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Consumer Council released its latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' dated 15th December. In comparison with last month's record, average prices of rice and cooking oil had become stable and decreased respectively while those of many surveyed samples of noodles, milk products, sanitary and hygienic products had increased slightly by 2 to 4 percent. A total of 300 kinds of products were surveyed by Consumer Council. Prices of rice and cooking oil, where obvious price increase were recorded last month, had turned stable and dropped respectively; though several Thai rice brands recorded no change in price in the last two months, certain brands, such as '"Fung Soi" Thai Hom Mali Rice (10kg)' and '"Tsing Ling Gi" Thai Hom Mali Rice (10kg)', still showed significant increase in price. Among the 25 samples of cooking oil surveyed, prices of half of them had dropped since last month, e.g. a price drop of over 13 percent was recorded in 'King Chef 100% Pure Corn Oil (3.5L)'. Further, average prices of several brands of instant noodles had increased by 0.5 to 8 percent. Some samples from the categories of milk products, sanitary and hygienic products also recorded a price increase. For canned foods, prices of most of the samples surveyed in both the 'Supermarket Price Survey' and 'Specific price survey on canned foods' were stable, with only an exception of 'Greatwall Brand Chopped Pork & Ham (340g)' in which average price had increased by 4 percent since last month. Consumers are advised to check with the price data provided by the Council and to download the new 'Supermarket price platform' iPhone app available for free on the Council's website. Both 'Supermarket Price Survey' and 'Specific price survey on canned foods' are now available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo). 'Supermarket Price 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. For inquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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With reference to media reporting of the occurrence regarding the loss of communication during cruise that took place on 01 October 2011 of an Air Macau wet leased operation, AACM has now completed its investigation. The occurrence and the investigation conclusions are summarized as follows: On 01 October 2011, the Air Macau wet leased flight (Air China Flight CCA101) which was destined to Hong Kong International Airport took off from Beijing Capital International Airport at 0844. From 0921 to 1037, the air traffic control centres that CCA101 passed through were not able to establish contact with the flight for more than one hour. The flight landed at Hong Kong International Airport at 1139. During this occurrence, the cabin conditions were normal and no passengers were affected. (A wet lease is a special leasing arrangement between two airlines whereby the lessor provides an aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance to the lessee. The lessor aircraft logo and the registration mark remain unchanged.) In accordance with the Mandatory Occurrence Reporting System established by the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR (AACM), Air Macau notified the Authority on the same day after the occurrence. Having analysed the nature, AACM mobilized its investigation. Air Macau was also required to find out the root cause and submit their report. The operator subsequently suspended the duties of the two flight crew members to assist in the investigation. Air Macau submitted their report to AACM on 28 October 2011, which AACM has analyzed. The Authority has interviewed the flight crew members to obtain their statements as well as carried out a thorough review on all relevant information, including the maintenance records of the aircraft, the data decoded from the digital flight data recorder and cabin voice recorder, the training and the duty time records of the flight crew, the air ground communication records of the air traffic controllers and so on. After review and analysis of all factual information, data and the flight crew statements, the investigation did not find any factors on the part of the ground and air communication equipment and the air traffic control operations that could have contributed to the occurrence. The factual information indicated that the flight crew members are properly licensed with airline traffic pilot license and are technically qualified to operate the flight. Their duty time complied with the Air Navigation Regulation of Macau. AACM's investigation report concluded that the causal factor in this occurrence was the flight crew's negligence in maintaining an effective radio listening watch. In addition, the flight crew members' failure to set and monitor the guard frequency and their lack of situational awareness during flight are factors contributing to the occurrence. For the purpose of preventing recurrences in order that safety can be maintained, AACM's investigation report listed out 14 safety recommendations for Air Macau to take action, which include: the operator should take concrete steps to enhance flight crew members' understanding of and compliance with their operational procedures and instructions in flight operations, particularly in maintaining radio listening watch and setting and checking correct radio frequency; the operator should look into their certificate of maintenance review process for effective checking of compliance status to relevant regulations and requirements; the operator should take concrete steps to enhance line maintenance personnel's understanding of and performing maintenance work; the operator should study and increase the frequency of line proficiency checks conducted to flight crew members in wet lease flights and ensure that these checks are conducted on regular basis; the operator should, as part of their Safety Management Systems, assess the safety risks of mixed operations of wet lease flights and apply mitigation measures to control the risk probability. In the aspect of safety monitoring work, AACM will enhance oversight on aircraft equipment status during the renewal process of the aircraft certificate of airworthiness. Analysing the nature of this occurrence and the investigation conclusions, in accordance with Provisions 1 (3) and 3 of Article 20 of the Administrative Regulation No. 10/2004 and Paragraph 4 of the Thirteenth Schedule of the Air Navigation Regulation of Macau, AACM has decided to suspend the license of the two flight crew members for 6 months. AACM reiterates that the purpose of investigation is to look for the casual factors so that effective corrective actions can be implemented to avoid similar recurrences in the future.
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To help hospitality and food and beverage professionals understand more about Macanese cuisine, IFT hosted the Macanese Cuisine Cooking Demonstration Workshop on 21 December 2011. Ms. Graca Pacheco Jorge was invited to share the concepts of Macanese cuisine and demonstrate five traditional recipes. GRAÇA, born in Macao, is descendent of an ancient Macanese family. In 1992, she wrote the book "A Cozinha de Macau de Casa do Meu Avô" which was edited by the Instituto Cultural de Macau and reedited by Editorial Presença in Lisboa in 2003. In 1999, she was invited by the Japanese TV Channel (NHK) to participate in a prime time Tokyo TV Show, to talk about Macanese culture and gastronomy. In 2004 she participated in several programmes for the Portuguese National TV about Macanese Cuisine. Throughout the period of 2009 to 2011, she has maintained her activity of divulging the Macanese gastronomy with workshops, theoretical and practical classes, in partnership with Macau Tourism Promotion and Information Centre in Lisbon, and Casa de Macau (Lisboa). In June 2010, she was being elected as "Confreira de Mérito da Confraria de Gastronomia de Macau". The workshop composed of five sessions: Macanese Cuisine Introduction, Introduction of five Traditional Macanese Cuisine, Recipe Sharing and Cooking Method Demonstration, Food Tasting and Q&A. Participants gained a lot of basic knowledge about Macanese cuisine through the demonstration and recipe sharing. The workshop attracted a total of 27 chefs from hotels and restaurants. IFT has always been dedicated to organise promotions of different ethnic cuisines for the public. At the same time, it arouses the interests of food service industry in Macao to explore more ideas in cooking. Through "Country Traditional Cuisine Introduction & Cooking Demo Series" IFT forms a communication platform for local and overseas chefs. The institute will make more efforts to offer more training programmes to help enhance the knowledge and skills of industry professionals.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the Composite CPI (112.56) for November 2011 increased by 6.65% year-on-year. The increment was attributable to higher charges for meals bought away from home and rising prices of clothing and gasoline. For the 12 months ended November 2011, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.57% from the previous period; the CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.24% and 5.75% respectively. In comparison with November 2010, significant increase was observed in the price index of Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+10.44%); Miscellaneous Goods & Services (+9.58%); Transport (+7.34%); and Clothing & Footwear (+6.83%) on account of dearer prices of fresh pork, fresh fish, vegetable, men and women's clothing, gasoline and gold jewellery, as well as higher charges for meals bought away from home. On the contrary, price index of Communication decreased by 14.07% year-on-year. The CPI-A (111.71) and CPI-B (112.93) for November 2011 increased by 6.47% and 6.82% respectively. The Composite CPI for November 2011 increased by 0.39% month-to-month, of which the price index of Clothing & Footwear rose by 3.24% upon new arrival of winter clothing; however, price index of Transport decreased by 0.75% with lower gasoline prices. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.35% and 0.41% respectively month-to-month. The average Composite CPI for the first eleven months of 2011 increased by 5.71% year-on-year; the CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.39% and 5.90% respectively. The Composite CPI, with base year April 2008-March 2009, 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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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said the Government will strongly encourage Macao residents to embrace self-enhancement and will support them to learn and read more. Mr Chui said this as he delivered a speech at a reception at the Macau Tower to celebrate the 12th anniversary of the Macao SAR. 'Over the past year, with the full support of the central government, the bulwark of the Basic Law and the efforts of the whole Macao community, the great principle of "One country, two systems" continues to be realised and to develop progressively,' he said. 'We promote scientific governance, build a sunshine government, step up efforts to improve people's livelihoods, promote adequate diversification of the economy, position Macao to support the national 12th Five-year Plan, intensify regional interaction and cooperation, and enhance the quality of culture and people. 'Macao's economy is maintaining steady growth, with strong fiscal reserves and a high employment rate. Education and healthcare development is improving, and society is generally stable and harmonious,' he said. 'Economic development and the improvement of people's livelihoods are still the most important tasks for the Government in the coming year,' he said. 'We will work closely with every sector of society to develop Macao into a world tourism and leisure centre and bolster its capability as the commerce and trade service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries so as to promote adequate economic diversification. 'In addition to fostering new engines of growth within Macao, we will further grasp the opportunities from the 12th Five-Year Plan to strengthen the close cooperation with mainland governments, especially that of Guangdong province. In this direction, we can continuously raise the level of our regional collaboration and maximise the output of our cooperation. 'We will actively develop Macao's limited scale to create new opportunities for the expansion and restructuring of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and provide increased employment options for the younger generation. The Government signed the Eighth Supplementary Protocol to the Mainland and Macao Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (8th Supplementary Protocol to CEPA) a week ago. 'In the year ahead, we will gain more support to promote the development of Macao's service industry. At present, through arrangements including the Macau Investment and Development Company Limited and the Assessment Committee for the Macao Projects for Hengqin Development, we encourage Macao enterprises and residents to participate in the Hengqin and Nansha development projects to further both self-development and the development of the whole city. '"Putting people first" is our constant policy-making principle as well as the starting point for the further enhancement of our governance. For these reasons, we prioritise policies that promote the continuous improvement of people's livelihoods and assure the community of a reasonable share of the fruits of economic development. 'Even though inflation in the mainland has slowed lately, the lives of Macao people are still affected by local inflation from the combined effect of multiple factors. The Government will continue to closely track the changing price levels of consumer goods and services, while we expand import channels of food products to Macao and actively implement every possible relief policy. If inflation keeps rising, the Government will roll out new relief measures in a timely manner. 'We are fully committed to completing the construction of 19,000 public housing units. In addition, we will continue to assist our residents to resolve housing problems, improve the traffic system and promote environmental protection. We are increasing aid and support to the elderly and disadvantaged groups, including the long-term social security system and the retirement protection framework. 'Alongside improving public services, we see various social organisations and different sectors of the community warmly caring for the needy. "Caring for One Another," "Respect for the Elderly" and "Helping People in Need" are not only the great traditions of Macao people but also the driving force of Macao's healthy development,' he said. 'As Macao maintains strong progress, the Government, society and citizens face the challenge of self-improvement to raise competitiveness. So, the Government will strengthen the training of civil servants and allocate more resources to education－raising teaching standards by perfecting teacher training programmes, continuing the provision of education subsidies, improving study allowances for tertiary students, and expediting the introduction of education legislation and formulation of educational reforms to enhance conditions for our citizens, especially the younger generation. 'To strengthen our all-round competence, we will increase our investment in culture and human development. Continuing a fine Chinese tradition, we strongly encourage Macao residents to embrace self-enhancement and will support them to learn and read more. We are dedicated to the accumulation of abundance and cultural wealth for the well-being of Macao society,' he said. He thanked the Central Government and all its representative offices in Macao for their comprehensive support for Macao, and expressed gratutide to all Macao residents and the dutiful civil servants for their efforts to build this city. Guests attending the reception included the Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Ho Hau Wah, the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Bai Zhijian, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in Macao SAR, Mr Hu Zhengyue the Commander of the Macao Garrison of the People's Liberation Army, Senior Colonel Zhu Qingsheng, the President of Legislative Assembly, Mr Lau Cheok Va, and the President of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Sam Hou Fai. In the morning, more than 300 guests attended the flag raising ceremony at Golden Lotus Square.
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According to the nomination of the Decoration Awards Committee, the Macao SAR Government confers Decorations, Medals and Certificates of Merit to 38 individuals and entities in recognition of their outstanding achievements, contributions and distinguished services rendered to the Macao SAR. Decorations of Honour, including the Decoration of Honour - Grand Lotus, the Decoration of Honour - Golden Lotus and the Decoration of Honour - Silver Lotus, are intended to award to individuals or entities that have made outstanding contributions to the image and reputation of the Macao SAR. The recipients are: Decoration of Honour - Silver Lotus Ms Ho Teng Iat Decoration of Honour - Silver Lotus Mr Wan Chun Seven types of Medals of Merit are awarded for: 1. Professions; 2. Industry and commerce; 3. Tourism; 4. Education; 5. Culture; 6. Philanthropy; and 7. Sport. Each of these categories of decorations is awarded to individuals or entities that have make major or excellent contributions in their respective fields The recipients are: Medal of Merit – Professions Mr Lam Wai Hou Mr António José Dias Azedo Ms Victoria Alexa Kuan Chan Medal of Merit - Industry and Commerce Mr Ma Chi Ngai Frederico Mr Leong Iam Chong Banco Nacional Ultramarino, S.A.
Medal of Merit - Tourism Mr Alan Reginald John Ho Mr Wu Keng Kuong Medal of Merit - Education Mr Wang Yitao Ms Wong Lai Heng Sister Yong Pac Hun Mr Tai Chan Lam Medal of Merit – Culture Mr Ching Cheung Fai Mr Tang Chou Kei Case de Portugal em Macau Medal of Merit – Philanthropy Mr Nuno Maria Roque Jorge Mr Leong Sio Pui Mr Lou Wai Sek Medal of Merit - Sport Mr Chu Chi Wai Ms Hoi Long Mr Chui Iu Medals for Distinguished Services are awarded to public entities, organisations or their staff for outstanding performance of their duties or community service. The recipients are: Medal for Distinguished Service - Medal for Dedication Ms Ho Tin Ka Ms Manuela Teresa Sousa Aguiar Ms Chan Ioc Chan Medal for Distinguished Service - Medal for Community Service Mr Un Iok Meng Ms Iek Ka Iok Mr Cheong Pak Io Certificates of Merit including the Honorific Title - Prestige and the Honorific Title – Merit, commend Macao SAR residents or other people who have made major contribution to the reputation, development or social progress of the Macao SAR. The recipients are: Honorific Title - Prestige Mr Richard Stuart Moffatt Honorific Title - Merit Mr Ho Man Fai Ms Ng Wing Mui Ms Hong Ka I Mr Wu Nok In Mr Ngou Pok Man Mr Lio Chon Hou Mr Chio Wai Keong Confraternidade Cristã Vida Nova de Macau Extensivo aos Jovem Consome Drogas The decorations, medals and certificates of merit awards ceremony will be held in early 2012.
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Macao is to organise a wide range of activities and events on Tuesday to mark the 12th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region. Highlights will include a flag-raising ceremony at Lotus Square at 8 am and a reception hosted by the Government at Macau Tower at 9:30 am. To bring fun and entertainment to the public, Macao Sport Development Board is to stage a concert at Macao Stadium at 2 pm. In addition, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has firstly organised the "Parade through Macau, Latin City" at 3:30pm. Artists and groups from all over the globe, along with numerous local talents, will set out on their performing journey from the city's iconic Ruins of St. Paul's, continuing on to the enchanting St. Lazarus Church and surrounding District through brightly decorated streets and alleys until reaching the final destination on Tap Seac Square. The Macao Post will issue commemorative covers and offer hand-back services to the public. In the evening, the Macau Government Tourist Office will present a firework display off Macau Tower at 9 pm.
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Recently, Rector of the University of Macau (UM) Prof. Wei Zhao received the Outstanding Technical Achievement and Leadership Award from the Technical Committee on Real-Time Systems (TCRTS), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). This award is given to individuals with outstanding technical achievements and leadership. Rector Wei Zhao received the award at the IEEE Real-Time Systems Symposium (RTSS) 2011, held in Vienna, Austria, on 1 December. RTSS is a top international conference in the field of real-time systems and embedded systems, and provides a platform for showcasing the latest research achievements in the field. The fact that Rector Wei Zhao received the Outstanding Technical Achievement and Leadership Award from IEEE TCRTS shows international recognition of his achievements in the field. During his visit to Europe this time, Rector Wei Zhao also met with Lesley Wilson, secretary general of the European University Association, and Elsa Hackl, a professor at the University of Vienna and a former senior official at the Austrian Ministry for Education, Research and Culture. The discussions covered issues related to the enhancement of academic exchange and improvement of the governance of public institutions. Ambassador Song Zhe, head of the Mission of the People's Republic of China to the European Union, hosted a banquet for Rector Wei Zhao. Rector Wei Zhao is the chief scientist for a key project on the Internet of Things (IOT) under the "973 Programme", otherwise known as the "National Key Fundamental Research Development Programme". He has made significant contributions in distributed computing, real-time systems, computer networks, and cyberspace security. Earlier this year, he was named, along with President of Peking University Prof. Zhou Qifeng and former CEO of General Electric Jack Welch, by his alma mater University of Massachusetts Amherst among the top 50 high-achieving alumni since the university's founding in 1863. One of his papers on IOT ranked among the most cited papers published in IEEE Transactions between 2009 and 2011.
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The University of Macau (UM) has appointed world-renowned scholar of law Chair Professor John Shijian Mo as the new dean of its Faculty of Law (FLL). 16 December, Prof. Mo officially assumed office as the dean of FLL at UM. UM Rector Wei Zhao said he believes that Prof. Mo's rich managerial experience and extensive interpersonal networks will help FLL scale new heights. Prof. Mo has worked at the City University of Hong Kong, Deakin University, and the China University of Political Science and Law where he has served as dean of the International Law School since June 2005. He is a Chinese member of the Governing Council of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, the vice president of the China Society for International Economic Law, and the vice president of the China Society of International Commercial Law. He has published two hundred academic papers, books and book chapters, and has received numerous important research grants. Prof. Mo is also an arbitrator of the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission, and the China Maritime Arbitration Commission. Prof. Mo noted that in the future, in addition to enhancing teaching and research quality and educating high-calibre law specialists proficient in the Chinese and Portuguese languages to satisfy the demand of the local market, FLL also needs to enhance academic ties with neighboring countries and regions and play a greater role internationally. He hopes to attract more outstanding students with bi-lingual proficiency through curriculum reform.
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The English edition of Macao Yearbook 2011, an annual publication compiled by the Government Information Bureau (GCS) of the Macao SAR, will be launched tomorrow, alongside with the launch of the free iPhone App of Macao Yearbook. The English edition of Macao Yearbook 2011 comprises 647 pages and is enriched by 155 photographs. It is divided into five sections: Administrative Priorities of the MSAR Government; Calendar of Events; Review of the MSAR; Overview of the MSAR; and Appendices. Consisting of 16 chapters, the Overview of the MSAR presents information on the political and administrative system; legal and judicial system; external relations; economy; gaming industry; tourism; public order; education; culture and sport; health and social welfare; media, communications and information technology; land, infrastructure, housing and public utilities; transport; geography, environment and population; religion and customs; and history. The Macao Yearbook 2011, together with a complimentary CD-ROM containing the PDF version of the yearbook, can be purchased at the following places at 120 patacas or 120 Hong Kong dollars per copy: major local bookstores; the Government Public Information Centre at Rua do Campo; and the Macao Post Office (Macao Post)'s Philatelic Division, Rua do Campo Branch, Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal Branch, Macau International Airport Branch, and Nova Taipa Branch. During the promotional period lasting until 31 March 2012, a 20 percent discount will be offered to any purchase of Macao Yearbook 2011. The Chinese and Portuguese editions of Macao Yearbook 2011 were launched earlier in November. The Macao Yearbook iPhone App offers three editions of the Macao Yearbook from 2009 to 2011 in three languages, namely Chinese, Portuguese and English. It is available for free download at the App Store; alternatively it can be downloaded through a link on the Government Information Bureau's Website www.gcs.gov.mo. The Macao Yearbook App for tablet computers will be launched at a later date.
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