News

The Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) sends the 2011 Population Census questionnaires and respective documents to be destroyed at the Macao Incineration Plant on 21 June 2012. Data collection of the 2011 Population Census was conducted in August 2011. In accordance with Article 14 of the Administrative Regulation 15/2011, questionnaires of the 2011 Population Census have to be destroyed within one year after data collection. Following the publication of the detailed results, about 200,000 questionnaires and documents containing data on individuals, households and building units are sent to the Macao Incineration Plant on 21 June 2012 to be destroyed under the close supervision of the DSEC staff.
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The Identification Services Bureau has launched the testing phrase for its two new self-service kiosks for applying for the Certificate of Criminal Record and modifying the contact information of Macao residents respectively since February 2012. The kiosks allow citizens to apply for the Certificate of Criminal Record and modify their contact information on a self-service basis, saving the waiting time needed if they are applying at traditional service counters. The trial period of the abovementioned kiosks ended in May 2012. These kiosks have been entirely put into official use on 1st June 2012. Kiosk for Certificate of Criminal Record Application The testing period of the kiosks for Certificate of Criminal Record Application started on 22nd February 2012. During the pilot period, 2 kiosks were installed at the Identification Services Bureau in the China Plaza. In the first testing month, 820 applications were received at kiosks which accounted for 49% of total applications. Eligible electronic Macao Resident Identity Card holders who are at the age of 16 or above can apply for the Certificate of Criminal Record with the above-mentioned self-service kiosks. During the application process, applicants are required to verify their fingerprints, scan the image of their identity card and sign on the screen directly. Right after the application process, applicants have to pay the application fee to complete the whole application. Moreover, applicants can choose to pay the application fee at the kiosk through online payment with their credit card or in cash at the service counters. In addition, applicants will receive a SMS (Short Message Service) reminder for document collection if their mobile number has been provided during the application. In order to improve services continuously, the Identification Services Bureau will look into the possibility of increasing more different payment methods. According to the statistics, 12,606 applications have been received at kiosks until 15th June 2012, which accounted for 56% of total applications. Among them, 10,591 applications were conducted at the China Plaza and 2,015 applications were conducted at the Government Services Centre, which accounted for 52% and 83% of the total applications of their respective location. Kiosk for Contact Information Modification The testing period of the kiosk for Contact Information Modification started on 22nd April 2012. During the pilot period, kiosks were installed at the Identification Services Bureau in the China Plaza. Eligible electronic Macao Resident Identity Card holders who are at the age of 18 or above can modify their contact information (i.e. address and telephone number) with the above-mentioned self-service kiosks. Furthermore, citizens are required to verify their fingerprints at the kiosks. Once they are identified, they can get access to or modify their current contact number and address. Also, they can choose if they authorize the Identification Services Bureau to provide their contact information to other government entities. Seeing the positive responses to the kiosks, the Identification Services Bureau has extended the kiosk services to the Government Services Centre in Areia Preta since 26th April 2012. At present, a total of 7 kiosks for Certificate of Criminal Record Application and 4 kiosks for Contact Information Modification have been set up at the China Plaza and the Government Services Centre. Among them, 4 kiosks for Certificate of Criminal Record Application and 2 kiosks for Contact Information Modification are installed at the China Plaza, and 3 kiosks for Certificate of Criminal Record Application and 2 kiosks for Contact Information Modification are installed at the Government Services Centre. The introduction of self-service kiosks marked an important milestone on the development of electronic administrative services of the Identification Services Bureau. Moreover, the Identification Services Bureau will continue to further promote electronic services and introduce kiosks for Macao SAR Resident Identity Card Renewal Application and kiosks for Macao SAR Travel Documents Application in 2013.
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Consumer Council released its latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' dated 15th June, surveying over 310 items. In comparison with last month's data, prices of over half of the surveyed items, mainly beverages, snacks, and seasonings, have decreased. Dairy products, which recorded price increases previously, record minimal decreases in prices of cheeses and other dairy products/drinks this month. Prices of many rice and cooking oil brands have also dropped by 1 to 2 percent. Prices of 108 items, mainly insecticide and personal hygienic products, have increased. For a more comprehensive survey, Consumer Council chooses one specific branch from each supermarket chain as regular surveyed points while randomly selects different branches each month to compare their differences in selling price. This month's survey shows that two branches of San Miu Supermarket, located at Rua dos Mercadores and Nape, were found to have different selling prices for over one third of the items surveyed and those prices varied for about 5 to 10 percent. Further, over 20 different seasoning products surveyed in the mentioned two branches in Macao all recorded price differences, e.g., prices of 'Pearl River Bridge Superior Light Soy Sauce (500ml)' in the two branches varied for over 40 percent. Consumers are advised to check with the data provided by the Council on its website and its 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android smart phone apps. The latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' is now available on the 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. For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (116.85) for May 2012 increased by 6.76% year-on-year, attributable to higher charges for meals bought away from home, as well as dearer prices of vegetable and fresh pork. For the 12 months ended May 2012, the average Composite CPI increased by 6.40% from the preceding period; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.29% and 6.62% respectively. In comparison with May 2011, notable increase was observed in the price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+31.93%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+9.90%) on account of rising charges for meals bought away from home, as well as dearer prices of vegetable and fresh pork. On the contrary, price index of Communication decreased by 6.59%. The CPI-A (116.32) and CPI-B (117.47) for May 2012 increased by 7.18% and 6.94% respectively year-on-year. The Composite CPI for May 2012 increased by 0.66% month-to-month, of which the price index of Clothing & Footwear rose by 3.39% upon new arrival of Summer clothing, while the price index of Transport decreased by 1.02% with lower gasoline prices. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.74% and 0.64% month-to-month. The average Composite CPI for the first five months of 2012 increased by 6.47% year-on-year, with noticeable increase in the price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+28.59%); Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+9.65%); and Miscellaneous Goods & Services (+8.07%). On the other hand, price index of Communication registered a decrease of 6.48%. The CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.55% and 6.74% respectively year-on-year. The 2008/2009-based Composite CPI 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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In order to guarantee the safety of the "UN Rio+20 conference", postal administration of Brazil has taken special security measures to all mail items. Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet, Parcel and EMS) from Macao to Brazil are subject to delay until further notice.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, met today with the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to China, Mr Sergey Razov, to exchange views on bilateral trading, culture exchange and co-operation on education. At the meeting at Macao Government Headquarters, an agreement on the mutual exemption of visa was also signed Mr Chui thanked Mr Razov for his presence at the signing ceremony. He said he believed that the mutual exemption of visa may help to promote exchange on tourism, trading and culture between the two places. Mr Razov said that this was his maiden trip to Macao and that he believed the mutual exemption of visa will boost Macao-Russia relationship. He also said that there was room to enhance bilateral co-operation and that both sides agreed to study this. The Consul General of Russian Federation in the Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, Mr Vladimir A. Kalinin, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, the Chief-of-Cabinet of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Tam Chon Weng, the Secretary-General of the Executive Council, Ms O Lam, the Chief of the Office of the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Mr Cheong Chui Ling also attended the meeting.
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Macau Government Tourist Office held a Public Release of Macau Task Force Report on "Towards a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure" produced by expert members of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) task force today (June 19). Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Cheong U attended the event and received the report, while Director of MGTO, João Manuel Costa Antunes gave a speech. MGTO entrusted PATA to produce the Macau task force report and offer professional suggestions on Macau development into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. It is anticipated that the report will serve as an important reference during the process from tourism policy formulation to goal realization for Macau. During his speech, Antunes stated that PATA has appointed experts to contribute more comprehensive strategic suggestions at policy level regarding Macau's development into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. He hoped that this report not only serve as a significant reference but also foster different sectors to reflect and raise various opinions in terms of tourism polices through collective wisdom, jointly building a better future and Macau into a genuinely-acknowledged World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. PATA has appointed six experts from different sectors including aviation, brand and tourist destination management to conduct research and produce the report. The members of the PATA task force are Andrew Drysdale, Executive Director of Mentor Aviation Services Pty Ltd., Australia, Jonathan Hutchison, Managing Director of Business Events Sydney, Alastair Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of Belle Tourism International Consulting Ltd., China, Professor Lindsay Turner from Victoria University, Australia, Susan Warren, Director of Making Tourism Work Associates, New Zealand and UK, and Stewart Raymond Moore, Chief Executive Officer of EC3 Global, Australia. The experts have paid numerous visits to Macau for site inspection and data collection, with significant assistance from local sectors, related organizations/institutes and government entities. Andrew Drysdale, the Chairman of the PATA task force, gave a speech on behalf of the task force, followed by the task force members who introduced the content of the report. The report foremost recommends Macau to formulate a comprehensive master plan for tourism development. It also contributes practical suggestions regarding traffic network perfection, business tourism as well as conventions and exhibitions, diversification of tourism products, marketing and branding of Macau, fostering quality tourism, human resource allocation, strategies for sustainable tourist development, establishment of overall planning and management institutes, etc. to facilitate Macau development into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. The attendees of the Public Release include Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Cheong U, officials from MGTO, members of the Tourism Development Council, overseas representatives of MGTO, representatives from PATA, related departments, trade and media, approximately 200 in total. PATA is a leading and influential tourism association in the Asia Pacific region and has bestowed continuous support on Macau tourism development. Macau became a member of PATA since 1958 and has since maintained a close cooperative relation with PATA. In the past, PATA has conducted five task force study projects related to Macau tourism, including "Macau - A study of Tourism Development" in 1980, regarding balance of relic preservation and tourism development; "Macau Education Task Force" in 1990, regarding the training scheme which met mid and long-term manpower demand; "Macau Tourism in Transition" in 1994, regarding Macau development as a MICE destination; "Macau Tourism Marketing - A new Focus for the Millennium" in 1996, regarding establishment of overseas representative offices; "A study of the Future of Macau's Tourism and its International Airport in the Context of the Pearl River Delta Region" in 2002, regarding diversified development and interrelation between aviation network and marketing promotion. These studies have provided valuable advice for Macau tourism development.
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Consumer Council has established the 'Code of Practice' for optical retail outlets, the fourteenth 'Code of Practice under its 'Certified Shop' mechanism'. Consumer Council indicates that as eyewear becomes significant consumer goods that tourists purchase in Macao and eyewear dispensing services become essential to local citizens, different kinds of eyewear, including prescription glasses, contact lens, and sunglasses, have now become a fashion trend. Local optical retail industry is flourishing and the number of optical retail outlets is also increasing. As consumers' eye heath is directly affected by the quality of optical products and eyewear prescription services, it is important to establish a 'Code of Practice' for the optical retail industry to safeguard consumer rights. During the drafting stage of the 'Code of Practice' for optical retail industry, ophthalmologist Dr. Frank Lai from Kiang Wu Hospital was invited as the consultant and optical retail outlets under the 'Certified Shop' mechanism have also been consulted. The optical retail industry is required by the 'Code of Practice' to do business with ethics, the 'Code' not only sets the standard for the industry to provide prescription services but also on how to safeguard consumers' eye health. Consumer Council reminds its 'Certified Shops' of the optical retail industry to comply with this 'Code of Practice' or else the annual assessment of the shop will be affected. The Council also calls on other optical retail outlets to protect consumer rights by supporting the 'Code'. Details of the 'Code of Practice' for optical retail industry can be found in the latest issue no.226 of Consumer Report. The current Consumer Report also features articles on how the 'Certified Shop' annual assessment works, as well as other activities initiated by the Council.
Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the office of Consumer Council (Rua Inácio Baptista, Nº 6-6A Edificio Seaview Garden 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 and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources online at the Council's official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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The Signing Ceremony of the Agreement between the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Russian Federation on Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements took place in the Macao SAR Government Headquarters on 19 June 2012. The Government of the Macao SAR was granted the authorization from the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China to conclude the abovementioned agreement. The Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms. Florinda da Rosa Silva Chan, and the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Beijing, Mr. Sergey Razov, representing the Government of the Macao SAR and the Government of the Russian Federation respectively, signed the Agreement. After the Agreement enters into force, residents of the Macao SAR holding a valid Macao SAR Passport will be exempted from visa requirements when entering the Russian Federation for a stay of maximum 30 days. The effective date will be announced later. At present, a total of 101 countries or territories have agreed to grant visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to the holders of Macao SAR Passport. Among them, there are 71 countries and 15 territories have agreed to grant visa-free access to the holders of Macao SAR Passport, while the other 15 countries have agreed to grant visa-on-arrival access to the holders of Macao SAR Passport.
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The University of Macau's (UM) congregation this year was not just a solemn and joyous occasion, but also a touching one. In addition to speeches and certificate presentation, which are a staple of the big annual event, this year's UM Congregation also saw students singing in unison, some with tears in their eyes. For years, UM staff and students have been longing to have their own university anthem, and this wish finally came true. Last year, which marked the thirtieth anniversary of the university, UM launched a university anthem lyrics material contest, and set up an Organizing Committee chaired by Mr. Lei Pui Lam, first vice chair of UM's University Council. The Organizing Committee received fifty-two entries by internal and external participants, from which the Evaluation Committee selected nineteen. UM invited Dr. Tse Chi Wai, chair of UM's University Council, who has an extraordinary literary talent, to create the lyrics based on the chosen materials, and Canadian musician Margaret Tse Perron was invited to compose the music. Their collaboration finally yielded a beautiful and deep university anthem. The song made its debut at the congregation, through co-performance by UM Choir, UM Symphonic Band and UM String Orchestra. The University of Macau Anthem Lyrics by: Daniel C. W. TseMusic by: Margaret Tse Perron On Chinese soil where East meets West, UM grows young and strong.
On Taipa Hill or Hengqin Plain where beauty brightness shine. Ren, Yi, Li, Zhi, Xin, marks of College life;
Arts and Sciences thrive in Learned Hall.
Feet firm on ground and eyes on high, our global vision clear.
With hand on heart we proudly march, for Homeland and Mankind.
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