News

The Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR (AACM) conducts a 7-day training event on "National Aviation Security Inspectors Course" in the office multi-function room commencing today (19 August 2013). Two aviation security experts with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) certified instructors qualification are invited to lecture security audits and inspections and share their experiences. The training course starts today and will last for 7 days until 27 August 2013. The course aims at providing trainees with theoretical and practical knowledge of fundamental aspects of audits and inspections. The trainees will undergo taught classes and a practical exercise at Macau International Airport to understand the duties and specific skills required by an inspector, learn how to determine the appropriate methodology to conduct security inspections within the scope of a National Aviation Security Quality Control system, and how to practically conduct audits and inspections and present reports, and so on. The course goes with a written examination. The trainees will be awarded with a certificate issued by ICAO having attended all classes and an exercise and successfully passed the examination. The course instructors are Mr. Piengtep Yapan and Ms. Anchalee Gulati. Both of them are ICAO certified instructors and have enriching experience in teaching aviation security courses. Mr. Piengtep Yapan is presently working in Bangkok Airways and Ms. Anchalee Gulati is working for ICAO Cooperative Aviation Security Programme – Asia Pacific (CASP-AP). The number of trainees is 21, of which 17 are local participants coming from AACM, airport operators and airlines; the remaining 4 are coming from the aeronautical authorities and airlines from India and Cambodia. AACM said, "In order to allow more Macao aviation security inspectors and practitioners to receive high quality and internationally recognized training events, our Authority has discussed with the ICAO CASP-AP Programme Coordinator to conduct courses in Macao. We have eventually been able to organize one this August." AACM emphasizes that training is in an integral element in enhancing professional knowledge and skills. The Authority has always focused on staff training. In addition to allowing staff to take part in overseas training activities which are necessary to perform their duties, the Authority also organizes different types of technical training courses in Macao. The objective is to allow trainees to exchange opinions among themselves and learn from each other in order that they can gain more knowledge in their profession, make progress in work efficiency and help their organization to improve overall service quality.
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In its latest issue of Consumer Report no. 239, Consumer Council publishes the results of a test on toothpicks and bamboo skewers for the presence of sulphur dioxide. Test results show that 12 out of the 15 samples examined did not contain any sulphur dioxide and the amount of sulphur dioxide tested in the other two samples did not exceed the testing standards limit. The latest issue also includes the price survey data of food/beverage items from local cafés. Human beings make direct contact with toothpicks and bamboo skewers are used to thread food together, previous tests from other countries have revealed that sulphur dioxide are sometimes used to bleach toothpicks and bamboo skewers to make them look more pleasing, the Council therefore conducted a test and examined 9 brands of toothpicks and 6 brands of bamboo skewers from the market to test the presence of sulphur dioxide. The mentioned test was conducted based on the standard SN/T 2595-2010 used in mainland China regarding the materials of soft wood, wood, and bamboo products. According to the standard, the level of sulphur dioxide released from toothpick/bamboo skewers should not exceed 600mg/kg, and the current test result shows that all samples are satisfactory. No sulphur dioxide was tested in 9 toothpick and 3 bamboo skewers samples while the amount of sulphur dioxide tested in the other 3 samples was below the standard limit. Consumers and manufacturers are advised to check the packages and labels of this kind of bamboo products, and to choose those with the expiry date printed on the packages. The mentioned testing report is available in Consumer Report no. 239. The Council recently collected prices of four takeaway food/beverage items from 80 local cafés in six parishes of Macao, surveyed items included milk tea and toast with butter, etc.. The Council pays attention to the price discrepancies of the same food/beverage items sold at different places and suggests consumers to make price comparison before making any purchase. The mentioned price survey on food/beverage items from local cafés can be found in the latest issue of Consumer Report. In coordination with "Lei da actividade de mediação imobiliária" (law applied to the intermediary services in real estate operations) and "Regulamentação da Lei da actividade de mediação imobiliária" (regulation applied to the law) which came into effect on 1st July, the Council amended its 'Code of Practice' for its 'Certified Shops' under the industry of intermediary services in real estate operations. Copies of the 'Code of Practice' is now available for the industry and the public and its details is included in the current issue of Consumer Report. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at Consumer Council (Av. Horta e Costa, N.º 24-A, Edf. Cheung Heng, R/C), and the service counter of Consumer Council at Macao SAR Government Service Centre (Rua Nova da Areia Preta, Nº52), Public Information Centre at Vicky Plaza, libraries and bookstores. Consumers may also access the resources online on the Council's official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiries, please call 8988 9315. The above article can be downloaded at http://www.consumer.gov.mo/c/ccnews.asp
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Training units of Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) received recognition again. Having awarded "Travelers' Choice Award" by TripAdvisor, a well-known global tourists' website since 2011 and recommended by the "Michelin Hong Kong Macau Guide Book" for 5 consecutive years, Pousada de Mong-Há, one of the training units of IFT, was honourably awarded by TripAdvisor China Official Website Daodao.com with "2013 Certificate of Excellence Award" and ranked 1st out of 83 hotels in Macao. Another training unit of IFT - Educational Restaurant, which has received positive comments for years and recommended by the Michelin Hong Kong Macau Guide Book for 5 consecutive years, was awarded "Certificate of Excellence award" by TripAdvisor China Official Website Daodao.com for 2 consecutive years. With its excellent service and culinary quality provided to guests, it is consistently ranked in the top three out of 278 restaurants in Macao. All these awards recognised the high quality of service and professionalism of students and the training units. Being the training units, Pousada de Mong-Há and Educational Restaurant aim to provide a practical learning environment for students, and with the professionalism of teachers, students can acquire the precious hands-on experiences and the skills for actual operation. Educational Restaurant and Pousada de Mong Há are located at Colina de Mong-Há (The Mong Há Hill). It is like a gateway place from the busy city life and guests can fully relax in this natural and picturesque environment. They offer unforgettable experiences of flavours, aromas and accommodation created by the restaurant and hotel team together with the superb service provided by students. There, guests can experience the true Macanese hospitality and service. IFT is the only institute of higher education in Macao which focuses on fostering professionals in tourism and hospitality related industry. It offers degree and professional programmes in a wide range of tourism-related disciplines. Through international recruitment, the institute builds up a teaching team which consists of scholars from 15 countries or regions. It also invites professionals from the industry to serve as part time instructors so that students can be updated with the industry trends and requirements. IFT also has protocol signed with many internationally recognised institutes for exchange programme which provides students with chances to study overseas for one semester or one year to broaden their international experience. Students can also perform their internship programme overseas for one semester, getting ready for their career path in the future.
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, new approvals of residential mortgage loans (RMLs) dropped in June 2013 whereas those of commercial real estate loans (CRELs) grew. With regard to outstanding balance, RMLs and CRELs both witnessed increases. New Lending Approved In June 2013, new RMLs approved by Macao banks dropped 27.8% month-to-month to MOP3.0 billion; of which, 96.5% was extended to residents. In terms of value, new RMLs to residents and non-residents decreased 28.3% and 10.8% respectively. When compared with the same period of 2012, new approvals of RMLs witnessed decline of 25.7%. New RMLs collateralised by uncompleted units (i.e. equitable mortgage) dropped significantly by 97.5% month-to-month to MOP9.3 million. When compared with the same period of 2012, this type of bank mortgage contracted by 93.6% New CRELs rose 46.9% month-to-month to MOP3.9 billion; of which, 96.0% was granted to residents. In terms of value, new CRELs to residents increased 42.0% while the amount to non-residents expanded significantly by 763.2%. On an annual basis, new approvals of CRELs rose 76.1%. Outstanding Balances As at end-June 2013, the outstanding value of RMLs reached MOP106.4 billion, an increase of 1.8% from one month earlier or 27.3% from a year ago. The resident component made up 93.9% of the total. Compared to end-May 2013, outstanding RMLs to residents grew 2.1% whereas the amount to non-residents dropped 1.5%. Concurrently, the outstanding value of CRELs went up by 2.0% from end-May 2013 or 23.0% from end-June 2012 to MOP78.4 billion. Residents accounted for 92.0% of the loans. Compared with one month earlier, outstanding CRELs to residents grew 2.2% whereas the amount to non-residents edged down by 0.1%. Delinquency Ratios At the end of June 2013, the delinquency ratio for RMLs stood at 0.06%, which increased slightly from one month earlier but down 0.01 percentage point from a year ago. The ratio for CRELs stayed flat from end-May 2013 but down by 0.02 percentage points from end-June 2012 to 0.08%. 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 amounted to MOP13.9 billion in the second quarter of 2013, a notable increase of 23% in comparison with MOP11.4 billion in the second quarter of 2012. Spending of overnight visitors totalled MOP11.7 billion and that of same-day visitors was MOP2.2 billion. In the second quarter of 2013, per-capita spending of visitors was MOP1,973, up by 15% year-on-year. Mainland visitors had the highest per-capita spending of MOP2,511, and spending of those travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) reached MOP2,819; besides, per-capita spending of visitors from Singapore amounted to MOP1,719. Australian visitors had the highest per-capita spending among the long-haul visitors, at MOP1,261. Analysed by consumption structure, visitors spent mostly on Shopping (49%), Accommodation (24%) and Food & Beverage (19%). Shopping items included Local Food Products (21%), Clothing (19%) and Jewellery & Watches (19%). Mainland visitors spent an average of MOP1,403 in shopping while IVS visitors spent an average of MOP1,796. Moreover, long-haul visitors spent primarily on Accommodation and Food & Beverage. In the second quarter of 2013, per-capita spending of overnight visitors amounted to MOP3,396, up by 17% year-on-year, and that of same-day visitors rose by 3% to MOP614. Per-capita spending of overnight and same-day Mainland visitors amounted to MOP4,436 and MOP752 respectively, with per capita spending of overnight and same-day IVS visitors reaching MOP4,885 and MOP1,256. According to the result of Visitors' Comments Survey, about 93% and 92% of the visitors were satisfied with the services rendered by hotels and travel agencies. However, 7% of the visitor-users considered that public transport services should be improved, and 7% commented that points of tourist attractions were inadequate.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on dairy products on 15th August for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Result of the mentioned survey has been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and is 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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Following a decade of development, the Macao Orchestra (OM), under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau de Macau (CAB) presents a new concert season and high-quality performances by several internationally ranked musicians. The 2013-2014 season will kick off on September 14 with a performance by Cyprien Katsaris, a gifted pianist known for his highly skilled interpretations of Liszt's works. The new season will include over thirty concerts; tickets will be available from August 18 at all Kong Seng Ticketing Network outlets. Cyprien Katsaris, acclaimed for his technique, experience and artistic achievements, has been hailed by the New York Times as "an intense personality; his style has led him to surpass all of the contemporary piano schools." In over four decades dedicated to his art, Katsaris has been received a total of sixteen awards in prominent international piano competitions, such as the International Tchaikovsky Competition and the Queen Elizabeth of Belgium International Competition. The pianist will perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37, his most creative and representative composition, at this season's opening concert, "The Great Beethoven", joining OM and its Music Director and Principal Conductor, Lü Jia.
In this season, OM will also collaborate with other renowned musicians, such as as young Swedish conductor Daniel Blendulf, one of today's most promising Chinese young musicians the pianist Song Siheng, the lengendary Chinese violinist Lü Siqing and winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition Barry Douglas. These guest artists will bring Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff's classics, among others, to local stages. In order to promote opera among local citizens and music lovers, OM will premiere in Macau Stravinsky's The Soldier's Tale (L'Histoire du soldat), and will also present opera overtures and ballet suites. The chamber music concerts at the Dom Pedro V Theatre have already become a highlight of each concert season, presenting a series of innovative concerts and allowing audiences to admire the interpreters' virtuosity. As customary, the Orchestra will once again perform at the Macao International Music Festival. To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Verdi's birth, OM joins the Latvia National Opera in presenting "Aida – Opera in 4 acts by Giuseppe Verdi", and also collaborates with the Korean Chamber Orchestra in bringing stirring renditions of Richard Strauss' masterpieces in the concert A Hero's Life. This new season further includes concerts at St. Dominic's Church and other World Heritage sites, the Education and the Devotion Series. Through diversified musical activities, OM hopes to bring music to the whole community. Tickets for OM's 2012-2013 Concert Season will be available from August 18 at all Kong Seng Ticketing Network outlets as well as through the number 2855 5555. For more information, please visit OM's website at www.icm.gov.mo/om.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 6,514 building units and parking spaces were purchased and sold at MOP34.00 billion in the second quarter of 2013 as per Stamp Duty record, up by 20% and 32% respectively quarter-to-quarter. Number of residential units totalled 4,059, an increase of 474 units from the previous quarter; within these units, 1,946 were pre-sale residential units amounting to MOP17.16 billion, sharing 48% and 68% of the total number and value of residential units. The average price of existing residential units was MOP63,130 per square metre of usable area, up by 6% quarter-to-quarter; the price of those in the Macao Peninsula and Taipa both registered a 5% increase, while the price of those in Coloane soared by 42%. The average price of pre-sale residential units went up by 12% to MOP108,903 per square metre, of which the average price of those in the Macao Peninsula increased by 16%, while the price of those in Taipa edged down by 1%. The average price of all residential units stood at MOP88,957 per square metre in the second quarter of 2013, up by 14% quarter-to-quarter on account of higher transaction volume share of high-priced pre-sale residential units. In the second quarter, purchase and sale of pre-sale residential units concentrated in NATAP (1,291), Cidade & Hipódromo da Taipa (133) and Coloane (119), stood at MOP108,862, MOP122,523 and MOP105,146 per square metre respectively. Meanwhile, existing residential units were mainly in Baixa da Taipa (301), NATAP (218) and Areia Preta & Iao Hon (203) with average price of MOP67,778, MOP82,395 and MOP56,568 per square metre respectively. Residential units with more than 20 years totalled 996 (including 132 in Barca and 104 in Areia Preta & Iao Hon), and the average price was MOP48,439 per square metre, up by 9% quarter-to-quarter. The average price of 786 residential units with 11 to 20 years (179 in Baixa da Taipa and 111 in NATAP) was MOP62,384 per square metre, up by 10%. The average price of 202 residential units with 5 or less years (55 in Baixa da Taipa and 43 in NATAP) rose by 9% to MOP93,770 per square metre. Analysed by floor area of the unit, 2,113 residential units had an area of 50 to 99.9 square metres, with the average price rising by 11% quarter-to-quarter to MOP87,172 per square metre, of which the average price of pre-sale residential units was MOP105,245 per square metre. Moreover, there were 1,041 small residential units with an area of less than 50 square metres, and the average price increased by 14% to MOP67,700 per square metre; the majority of them were existing residential units, with an average price of MOP57,671 per square metre. The average price of office units was MOP64,544 per square metre in the second quarter of 2013, up by 2% quarter-to-quarter. The average price of industrial units rose by 20% to MOP34,225 per square metre. The sale and purchase contracts and mortgage contracts signed in the second quarter of 2013 involved 3,869 and 4,612 real estate respectively, up by 18% and 19% quarter-to-quarter. For private sector construction, gross floor area of new buildings started totalled 663,961 square metres, providing 1,120 units (1,101 are residential units), 1,794 parking spaces for cars and 408 parking spaces for motorcycles upon completion. Gross floor area of buildings completed was 86,613 square metres, altogether providing 578 units (570 are residential units). In the first half year of 2013, a total of 11,937 building units and parking spaces were purchased and sold at MOP59.69 billion, up by 4% and 40% respectively year-to-year. A total of 7,644 residential units were recorded, down by 3%, and total value increased by 43% to MOP45.26 billion. Number of real estate involved in the sale and purchase contracts and mortgage contracts signed totalled 7,157 and 8,499 respectively.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today answered an array of questions -- which ranged from housing, study on renewal of gaming concessions, education, medical system, care for the elderly and accountability -- raised by the 24 legislators at the second of his twice a year visit to the plenary meeting of the Legislative Assembly. On housing policies, the Chief Executive said the present income limit for public housing has covered 80 per cent of the population, adding that no system can fit everyone's need. He said it was necessary to review the needs of the whole market and to amend the housing laws if there is are requests for the income limit to be scrapped. Mr Chui said that sufficient land is a way to solve housing problems. On the idea of reserving land for Macao people only, the Government would conduct public consultation when the results of these studies are available. At present, 28 plot of granted land are invalid and no development plan has been made for using the five plots of land near the airport. On education, the Chief Executive pledged to invest more to support schools in terms of "software" and "hardware" in the next policy year. Opportunities will be created for people who do not have chances to continue to tertiary education. Moreover, the Government will discuss with all tertiary colleges to cultivate all kind of talents needed in the future. On establishing a better medical system, more medical professionals will be needed when more medical facilities are constructed and start to operate in 2020. The Government has made a short-term, medium-term and long-term plan to train more healthcare personnel and specialists to meet the needs, he said. On policies for the elderly, Mr Chui said Macao had transformed into an old-age society and more services for the elderly are needed. The Government has set up an inter-governmental group to study protection for this group and to make a ten-year plan to safeguard their rights. Mr Chui said that he believed the gaming industry would continue to play an important role in the future of Macao, and "One centre, one platform" is the principle of developing Macao. At present, gaming companies are promoting complex and non-gaming projects to meet with the regional development, and that an adequate diversification of the industry enabled Macao to move forward. He said 2015 would be a suitable time to study the renewal of gaming concessions which the Government granted on 8 February 2002. Mr Chui said the renewal is one of the most important works for the next administration. On the support for the small-and-medium enterprises, the Government has created co-operation opportunities for the local enterprises on the Mainland. He revealed that Macao enterprises would participate in the opening up of Hengqin Island and Nansha Island. Regarding budget for the large-scale public works, Mr Chui said that the Government has started to amend the Budget Framework Law and will plan the budget with caution in the future. On accountability, Mr Chui said that by law all principle officials are under the supervision of Chief Executive. It is necessary to have an accurate understanding of accountability to avoid any damage on social harmony and the implementation of policies. He stressed that the Government is committed to building a service-oriented and responsible government, and to promote the culture of responsibility.
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Due to the recent challenging safety situation in some areas of Egypt, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel safety reminder to Chinese citizens who intend to visit there. Following is the translated version of the full text: "Continuous and massive protests taking place in Egypt's Cairo and Alexandria that have caused casualties. In view of the above situation, the Department of the Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Egypt specially remind Chinese citizens not to travel to Egypt, especially Cairo, Alexandria and the Nile Delta. In any case of emergency, Chinese citizens should timely report to local police and contact the Chinese Embassy and consulate in Egypt through the following means: Police reporting hotline in Egypt: 00202-122; Tourist Police in Egypt: 00202-1263906028; Consular Assistance and Protection hotline of the Chinese Embassy in Egypt: 00202-27380466、00202-27363556; Consular Assistance and Protection hotline of Chinese Consulate General in Alexandria: 00202-271125995." The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) will keep monitoring the latest development of safety situation in the above cities and also advises Macao residents to avoid making unnecessary trips. Those who are currently travelling in Egypt should remain cautious for personal safety. GGCT so far has not received any requests for assistance. If necessary, Macao residents can call the tourism hotline (853) 2833 3000 or the Chinese Embassy and consulate for assistance.
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