hong Kong and Macau representatives including MGTO Director Senna Fernandes, the Commissioner for Tourism of the Hong Kong SAR Government, Philip Yung, as well as travel industry leaders from both destinations. A meeting was held among the above officials and industry delegates to exchange the latest tourism trends and ideas regarding tourism development and opportunities for enhanced cooperation. China International Travel Mart 2013 is jointly organized by CNTA, the People's Government of Yunnan Province and the Civil Aviation Administration of China as one of the largest professional travel marts in Asia. CITM serves as an important travel-fair platform for Macau tourism sector to sell and promote their tourism products to Mainland and global industry partners. As an annual event, CITM has been held in Shanghai and Kunming alternately since 2001. Covering a total exhibition floor of around 50,000 square meters, CITM 2013 features 2,359 booths in total managed by exhibitors from 102 countries and regions according to information provided.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals increased by 7.9% year-on-year to 2,332,325 in September 2013; same-day visitors accounted for 50.5% of the total, at 1,178,340. In September 2013, visitors from Mainland China increased by 19.6% year-on-year to 1,502,723, coming primarily from Guangdong Province (585,027) and Zhejiang Province (62,990); Mainland visitors travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme totalled 589,667. Moreover, visitors from the Republic of Korea (37,776) increased by 15.9%, while those from Hong Kong (523,105); Taiwan, China (91,714) and Japan (25,516) decreased by 10.1%, 5.6% and 27.7%. Long-haul visitors from the UK (4,804) increased by 3.6% year-on-year, whereas those from the US (12,926), Australia (9,634) and Canada (5,379) decreased by 5.6%, 4.8% and 14.0% respectively. The average length of stay of visitors held stable from a year earlier, at 1.0 day in September 2013; overnight and same-day visitors stayed an average of 1.9 days and 0.2 day respectively. Visitor arrivals totalled 7,768,583 in the third quarter of 2013, up by 6.6% year-on-year. In the first three quarters of 2013, visitor arrivals totalled 21,910,823, an increase of 5.0% year-on-year. Visitors from Mainland China and the Republic of Korea increased by 12.0% and 5.8% respectively, while those from Hong Kong and Taiwan, China decreased by 4.5% and 9.5%. Long-haul visitors from the US (128,263), Australia (78,480) and Canada (52,409) saw year-on-year decline; on the contrary, those from the UK (43,597) registered year-on-year increase.
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At the Eleventh Macao Inter-Tertiary Debate Competition (English Debates), which was held at the Macao Polytechnic Institute from 18 October to 20 October, the University of Macau (UM) won the championship and all individual awards, including the Best Debater Award in the grand final, as well as five Best Debater Awards in the preliminary rounds. This is the sixth consecutive year UM's English Debating Team has won the championship at this competition. Two teams from UM went straight to the grand final for their excellent performance. Organised by the Tertiary Education Services Office of Macao SAR, the competition attracted debating teams from UM, the Macao Polytechnic Institute, the Macau University of Science and Technology, the Institute for Tourism Studies, the University of Saint Joseph, and the City University of Macau. The competition aims to stimulate university students' interest in a diverse range of topics to help them achieve well-rounded development. It also hopes to help participants improve critical thinking and spoken English proficiency. UM's English Debating Team will participate in the 17th FLTRP Cup National English Debating Competition to be held later this month.
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Consumer Council conducted its 'Supermarket price survey' for October on 22 nd October 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 27th Macao International Music Festival (MIMF) proceeds this weekend with a diversified programme for all tastes. On October 24, Thursday, at 8pm, the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium receives one of the leading violinists in the world today, Kyung-Wha Chung, who rose to international fame on the heels of her win at the prestigious Leventritt Competition, in 1967 and has since garnered global recognition of the very highest stature. The South-Korean violinist will interpret works by Beethoven, Grieg and Franck, accompanied by pianist Kevin Kenner. The Violin Recital by Kyung-wha Chung is certainly a highlight of this MIMF season and a concert not to be missed! From October 24 to 26, at 8pm, Fado and Cantonese Naamyam (Narrative Songs) meet in a unique concert combining western and eastern folk music expressions surrounded by the intimate atmosphere of the century old Mandarin's House, inscribed in the World Heritage List. Fado was recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2011 while the Cantonese Naamyam were inscribed on the Tentative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Items of the Macao S.A.R. in 2009 and on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. The Macao Chinese Orchestra (MCHO) brings Chinese Music for Television and Film to this year's MIMF, on October 26, Saturday, at 8pm, at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium. Under the baton of its Music Director and Principal Conductor, Pang Ka Pang, the MCHO joins award-winning erhu player and renowned singer Cui Rui to present well-known Chinese TV and film themes, taking the public on a journey to revisit the past decades. The Dresden Philarmonic, one of Germany's most renowned orchestras, and its Music Director, Michael Sanderling, will perform the last symphonic concert of the 27th MIMF, on October 27, Sunday, at 8pm, at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium. Since its establishment in 1870, the Dresden Philharmonic has been a major driving force in its home city's musical culture, attracting the collaboration of great conductors and outstanding musicians. In this concert, they are joined by German violinist Julia Fischer, recognised worldwide as an uncommonly talented and exceptionally gifted artist, for an unforgettable concert. Tickets for the 27th Macao International Music Festival can be purchased at all Kong Seng Ticketing outlets, by telephone and through online booking. For more information related to the 27th MIMF, please visit the Festival's website at: www.icm.gov.mo/fimm.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that there were 100 hotels and guesthouses operating in 2012, an increase of 5 year-on-year, comprising 67 hotels and 33 guesthouses. Due to the opening of several new hotels, number of persons engaged increased by 20% year-on-year to 39,647 at the end of 2012, with 31,695 (80% of total) working in 5-star hotels; meanwhile, the guesthouses had only 178 workers, less than 1% of the total. Rising number of hotels and guests drove up Receipts of the hotel industry to MOP 21.93 billion in 2012, up by 16% year-on-year. Room Sales, the major source of receipts, increased by 20% to MOP 10.25 billion, with 5-star hotels accounting for 78% of the total. Receipts from Food & Beverages (MOP 4.91 billion) and Rental of Space (MOP 3.83 billion) also registered year-on-year increase of 21% and 25% respectively. Expenditure of the hotel industry amounted to MOP 19.45 billion in 2012, up by 26% year-on-year, of which Non-operating Expenses (including depreciation of fixed assets, interest paid, etc.) increased by 31% to MOP 7.17 billion. Operating Expenses (MOP 8.97 billion) and Compensation of Employees (MOP 7.76 billion) together shared 86% of the total, up by 23% and 36% respectively year-on-year. Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy was MOP 10.34 billion, up by 11% year-on-year. With the new hotels coming into operation, Gross Fixed Capital Formation tumbled by 50% year-on-year to MOP 8.24 billion in 2012.
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