The second review of the “2016 Subsidy Programme for Fashion Design on Sample Making” held by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC, from the Portuguese acronym) was completed and a total of eight entrants were selected as eligible candidates of the Programme. IC will grant each eligible candidate (individual or team) a subsidy of up to MOP160,000 for sample making and the production of promotional materials. In order to promote the sustainable development of the fashion design industry in Macao, IC launched the “Subsidy Programme for Fashion Design on Sample Making” in 2013. This year, a total of 24 applications were received, including 19 individual and 5 team applications. Following the initial and second reviews, the adjudicating panel selected eight eligible candidates: (in arbitrary order) Tam Chi Kit, Wai Chin Seong, Lo Ka Heng and Choi Wai Leng (team), Cheang Chi Tat, Peng Yun, Leong Man Teng, Wong Man Chon and Lao Ka Weng. 40% of the applicants were new applicants, revealing that the programme has continued to attract the participation of new applicants. In addition, over 50% of applicants have registered trademarks for their brands, showing an increasing awareness of local fashion designers about brand protection. The adjudicating panel comprised relevant professionals from Macao and Hong Kong covering various fields such as fashion design, retail, production and training. Members included the President of the Rainbow Group, Terry Sio Un I; the Senior Manager of the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre, Victoria Kuan Chi Ping; the member of the Committee of Cultural Industries of Macao and Vice President of the Industrial Association of Macau, José Tang Kuan Meng; the Hong Kong famous fashion designer, Walter Ma; and the consultant of the Macao Fashion Gallery, Raymond Au. Some of the adjudicators who have participated in the selection works last year remarked that the overall standard of the applications has been progressing and the marketing plans have shown improvement. They added that some participants who have applied for the programme last year have experienced breakthroughs and developed their own fashion brands after countless trials and experience, and the outcome is encouraging. For enquiries about the results of the Programme, please call Ms. Lam, staff member of IC, through tel. (853) 2892 4040 during office hours.
