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To further strengthen the knowledge of the operators on safety management concepts, in order that the operators can better implement their Safety Management Systems (SMS), hence creating the environment for adopting the same safety culture, the Civil Aviation Authority (AACM) organized an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Safety Management Systems (SMS) course on 15 to 19 April 2013 to train the industry on the safety concepts and the elements of the Systems, with the objective that the industry can reinforce their understanding of the importance of safety management responsibilities, ultimately building a safe and reliable aviation hub for Macao's aviation. The SMS course is a five-day training programme with ten modules. Apart from lectures on theories on safety concepts, safety policy and objectives, safety risk management, safety assurance, safety promotion, as well as the relationship between the State Safety Programme (SSP) implemented by the regulatory body and the SMS implemented by the operators, the course was also incorporated with practical exercises to allow attendees to put theories into practice through working on a number of simulated and real cases. The attendees were divided into small groups and based on the given scenarios, they discussed about hazard identification, risk index setting, action plan formulation and SMS implementation plan formulation. An examination, in which attendees were required to sit for, followed after all theory and practical exercise sessions were done. Those who have successfully completed the course were awarded with the certificate. The course was lectured by three instructors, namely 1. Chief Technical Advisor, Cooperative Development of Operational Safety & Continuing Airworthiness Programme – South East Asia, ICAO, Mr. Kim Trethewey, 2. Senior Safety Officer, Flight Standards & Licensing, AACM, Mr. Joe Fong, and 3. Deputy Manager of Flight Safety of Hong Kong Government Flying Service (HKGFS), Captain Erik Young. 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 attendees the experiences in other countries as reference for application in Macao. Mr. Joe Fong has worked in AACM for over 10 years and is experienced in safety oversight work. He is also the coordinator for the task force on SMS and SSP. He completed the "ICAO SMS Train-the-Trainer Course" in the Singapore Aviation Academy in 2012. This time, his instructor role in the SMS training course for this week is his on-the-job training for acquiring the instructor qualification of ICAO SMS course. Captain Erik Young has 18 years of flying experience. His main duties in HKGFS include search and rescue and fire fighting. He is also a helicopter training captain in his organization. Like Joe, he has also completed the "ICAO SMS Train-the- Trainer Course". The SMS course was convened 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 working in AACM, Air Macau Co. Ltd., East Asia Airlines Ltd., JetAsia Ltd., Fortuna Jet Aviation (their Air Operator Certificate application is undergoing AACM's assessment), Macau Jet International Co. Ltd, Administration of Airports Ltd., and Menzies Macau Airport Services Ltd. In his closing remarks, the President of AACM, Mr. Simon Chan said that it was important to work together with the industry to strengthen the management of safety and create a good safety culture. In achieving this goal, he said that AACM being the regulatory body in aviation safety matters has been organizing regular training courses for the industry operators to enhance their technical knowledge and help them better understand Macao's aviation regulations as well as ICAO standards and recommended practices. Mr. Chan concluded that AACM will continue to organize training courses with different technical aspects for the industry. Up till this moment, AACM has trained more than 180 industry personnel by the various SMS courses they organized here in Macao. 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 elements include organization structure, accountabilities, safety hazard identification, safety risk classification, corrective action plan implementation, safety promotion and so on. In accordance with the Convention on International Civil Aviation, all aviation operators are required to implement SMS no later than 2009. In what regards the Macao aviation operators, all of them have complied with this requirement and implemented their SMS on time.
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The Opening Ceremony and Gala Dinner for the Asia-Pacific Academy of Economics and Management (APAEM), University of Macau (UM), was held on 17 April, signalling the official start of operation of APAEM. With a strong teaching and advisory team comprised of well-known scholars and business leaders, including three Nobel Prize laureates, APAEM is committed to nurturing more internationally competitive and socially responsible future leaders for Macao and the Asia-Pacific region. Dr. Tse Chi Wai, chair of the University Council of UM; Prof. Wei Zhao, rector of UM; Prof. Jacky So, dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and director of APAEM; and Prof. William H. Mobley, co-director of APAEM, jointly officiated at the plaque-unveiling ceremony. Rector Wei Zhao said in his speech that he hopes APAEM can become a leading think tank and talent incubator in the region, adding that he believes with the trust and support of the community, UM has confidence to succeed in this role. At the ceremony Prof. Jacky So introduced the mission and vision of APAEM. He noted that APAEM aspires to become a world-class research, executive development and advisory hub to develop regional policies and nurture more internationally competitive and socially responsible future leaders for the Asia-Pacific region, through the organisation of the executive education programme, international conferences and distinguished forums, case studies, research, and publication of papers. APAEM boasts a strong teaching and advisory team comprised of well-known scholars and business leaders. It has invited distinguished academic and business figures to give lectures, including Prof. Robert Kegan from Harvard University, who is considered a master on leadership, and Anthony Bolton, president-investments at Fidelity Worldwide Investment. APAEM has three Nobel Prize laureates—Prof. Robert A. Mundell, Prof. James A. Mirrlees, and Prof. Lawrence R. Klein—serving on its Honorary Advisory Board. APAEM has supported Cornell University in the United States, and the Institute for the Study of Commercial Gambling, which is under the Faculty of Business Administration of UM, in their co-organisation of a large academic conference. Currently it's collaborating with the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Macau and the Ocean Park Hong Kong on case studies. In the future, APAEM plans to collaborate with more well-known universities in Europe and the United States to explore more teaching, research and publication opportunities.
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The 24th Macao Arts Festival (MAF) returns to the city's stages next month, with an array of extraordinary performances scheduled for May 3 through June 3. The Festival's programme encompasses theatrical works, Chinese traditional opera, music, visual arts exhibitions and dance performances. As always, local productions feature prominently in the Festival, whose goals include promoting development within the territory's own arts scene, and Macao's talent and creativity in the dance genre are well represented this year. My Chair 20:13, by Contemporary Stage, presents the story of a modern young woman fighting her way to "victory" and calls for introspection into the values of contemporary society. Presented to the public at the Old Court Building on May 4 and 5 (Saturday and Sunday), there are two shows daily, at 3pm and 8pm. That same weekend the Sir Robert Ho Tung Library hosts Here She Dances (May 4-5, 8pm), a mixed media work based on the poetry of Jenny Ng, uniting multimedia arts with literary excerpts and music. Produced by the local, non-profit cultural association Comuna de Pedra, Here She Dances is an excellent example of the capabilities and creativity of local talent. The following Wednesday brings the opportunity to witness the fruits of an innovative programme of cultural and artistic exchange among the Pearl River Delta regions. Love Letters is a modern ballet, depicting a precarious relationship that spans several decades, based on the correspondence contained in five letters. Woven through with romantic classical music, this deeply inspiring dance work takes to the stage at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium on May 8, at 8pm. Local groups stand side by side on the Festival programme with noteworthy international dance companies. Xavier Le Roy (France) inhabits the Old Court Building from May 16 through 19 (Thursday to Sunday), presenting his work Self Unfinished each evening at 8pm. Known for his scientific approach to dance, Xavier Le Roy offers audiences a solo choreography filled with surprising movements that distort his form as far as possible from a recognisable human figure. Inspired by famous works of Israeli female poets, Reflections tells the story of a turbulent love triangle with a combination of movement, lighting effects, music, video and puppetry. Produced by Fresco Dance Company (Israel), Reflections ascends the Stage of the Macao Cultural Centre Small Auditorium on May 31 and June 1 (Friday and Saturday) at 8pm. Wayne McGregor | Random Dance brings the Festival to a close with FAR, an extraordinary, anatomy-defying choreographic work performed by ten incredible dancers and accompanied by a superb score and jaw-dropping visuals. FAR can be seen on June 1 and 2 (Saturday and Sunday), at 8pm, at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium. Tickets for the 24th Macao Arts Festival are still available, in limited numbers, at all Kong Seng Ticketing Network outlets. Telephone bookings may be made on 2855 5555. For more information please check the MAF website at: www.icm.gov.mo/fam.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on dairy products on 16th April 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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To fulfil the obligations laid out in the Guidelines on Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism, or for other reasons like transaction security of payment cards, many local merchants, when proceeding payment card transactions, may ask their clients to produce identification documents. Many merchants and customers find it doubtful or disputable whether the said procedure violates the Personal Data Protection Act (hereinafter as "PDPA"), in particular some merchants may collect and register cardholders' identification data during all these transactions. As a result, the Personal Data Protection Office (hereinafter as "GPDP") found it necessary to draw up guidelines for the concerned sectors to comply with the PDPA. Given the above, GPDP developed the Guidelines on Merchants' Processing of Identification Documents of Payment Cardholders. After two rounds of consultations with the banking industry, payment card institutions and the concerned public departments, the revised and refined Guidelines by GPDP are now published and intended as a reference for the concerned sectors. The Chinese, Portuguese and English versions of the Guidelines on Merchants' Processing of Identification Documents of Payment Cardholders are currently available for downloading at the Guidelines section of the GPDP website (www.gpdp.gov.mo).
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To encourage Macao enterprises to expand their brand businesses through franchising and chain operations, a Macao delegation of 66 entrepreneurs was organised by IPIM to visit Taipei from 2 to 5 April and participate in the 14th Taipei International Chain and Franchising Spring Exhibition (TICFE 2013) and visit various renowned chain brand operations in Taiwan. Promoting Various Macao Exhibitions during TICFE2013 TICFE2013, being one of the most specialised chain and franchising operation exhibitions in Asia, was held from 4 to7 April in Exhibition Hall 1 Area A and D of the Taipei World Trade Center. This year, over 600 exhibition booths were set up with 150 exhibitors involving nearly 250 chain brands. Participating chain and franchising brands were from different sectors including chain food stores, beverages, coffee and snacks, leisure and lifestyle, private tuition and product agents. The International Exchange Pavilion and the Innovative Service Concept Pavilion were set up for the first time to provide more a diverse choice for participants. The Macao Pavilion was set up by IPIM at the venue to promote Macao Ideas-the Macao Products Display Centre, as well as the Macao Franchise Expo 2013 and the 18th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) to be held in July and October respectively. Two Macao enterprises dealing with accessories and gifts retail and wedding gowns also showcased their products in the Macao Pavilion. Business Matching and Networking Events were organised to Assist Enterprises to Strengthen Liaisons and Explore Business Opportunities To further promote communication between Macao and Taiwan enterprises, a Macao-Taiwan Entrepreneur Business Negotiation Networking Dinner was organised by IPIM and Taipei World Trade Center on 2 April. Representatives from various Taiwan enterprises and delegation members were invited to the dinner to explore collaboration opportunities. Jackson Chang, IPIM's president gave a welcome speech and Echo Chan, IPIM's executive director briefed the 150 guests from Macao and Taiwan on Macao's investment environment and promote 2013 MFE. Yuen-Chuan Chao, President and CEO of Taipei World Trade Center, extended a warm welcome to the Macao delegation, while Vicky Lin, Project Manager of Market Research Department, introduced the latest developments in Taiwan's trade and economy. The dinner was attended by the Macao entrepreneur delegation and around 69 representatives from chain operation associations and Taiwan brand enterprises, including Wang Ying-chieh of the General Chamber of Commerce of Taiwan, Tao Hung-Chieh, Director-General of International Trade Association, Shi Hui-qiong, Vice Chairman of Taipei Advertising Engineering Association, Johnson Fu, Vice-Chairman of Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan and Linda Hsu, Vice-Chairman of Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan. Opening of Macao Ideas-Taipei and Visits Taiwan Brand Enterprises To further strengthen trade and economic liaisons between Macao and Taiwan, and to extend the image of Macao Ideas-the Macao Products Display Centre to Taiwan, an event entitled Introduction of Macao Business Environment, Convention and Exhibition Industry and Opening Ceremony of Macao Ideas-Taipei was jointly-organised by IPIM and the Macao Economic and Culture Office on 3 April. The event was attended by 79 guests from Taiwan and Macao. The Macao delegation also visited a number of renowned brand enterprises in Taipei, including the Shun Chen Bakery and Vigor Kobo (cake and food chain operations), Foot Massage Center (healthcare service) and the Yangming Spring Green Kitchen (innovative vegetarian cuisine). The Macao delegation was headed by Jackson Chang, IPIM's president; other members included Echo Chan, IPIM's executive director, Jaman Wong, Director General of Macau Chain Stores & Franchise Association, Mei Su, Vice-Chairman of Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association, Keyvin Bi, Council Chairman of the Association of Advertising Agents of Macau, Julida, C.P. Fong, President of the Industry and Commerce Association of Macau, Francis Lam, Director General of Macau Small & Medium Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, Kevin Ho, President of Macau Northeast of China Business Trade Promote Committee, Vong Veng Hin, Standing Committee of Director of Macao Chamber of Commerce, Maria Margarida Lou, Standing Director of Industrial Association of Macau, Chan Wing Lam, President of Associação dos Comerciantes da Boa Cozinha de Macau, Kwok Tong Koi, Permanent President of Macau Northeast of China Business Trade Promote Committee, Leng Sai Vai, Director General of Macau Federal Commercial Association of Convention & Exhibition Industry, Ieong Weng Seng, Vice-President of the Federal General Commercial Association of Macau Small and Medium Enterprises, Sio Chan Tim, Vice Director General of Macau Chain Stores & Franchise Association, Au, Ka Wai, Vice Director General of Macau Shandong Province Industry and Commerce Association, as well as 50 local entrepreneurs.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) organized a familiarization group of nearly 100 Southeast-Asian travel agents coming from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia to Macau for site inspections and business networking during April 14 – 17. The mega trade visit serves to further promote international visitor-source markets. During their stay in Macau, the travel agency representatives visited various resort hotels, World Heritage sites and museums, enjoying spectacular themed shows and a taste of local delicacies. As part of their program, the Singapore trade delegates joined the "Macau Amazing Race" on April 15 to explore Macau's fascinating tourism features through the city-orientation contest. Furthermore, MGTO held a mini mart for Macau and Southeast-Asia travel trade partners on April 16 to facilitate direct negotiations about business opportunities and promote travel trade cooperation between Macau and the three countries. MGTO invited over 100 local trade delegates to the mini mart including 77 enterprises ranging from hotels, travel agencies, large-scale resort hotels, event venues to airlines and ferry operators. The participants explored and discussed business opportunities during the session, seeking to enchant more Southeast Asian to visit and experience Macau. MGTO also hosted a luncheon for the familiarization group. During her welcome speech, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes stated that to be in line with government's strategic positioning of Macau as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, MGTO set six work highlights this year, of which includes visitor source market diversification targeting Southeast Asia and Russia. Head of Destination Marketing Department, Betty Fok and the Coordinator of Macau Grand Prix Committee, João Manuel Costa Antunes gave an elaborate presentation about the latest tourism industry development and the 60th Macau Grand Prix for the familiarization group respectively. MGTO has always regarded Southeast Asia as an important visitor-source market and kept promoting Macau among their trade and citizens via a variety of channels for many years. In February 2009, MGTO established its representative office in Indonesia for market development. In March 2010, MGTO and some Mainland tourism departments jointly visited Singapore and Malaysia for the promotion of travel routes linking Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Macau. In July 2011, the office held an array of promotion events in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. During March and April last year, MGTO promoted Macau in the three Southeast-Asian countries together with Macau trade representatives. In early April this year, the office organized the "Macau Festival 2013" in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, a biennial event which enjoyed wide popularity. Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia all ranked among the top ten visitor-source markets in Macau last year. In the first two months this year, a total of 23,000 Singaporean visited Macau while the number of Malaysian and Indonesian visitors approximated 36,000 and 27,000 respectively. MGTO will make unrelenting efforts to expand international visitor sources and steadily enhance the diversified development of tourism markets.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on oral care products on 12th April 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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The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) so far has not received any calls for enquiries or assistance regarding the Boston Marathon bomb blasts till noon time. According to the information obtained by GGCT, there are currently no Macao travel tours in Boston, and no Macao athlete participated in the marathon race either. GCCT will keep monitoring any developments of the explosions. GCCT reminds that Macao residents may call the 24-hour Tourism Hotline at (853) 2833 3000, or the Chinese Consulate-General in New York at 212-2449392 or 212-2449456, for assistance if necessary.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals in package tours increased by 21.6% year-on-year to 803,934 in February 2013, attributable to the long holiday of Lunar New Year. Package tour visitors mainly came from Mainland China (600,005), with 278,140 coming from Guangdong Province, followed by those from Taiwan, China (61,853); the Republic of Korea (38,318) and Hong Kong (35,912). In the first two months of 2013, visitors in package tours reached 1,558,242, up by 19.7% year-on-year. Macao residents travelling outbound using services of travel agencies soared by 37.8% year-on-year to 134,809 in February 2013, of which 50,533 travelled in package tours, up significantly by 1.3 times. The main destinations were Mainland China (79,864), accounting for 59.2% of the total, while Hong Kong and Taiwan, China took up 14.7% and 11.6% respectively. In the first two months of 2013, outbound residents surged by 28.5% year-on-year to 247,702. There were 100 hotels and guesthouses operating at the end of February 2013, providing 28,122 rooms, up by 26.1% year-on-year; guest rooms of 5-star hotels accounted for 66.5% of the total. In February 2013, the hotels and guesthouses received 774,965 guests, up by 7.5% year-on-year. The average length of stay of guests held stable from a year earlier at 1.4 nights. The majority of guests came from Mainland China (60.4% of total) and Hong Kong (16.6%). Due to the substantial increase of 5,812 guest rooms year-on-year, the average occupancy rate of hotels and guesthouses decreased remarkably by 8.5 percentage points to 77.3%, with that of 5-star hotels at 78.8%. In the first two months of 2013, number of guests increased by 13.2% year-on-year to 1,607,669; the average occupancy rate stood at 80.1%, down by 2.2 percentage points. From January to February 2013, visitor-guests took up 67.5% of the total number of overnight visitors, higher than the 63.3% in the same period of 2012.
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