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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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The Nomenclature for the External Trade of Macao/Harmonized System, 5th Revision (NCEM/HS Rev.5), approved under Executive Order No. 68/2011, will come into effect from 1 January 2012. In accordance with the latest recommendations of the World Customs Organization (WCO), the current revision incorporates separate identification of certain marine and agricultural products, new subheadings for specific chemical substances of ecological concern in conformity to the Rotterdam Convention and the Montreal Protocol, as well as the changes to the merchandise import and export of Macao in recent years. With the implementation of NCEM/HS Rev.5, the import and export declarations and licenses must be completed in accordance with the new commodity codes. To facilitate smooth adoption of NCEM/HS Rev.5, the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) has introduced the following measures to assist the import/export operators: 1. Specialized webpage. Users can browse the DSEC website (www.dsec.gov.mo) to download the whole document or individual chapter of NCEM/HS Rev.5, old and new coding correlation tables, list of frequently used commodity code, etc. Users can also use commodity keyword to search the respective code in NCEM/HS, Rev.5. 2. Enquiry hotline. Import/export operators may call the hotlines at 2831 4738, 2831 4650 and 2831 4710 to enquire the commodity code. 3. Enquiry email. Any difficulty in looking up the commodity code can be sent to hs@dsec.gov.mo. In addition, DSEC has printed copy and CD-ROM of the NCEM/HS Rev.5 that is available free of charge to the import/export operators and HS users. To obtain a copy, please call the enquiry hotlines or visit the Documentation and Information Centre of DSEC at Alameda Dr. Carlos d'Assumpção, No. 411-417, Dynasty Plaza, 17th floor during office hours.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao announced today that the preliminary estimate of Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves amounted to MOP265.0 billion (USD33.04 billion) at the end of November 2011. The reserves rose by 4.6% from the revised value of MOP253.4 billion (USD31.69 billion) for the previous month. When compared with a year earlier, the reserves increased by MOP82.8 billion or 45.4%. Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves at end-November 2011 represented 45 times the currency in circulation or 362.8% of Pataca M2 at end-October 2011. The trade-weighted effective exchange rate index for the pataca, a gauge of the domestic currency's exchange rates against the currencies of Macao's major trading partners, remained unchanged from the previous month at 87.83, but fell by 1.19 points over the same period last year. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao (Tel: 83952532; Fax: 28353042)
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A partir de 15 de Dezembro, a Direcção dos Serviços de Turismo (DST) divulga de forma permanente na sua página electrónica a tabela de preços de quarto de hotel e pensões fornecida pelos operadores para facilitar a consulta de residentes e visitantes que queiram reservar quartos na cidade. Caso os hóspedes efectuem a reserva directamente junto dos estabelecimentos hoteleiros de Macau, a DST informa que o preço não deve ultrapassar o limite divulgado na tabela. Em relação às reservas feitas por outros meios, nomeadamente através de agências de viagem ou de serviços de reserva on-line, a tabela disponível "online" pode ser usada como referência. De acordo com a actual legislação, os estabelecimentos hoteleiros licenciados em Macau são obrigados a informar a DST sobre mudanças na tabela de preços. Os estabelecimentos hoteleiros não devem cobrar preços mais elevados do que os assinalados na tabela registada sob pena de, após recepção de queixas, a DST averiguar os casos. Os interessados em consultar informações sobre os estabelecimentos hoteleiros e tabela de preços podem fazê-lo em www.macautourism.gov.mo. Para apresentação de queixas, contactar a Linha Aberta para o Turismo 28333000. Os queixosos devem fornecer a data de "check-in" e "check-out", o nome do estabelecimento hoteleiro, categoria do quarto e/ou número do quarto, a referência da reserva e comprovativo de pagamento, para facilitar as averiguações. Este ano, por altura do 1 de Maio, Dia do Trabalhador, a DST divulgou pela primeira vez, a tabela de preços de quartos de hotel e pensões para esta altura, reportados pelos estabelecimentos. A divulgação foi feita também por altura do 1 de Outubro e o Grande Prémio de Macau. Dada a boa recepção da medida, a DST decidiu tornar a divulgação permanente. Este texto está disponível em: http://www.macautourism.gov.mo
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Macau Government Tourist Office starts to publish the rates of different hotels and guesthouses room categories on its website on a permanent basis from December 15 as a reference for residents and visitors. MGTO expressed that for guests who reserve rooms directly with the hotels, the price cannot exceed the limit of the rates published. However, if bookings are done through any other channels, namely travel agencies or on-line reservation services, the room rates published on the website can only be taken as reference. According to the current regulation, all hotels and guesthouses need to inform MGTO of any revised room rates. The rate of a rented room should not be higher than the registered one and MGTO will conduct investigation upon receiving complaint. Guests can check hotel information and the published room rates at MGTO website (http://www.macautourism.gov.mo) or call Tourism Hotline 28333000 to file complaint. To facilitate investigation, complainants should state clearly information such as the date of check in, hotel name, room category and/or room number, booking voucher and receipt. During May 1 Labor Day holiday this year, MGTO published for the first time the rates of different hotels and guesthouses room categories reported by the trade ahead of the holiday. This measure, also implemented during National Day holiday and Macau Grand Prix, was well received and MGTO decided to publish the rates on a permanent basis.
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