News

Owing to the flooding in New South Wales and Victoria of Australia, Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet, Parcel and EMS) from Macao to the areas bearing the following postal codes are subject to delay until further notice Postal Codes NSW:
Central West 2787 - 2880
Canberra 2575 - 2599, 2619 - 2639
Murray and Riverina 2640 - 2739
Victoria:
3741; 3685; 3683; 3747; 3707; 3637; 3677; 3678; 3669; 3666; 3672; 3631; 3634; 3636; 3677; 3644; 3638; 3631; 3608; 3633; 3570 Thank you for your kind attention.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that there were 10 institutions of higher education offering courses in the 2010/2011 academic year, and 106 schools providing pre-primary, primary, secondary and vocational-technical education, with 77 within the free education system; moreover, there were 8 schools offering special education. At the end of the 2010/2011 academic year, there were 24,156 students attending higher education, up by 8.4% over previous academic year, with local students accounting for 69.8%. Meanwhile, 71,832 students were attending pre-primary, primary and secondary education, with students of primary (23,833) and secondary (37,101) education decreasing by 6.4% and 3.2% respectively; as a consequence to higher birth rate, pre-primary students (10,898) increased by 9.8% from the previous academic year. In addition, there were 558 students attending special education, up by 8.3%. In the 2010/2011 academic year, there were 5,804 higher education graduates, mostly major in Business and administration (38.8%) and Personal services (21.8%); meanwhile, number of Form Six graduates was 5,485. There were 2,088 teachers teaching in institutions of higher education, 4,977 in pre-primary, primary and secondary education, and 111 in special education. Teacher/student ratio in higher education was 1 to 11.6; the ratio for pre-primary, primary and secondary education was 1 to 14.4 and that for special education was 1 to 5.0. In the 2011/2012 academic year, student enrolment in higher education is 27,346 and that of pre-primary, primary and secondary education is 70,479.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that a total of 272 MICE events were held in the fourth quarter of 2011, a decrease of 108 year-on-year; total number of participants and attendees soared by 131% to 508,125, of which 16 exhibitions, with an average duration of 3.9 days, attracted 479,825 attendees (94% of the total). There were 256 meetings and conferences held in the fourth quarter of 2011, bringing in 28,300 participants and the average duration stood at 1.8 days. As regards subject of event, 116 MICE events focused on Commerce, Trade & Management, accounting for 43% of the total; analyzed by type, 158 were Corporate Meetings (58% of total). In the fourth quarter of 2011, data were collected from 15 exhibition organizers (94% of total). Total revenue of the exhibition organizers amounted to MOP 32.61 million, mostly from Rentals of Exhibition Booth (48% of total). Total expenditure was MOP 110 million, of which expenses on Production, Construction & Decoration Services accounted for 24%. In accordance with the information from 213 exhibitors interviewed, total revenue of the exhibitors amounted to MOP 11.05 million and the majority (94%) came from Sales of Products. Total expenditure was MOP 11.03 million, with expenses on Booth Rentals taking up 43% of the total. For the whole year of 2011, a total of 1,045 MICE events were held, down by 354 from 2010; total number of participants and attendees surged by 59% to 1,278,054. Even though number of exhibitions registered a year-on-year decrease of 6 events, yet number of attendees reached 1,167,283 (+78%), indicating improvement in the quality of exhibitions held. Data on 45 exhibition organizers (88% of total) were collected in 2011. Total revenue of the exhibition organizers amounted to MOP 68.68 million, with Rentals of Exhibition Booth accounting for 62%. Total expenditure was MOP 179 million, mainly on Production, Construction & Decoration Services (21%) and Advertising, Promotion & Public Relations (17%). Moreover, total revenue of 452 interviewed exhibitors amounted to MOP 20.71 million, with Sales of Products sharing 93% of the total; total expenditure amounted to MOP 16.14 million, of which 48% were expenses on Booth Rentals.
…

Consumer Council conducted its latest specific price survey on dairy products on 29 February. Prices of 13 brands of dairy products were collected from 21 retail outlets, and a price discrepancy of over 70% was recorded. To meet the consumers' increasing demand on dairy products, an essential non-staple food item, the Council therefore included dairy product items to its specific price survey. The 13 processed dairy products surveyed were items such milk and cheese, etc.. Obvious price discrepancy was revealed among milk products. The lowest and highest prices of "Big Shot Fresh Milk (paper pack)/ 200ml" recorded were $4.50 and $8.00 respectively, which equaled to a percentage difference of over 70%. Besides, price difference of over 50% was recorded for "Pura URT Fresh Milk (paper pack)/ 1L" and "Mengniu Pure Milk (paper pack)/ (250mlx6)" sold in different retail outlets. For most of the cheese products surveyed, price difference of around 30% was also recorded. Price differences and comparisons can be accessed on the 'Specific product price information platform' on the Council's website. The latest specific price survey on dairy products is now available online on the Council's official website (www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
…

David Wong Yuk Shan, Executive Assistant Manager of Food and Beverage Department of IFT launched his second cookbook titled "The Art of Modern Portuguese Cuisine". David Wong is a fanatical cook and a wine lover, grown up in England, his cuisine is heavily influenced by French, Italian and British. Being a chef for more than 25 years, David has extensive hotel experience in Asia, with the JW Marriott Hotel in Hong Kong, The Mandarin Oriental in Macao, the Westin Banyan Tree in Bangkok, Raffles The Plaza in Singapore and the Luxury collection, Sheraton Grande Laguna in Phuket as Director of Food & Beverage. David joined IFT in 2004 in charge of the Michelin recommended Educational Restaurant also teaches the theory and practical of culinary, wine studies and food and beverage management. An approved tutor for Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), a regular food and wine judge for both the Miele Guide and the Cathay's Pacific, Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition (Hong Kong IWSC) and writes restaurant reviews and wine column for South China Morning Post, Macau Daily Times, Macau Closer and Fine Drinks Magazine. With the passion in cooking, David settled in Macao inspired by the rich gastronomy culture of Macanese, he then authored his first cookbook – The Art of Modern Portuguese Cuisine and other IFT Delights, which won the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2008 in the category of "Best Easy Recipes Book" in Macao region. "The Art of Modern Portuguese Cuisine" is his second cookbook proudly presents patrons' and chefs' favourite Portuguese influenced dishes of IFT Educational Restaurant. These signature dishes are a few examples of our chef's years of persistent quest for excellence in cooking, now consummated in this book authored by David Wong. We hope readers enjoy not only the dishes prepare out of this book in the company of family and friends but also the fine art of cooking. IFT always encourages its staff to publish in their area of expertise. This is not only for the sake of academic purpose, but also as an additional reference source to the general public and to raise Macao's international reputation.
…

Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) participates once again at Lisbon Travel Market (BTL, from the Portuguese abbreviation), running until Sunday, with a 54 square-meter booth showcasing the binomial historical-cultural heritage/business tourism, and the tourism potential of Macau. The existing historical, cultural and economic links between Macau and Portugal, despite the geographical distance, justify the continuous promotion of Macau at BTL, the biggest Portuguese tourism fair, since its first edition, with Macau being already a benchmark for quality in the event. Through its participation in the fair, MGTO aims to boost contacts between operators and tourism entities of Portugal, Macau and Mainland China. The Macau delegation to the fair, opened to public on Wednesday, includes a Macau tourism operator and representatives from Zhongshan Tourism Bureau. Currently, where there is an increasing demand and visibility of Macau as tourist destination in Portugal, the message of MGTO at BTL 2012 will be focused on promoting and positioning the city as World Center of Tourism and Leisure, and promoting different products under the new marketing theme "Touching Moments - Experience Macau". As in previous years, MGTO booth is also attended by representatives of Chinese traditional activities - a fortune-teller and a silhouette/calligrapher artist – both already very well-known in BTL. Macau's booth will also carry the already popular lucky draw that offers two trips to Macau including accommodation for two people.
…

In 2011, Consumer Council handled a total of 6850 cases, involving an amount of almost MOP 16 million. Case completion rate was over 90%. A detailed analysis of complaint cases received in 2011 and the changes in complaint cases in recent years are featured in the latest issue of Consumer Report. Consumer Council indicated that consumers' awareness of their own rights and protection has been greatly enhanced through its promotions and educational work. Both local residents and tourists make inquiries before making consumption, as a great number of cases handled by the Council in recent years were inquiries. In 2011, inquiry cases accounted for about 70% (almost 5000 cases) of the total 6850 cases, almost 1700 cases were complaints, and 170 cases were suggestions; the total amount involved in all these cases was about MOP 16 million. To guarantee consumers' rights to seek redress in economic terms, Consumer Council endeavours to provide better and professional legal assistance to consumers to safeguard their rights. In 2011, case completion rate was over 90%, which was about the same percentage as the previous year. This year, the Council will continue to enhance its publicity and educational work and provide information on consumer issues. Consumer Council, along with Legal Affairs Bureau (DSAJ), will co-host series of events, including a carnival at Iao Hon Market Garden on 15th March, as well as an online quiz, to celebrate this year's 'World Consumer Rights Day'. The latest Consumer Report also features an article on the aim of the annual theme 'Consumption and Safety' of China Consumers' Association. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the office of Consumer Council (Rua Inácio Baptista, Nº 6-6A Edficio 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.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that with the arrival of Autumn and Winter, consumption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) increased while that of Electricity decreased. In the fourth quarter of 2011, consumption (10,958 tonnes) and imports (10,450 tonnes) of LPG increased by 25.5% and 21.6% respectively quarter-to-quarter; the average price of LPG imports decreased further by 6.4% to MOP8.47 per kilogram, representing the lowest quarterly price in 2011. For the whole year of 2011, imports (42,478 tonnes) and consumption (42,908 tonnes) of LPG went up by 6.2% and 5.3% respectively year-on-year, of which consumption by the Business sector (29,819 tonnes) increased by 10.6%, but that by Households (12,535 tonnes) decreased by 7.4%. In the fourth quarter of 2011, imports of Electricity decreased by 18.2% quarter-to-quarter to 835 million kWh, accounting for 89.9% of the total available supply. Attributable to the suspension of natural gas supply, local generation of Electricity dropped significantly by 59.1% over the previous quarter to 104 million kWh; moreover, the cool weather drove down the consumption of Electricity by 24.2% quarter-to-quarter to 908 million kWh. For the whole year of 2011, total consumption of Electricity (3.856 billion kWh) went up by 5.5% year-on-year, of which consumption by Households (766 million kWh) rose by 9.9%; meanwhile, consumption by the Business sector (2.916 billion kWh) increased by 4.4%, with that of the Gaming sector (1.419 billion kWh) rising by 9.6%. In 2011, imports of Electricity (3.165 billion kWh) increased by 13.6% year-on-year, while local generation of Electricity (886 million kWh) decreased by 17.8%. In 2011, the average price of all types of fuels increased compared with 2010, with that of Unleaded Gasoline (MOP11.53 per litre) and Bottled LPG (MOP14.21 per kilogram) rising by 19.0% and 11.9% respectively year-on-year. At the end of the fourth quarter of 2011, stock of Fuel Oil (10.32 million litres), LPG (1,762 tonnes) and Gas Oil & Diesel (21.83 million litres) decreased by 47.6%, 21.9% and 1.2% respectively quarter-to-quarter.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total merchandise export for January 2012 amounted to MOP622 million, down by 4.7% year-on-year, of which value of domestic exports (MOP203 million) decreased by 18.4%, but that of re-exports (MOP419 million) increased by 3.8%. Total merchandise import amounted to MOP5.68 billion, up by 16.3% year-on-year. Merchandise trade deficit for January 2012 widened by 19.6% year-on-year to MOP5.06 billion. Merchandise export to Hong Kong (MOP305 million) and the USA (MOP48 million) in January 2012 decreased by 5.1% and 29.6% respectively year-on-year, and that to Mainland China (MOP79 million) increased by 14.6%. Exports of Textile & garment declined by 31.6% to MOP105 million; exports of Non-textile (MOP517 million) increased by 3.6%, of which exports of Machines & apparatus, parts & accessories thereof (MOP72 million) and Articles for casino (MOP27 million) soared by 154.9% and 165.9% respectively. In January 2012, merchandise import from Mainland China (MOP1.73 billion) and the EU (MOP1.44 billion) expanded by 23.9% and 9.4% respectively year-on-year. Imports of Consumer goods rose by 16.0% to MOP3.61 billion, with imports of Watches (MOP392 million), Handbags & wallets (MOP381 million) and Motor cars & motorcycles (MOP189 million), increasing by 36.1%, 44.2% and 25.8% respectively. Moreover, imports of Capital goods (MOP978 million) registered year-on-year increase of 23.9%. In January 2012, total value of external merchandise trade amounted to MOP6.30 billion, up by 13.9% compared with MOP5.53 billion a year earlier.
…

Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On will attend the Fifth Session of the Eleventh National People's Congress in Beijing, from 4th to 8th March. While in the capital, Mr Chui is also scheduled to meet with the Secretary of the Guangdong CPC Provincial Committee, Mr Wang Yang, and the Guangdong Governor, Mr Mr Zhu Xiaodan, to discuss ways to promote co-operation between Guangdong and Macao.
Mr Chui will also meet with leaders from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Administration of Sport, State Oceanic Administration, to exchange views on mutual co-operation.
The Chief-of-Cabinet of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Tam Chon Weng; the Secretary-General of the Executive Council and Advisor of the Office of the Chief Executive, Ms O Lam; and the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping will accompany Mr Chui on the trip.
The Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan, will be Acting Chief Executive while Mr Chui is away.
…