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The opening ceremony of the “Exhibitions in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s birth and on the conservation of No. 80 in Rua das Estalagens” was held on Thursday, 15 December, at 3:30pm, at No. 80, Rua das Estalagens, and was officiated by the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Ung Vai Meng; the Director of The Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen in Tsuiheng Village of the Zhongshan city, Huang Jianmin; the President of the Macao History Association, Chan Su Weng; the senior educator, Lau Sin Peng; and the Chairman of the Residents Mutual Aid Association of 6 Ruas Chou Toi, Lo Teng Kam. Other guests attending the ceremony included members of the Cultural Heritage Committee, experts, scholars and residents. The renovation project of No. 80, Rua das Estalagens has been concluded, and the Cultural Affairs Bureau will be ready to set up as an exhibition space. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sun Yat-sen, and the Cultural Affairs Bureau organized the “Exhibitions in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s birth and on the conservation of No. 80 in Rua das Estalagens”. The public can appreciate the feats of such a great man as well as assess the results of the conservation works and of the archaeological discoveries in the exhibition. Macao is the starting point for Dr. Sun Yat-sen to the world, and it is the first place where he practiced as a doctor and the source of enlightenment for revolutionary ideology. Though the scenery of Rua das Estalagens has been changed over centuries, the building located at the Rua das Estalagens, where the Chong Sai Dispensary established by Dr. Sun Yat-sen, remains the same. It has been the ties and witness of the close relationship between Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Macao. Built before 1892, the building at No. 80, Rua das Estalagens is a typical commercial residential premise, that is a residential building with commercial spaces on the ground floor. Upon the MSAR Government’s successful purchase of the building in 2011 after several rentals and transfers, renovation works were carried out. The building will now open as an exhibition hall for the public and will be established as an exhibition venue applicable to specific themes in future. The “Exhibitions in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s birth and on the conservation of No. 80 in Rua das Estalagens” covers several exhibition areas including an archaeological artefacts and traces exhibition, an exhibition area dedicated to Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Macau, an exhibition area on the building’s renovation techniques and an exhibition area on the building’s distinctive features. This exhibition allows residents to have further understanding of the relationship between Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Macao as well as the characteristics and architectonical features of this traditional commercial residential premise. Admission to the building at No. 80, Rua das Estalagens is free from 15 December. The exhibition will be open from 3:30pm to 6pm on the day of the opening ceremony. The building opens from Wednesday to Monday from 10am to 6pm, including on public holidays (closed on Tuesdays). For enquiries, please contact the Cultural Affairs Bureau through tel. no. 8399 6699 during office hours.
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“2016 Stamp Festival” has commenced in the Communications Museum. The theme of this year is Pillar Box. There will also be a series of fun and interactive activities during the Stamp Festival which will be held from now till April 7, 2017. The thematic guided visits will be led by our facilitators who will introduce about the pillar boxes on stamps, miniatures from other places and interesting stories about pillars boxes. Each guided visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Schools and organizations are welcomed to make reservations. “Lucky Draw of the Pillar Box Photo Mosaic” is one of the special activities. Participants only have to circle the answers on the game slip and insert it into the collection box. The participants that answer all the questions correctly will automatically enter the grand lucky draw at the end of the exhibition. We will place two mailboxes with two different cut-off times for mailing in order to “Mail to the Future”. Participants may drop in their handwritten letter or postcard and we shall post them out before February 14 and March 1, 2017 to the receivers. Museum fans are welcomed to “Like” Communications Museum of Macao on the Facebook or share the activity with your friends in WeChat, and then show their mobile phones to our facilitators to each obtain 1 Macao stamp with face value of MOP2 for posting their mails. The museum will organize four “Porcelain Painting Workshops” on January 7, February 11, March 4 and April 1, 2017. In the workshops, participants will be provided porcelain tiles pre-printed with the outline of different pillar box images for painting. The set of four different porcelain tiles from the four workshops will be a good collection of coasters at your home or gifts for your friends or relatives. “A Tour of Special Pillar Boxes in Hong Kong” is discovery trip to be held on February 3 & 4, 2017. On the first day, participants will spend an afternoon enjoying a guided visit at the museum to find out the interesting things about pillar boxes around the world. On the second day, they may invite their parents or friends to join the trip to Hong Kong. They will visit the exhibition at the postal gallery in Hong Kong Post and look for the oldest post office in Stanley to discover the changes that pillar boxes have undergone in Hong Kong. For details of the activities above mentioned, please refer to the Museum website (http://macao.communications.museum).
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The Macao Orchestra (OM, from the Portuguese acronym), under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, will present the concert “Piano Encounter - Meet Alice” on 21 January 2017, at the Macao Tower Auditorium. The concert, under the baton of OM’s Music Director Lü Jia, also features the well-known young pianist Alice Sara Ott, who has a “supermodel” appearance. Tickets for this concert are available through the Macau Ticketing Network. Born in Munich, in Germany, in 1988, Alice Sara Ott is a Germanic–Japanese pianist, hailed as the most talented young pianist in recent years. With her diverse background, she has a keen sense of music. Her music is unique and explosive, entirely different from the music of traditional musicians in what concerns performance style and repertoire selection. Alice has currently become one of the most influential figures in the world’s music circles, and each of her performances brings unlimited power and surprises to the audience. The British daily, The Times, writes that [her performance gives you] only surprises but no regrets. This concert features Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor, offering music fans a musical feast. Tickets for the concert “Piano Encounter - Meet Alice” are priced at MOP250, MOP200 and MOP150, with various discount packages available. Ticketing Hotline: 2855 5555. For the electronic version and complete programme of the 2016-2017 Macao Orchestra Concert Season, please visit OM’s website: www.icm.gov.mo/om.
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Consumer Council conducted a survey on the services and charges of local pre-wedding photography services, the survey result shows that if consumers choose to cancel their contracts or fail to finish photo sessions due to personal reasons within the agreed period, paid deposit is non-refundable under normal circumstances. Further, as pre-wedding photography is a kind of prepayment consumption, consumers’ rights may be affected by various factors from the moment deposit is paid, therefore, consumers should read thoroughly the restrictions of the photo shooting company and choose the service that suits them best. A feature of this is included in issue no. 280 Consumer Report. Wedding photo companies restriction on non-refundable deposit The surveyed wedding photo companies require consumers to pay part or a specific amount as deposit for arranging pre-wedding photography. The survey result shows that consumers are required to finish their photo shooting sessions within a specific period, which varies from six months to two years after deposit is paid. If consumers choose to cancel the service or fail to finish the photo sessions due to personal reasons, deposit is usually non-refundable in most circumstances. Only certain photo companies allow consumers to transfer their services to others. Although charges are agreed by consumers and photo shooting companies, the survey result shows that consumers will be charged extra fees for items such as extra shooting hours. Moreover, some photo shooting companies do not accept change of appointment date by consumers. Compare before making decision Consumers are suggested to refer to the survey for the various charging methods, regulations, and service arrangement of pre-wedding photo shooting companies; it is also suggested to inquire more from the companies about their services and charging conditions before making any decision. Pay attention to the risks of consumption with prepayment Pre-wedding photo shooting service is a kind of prepayment consumption, the Council suggests consumers to choose companies with goodwill, and to sign contract with the company to confirm transaction details and charging fees. Consumers should also read through contract terms, especially the terms regarding the rights and responsibilities of both parties, before signing the contract. Further, consumers are advised not to pay too much money as deposit to safeguard their own rights during the period before photo shooting sessions are completed. Consumer alert: never buy drugs online Online shopping is trending now but it may be illegal and dangerous to purchase drugs online, a ‘consumer alert’ is featured in this issue to remind consumers not to purchase any drugs from online shops. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the Council (Av. Horta e Costa, N.º 26, Edf. Clementina Ho), and the service counter of the Council at Macao SAR Government Service Centre (Rua Nova da Areia Preta, Nº52), Public Information Centre at Vicky Plaza, libraries, and bookstores. Consumers may also access the magazine online on the Council’s official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo) and WeChat official account. For enquiry, please call 8988-9315.
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IFT Tourism Retail and Marketing Management year 4 students successfully completed a Visual Merchandising and Store Design project to help a newly opened restaurant called Le Bistro Marcellinho founded by Roberto Souza. The ultimate aim for the project is to help the restaurant to develop ways to utilise its space by proposing ideas and new business models to help the company to develop new revenue stream and/or to drive in more locals and tourists into the restaurant. Students engaged in market research, development of moodboard, design concepts, prepared 3D models and floorplans as well as design illustrations. To enhance the quality of this course, the course instructor has invited local experts Simon Kwong, João Ricardo Lao, Clement Cheng, Selma Branco Cheng and Elvis Wong, who came to the classroom to share their experiences about store design and visual merchandising. The growth of the retail industry in Macao is making every aspect related to running a successful retail business highly important. The course aims to inform students the importance of store design and visual merchandising to enhance customers experience as well as to entice them to visit the store and to encourage purchases. The course instructor Dr. Fernando Lourenço and the founder of Le Bristo Marcellinho congratulate the students for their efforts and for the quality of work they produced. The project is a fantastic way to build a stronger link with the industry by offering supports to local enterprises as well as allow students to gain experiences. For more information about the projects, please check out YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/iftdesigncourses. The Institute for Tourism Studies, Macao (IFT) was established in 1995, and offers the most extensive range of tourism and hospitality-related bachelor degree programmes in Macao. Annually, approximately 20,000 participants attend its vocational and professional training courses. IFT collaborates with 101 universities and tourism organisations around the world, and has strong links with 500 leading tourism and hospitality corporations worldwide that provide internship opportunities to IFT students. IFT was the first institution to be accredited by the UNWTO.TedQual Certification System for tourism education, and now has 8 bachelor degree programmes with this certification. Currently, the Institute has the greatest number of bachelor degree programmes certified under that system of any tertiary education establishment worldwide. IFT has received the Medal of Merit in Tourism from the Macao SAR Government, and has twice won the Gold Award in ‘Education and Training’ from PATA.
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The Historic Centre of Macao was inscribed in 2005 on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The city’s unique features and harmonious integration of Chinese and Portuguese cultures have since been gradually getting more attention from the public. Featuring a total of 22 main buildings and additional public spaces, the Historic Centre of Macao stands today as a living testimony of eastern and western aesthetics that have influenced Macao over the past four hundred years. The Historic Centre of Macao encompasses the old city centre, where the Portuguese community inhabited, and extends to the neighbouring squares and streets, covering the following attractions: Senado Square, “Leal Senado” Building, Holy House of Mercy, St. Dominic’s Church, Mount Fortress, Section of the Old City Walls, Na Tcha Temple, Cathedral, St. Augustine’s Church, St. Augustine’s Square, Dom Pedro V Theatre, Sir Robert Ho Tung Library, St. Lawrence’s Church, St. Joseph’s Seminary and Church, Moorish Barracks, St. Anthony’s Church, A-Ma Temple, Mandarin's House, Lou Kau Mansion, Sam Kai Vui Kun (Kuan Tai Temple), Casa Garden, the Protestant Cemetery, Lilau Square, Guia Fortress (including Guia Chapel and Guia Lighthouse), and Ruins of St. Paul’s. To visually enjoy and explore the Historic Centre of Macao, please watch “Macao’s World Heritage”, the latest production from the Government Information Bureau. The video is available at the Bureau’s Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/user/macaogcs

Video:【GCS】Macao’s World Heritage

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The Monetary Authority of Macao announced today that the preliminary estimate of Macao SAR’s foreign exchange reserves amounted to MOP151.4 billion (USD18.95 billion) at the end of November 2016. The reserves decreased by 1.9% from the revised value of MOP154.4 billion (USD19.33 billion) for the previous month. Macao SAR’s foreign exchange reserves at end-November 2016 represented 11 times the currency in circulation or 94.8% of Pataca M2 at end-October 2016. The trade-weighted effective exchange rate index for the pataca rose 1.63 points month-to-month and 1.40 points year-on-year to 108.54 in November 2016, implying that overall speaking, the exchange rate of the pataca advanced against the currencies of Macao’s major trading partners.
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The Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) has always been committed to promoting the cultural industry in Macao. Apart from constantly providing a variety of cultural and creative courses, IFT has also pursued active cooperation with artists in recent years, organising exhibitions to provide a platform for local artists to demonstrate their artworks and in turn to integrate arts into the daily life of local residents. IFT Café at “Anim’Arte NAM VAN”, is one of the platforms to showcase local arts and provides citizens and tourists with a relaxing dining experience with cultural and art elements. IFT has the honour to invite Mr. Eric Fok to hold “Change of Times” exhibition at IFT Café from 14 December 2016 to 10 February 2017. He uses technical pens in his works, crafting antique-looking maps infused with contemporary elements and buildings, probing the changes wrought on places due to urban development. For centuries, Macao’s Nam Van area was one of the city’s most glamorous bays, the waters dotted with traditional sailing boats. As time passed, a world of change occurred: today’s Nam Van district is physically very different. This exhibition tracks the passage of time in this prime part of Macao, looking for the footprints of its history. The newly established IFT Café not only serves the Institute’s appetising food; but also provides training to IFT students. The outlet additionally operates as a venue to promote culture, and will regularly host exhibitions featuring local artworks. In addition to IFT Café, “Anim’Arte NAM VAN” has many other elements in creativity, leisure and performances for citizens and tourists to experience. The revitalised waterfront includes recreational facilities, shops selling cultural and creative products, a book market, and a weekend craft market. Additionally, the area has regular outdoor performances. At the lake, pedal boats are also available for visitors to ride. Established in 1995, the Institute for Tourism Studies, Macao (IFT) offers the most extensive selection of tourism and hospitality related bachelor degree programmes in Macao, and about twenty thousand participants attend its vocational and professional training courses annually. IFT collaborates with 97 universities and tourism organisations around the world, and builds strong links with 500 leading tourism and hospitality corporations to offer internship opportunities to its students. Being the first institution accredited by the UNWTO.TedQual Certification System for tourism education, IFT has now 8 bachelor degree programmes with the Certification. Currently, the Institute has the most number of bachelor degree programmes certified under the System of any tertiary education establishment worldwide. IFT has received the Medal of Merit in Tourism from the Macao SAR Government, and won twice the Gold Award in ‘Education and Training’ from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
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Macao SAR and the US today (14 December 2016) signed an inter-governmental agreement (IGA) that will facilitate compliance with the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) by financial institutions in Macao SAR. There are two models of IGAs. A model of 1 IGA essentially requires financial institutions outside the US to report account information of US taxpayers to their own government, which will commit to exchanging such information at a government level with the US IRS on an automatic basis. A model 2 IGA, which Macau SAR and the US have concluded, essentially requires financial institutions to report the relevant account information of US taxpayers to the US IRS directly, supplemented by group requests made by the US IRS, on a need basis, for exchange of information on relevant US taxpayers at a government level. FATCA is an anti-tax evasion regime enacted by the US to detect US taxpayers who use accounts with non-US financial institutions to conceal income and assets from the US IRS. It requires financial institutions outside the US to report financial account information of US taxpayers to the US IRS. Failing this, relevant institutions face repercussions in the form of a withholding tax imposed by the US IRS on relevant US-sourced payments to them. Under the IGA, financial institutions in Macao SAR need to register and conclude separate individual agreements with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Under the agreements, these institutions shall seek the consent of their account holders who are US taxpayers for reporting their account information to the US IRS annually. The IGA reduces reporting burden and facilitates compliance with FATCA by financial institutions in Macao SAR. It covers exemptions for financial institutions or products which present low risks for tax evasion by US taxpayers. The due diligence and reporting requirements under FATCA target specified US taxpayers including US citizens, US resident individuals, and specified entities established in the US or controlled by US persons. Financial institutions are reminded to assess their relevant FATCA compliance implications for their operation and clientele. They shall have the procedures and systems in place to protect clients’ monies, investments or other interests in financial instruments from withholding by third parties; avoid aiding clients to engage in tax evasion locally or overseas; and promote the orderliness of market operation. The two governments were represented by the Secretary for Economy and Finance Mr. Leong Vai Tac, and the Consul-General of the US to Hong Kong and Macau, Mr. Kurt Tong, for the signing of the IGA. The two governments completed the discussions on the substantive terms of the IGA in November 2014. The signing ceremony took place today after the conclusion of the respective formalities. The IGA is available at the website of the Monetary Authority of Macao (www. amcm.gov.mo).
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Consumer Council conducted its ‘Supermarket price survey’ in December on 14 December for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets in São Lázaro and São Lourenço Parishes. The latest ‘Supermarket Price Survey’ is now available on Consumer Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo), ‘Supermarket Price Information Platform’ iPhone and Android apps, and on the Council’s WeChat account page. 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. With reference to the local seven parishes and the number of supermarkets in each parish, the Council has divided around 100 supermarkets into 8 areas for price collection. The Council collects prices from these supermarkets for the provision of a more comprehensive database for consumers to check price discrepancies and make price comparisons according to their desired locations. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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