News

The Seminar on the Training of Teachers of Portuguese as a Foreign Language, organised by the University of Macau (UM), will be held on Friday 9 December. Experts and scholars in the field will gather at UM to discuss strategies for establishing a systematic, professional system for the training of teachers of Portuguese as a foreign language, in order to meet the demand for bilingual professionals in Macao as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and to gradually establish a Portuguese language training centre in the Asia-Pacific region. The following scholars will speak at the seminar. They are Hong Gang Jin, dean of UM’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities; Maria José dos Reis Grosso, associate professor from UM’s Department of Portuguese; Ye Zhiliang, director of the Portuguese Language Teaching and Research Office at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU); Paulo Farmhouse Alberto, dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Lisbon (UL); Jorge Pinto, professor from the Faculty of Arts at UL; and Sun Jianrong, dean of the University International College at Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST). Representatives from UM’s Department of Portuguese will present the results of their research project titled ‘Learning Framework for Chinese Students of the Portuguese Language’. Co-organisers of the seminar include BFSU, UL, and MUST. The Tertiary Education Servicess Office of the Macao SAR is the sponsor. The event will begin at 9:30am, on Friday 9 December, in Room G035, Faculty of Arts and Humanities (E21), UM. All are welcome. All participants will receive a certificate of attendance. For enquiries or registration, please call 88228903 or email to fah.portuguese@umac.mo.
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Consumer Council conducted its third ‘Supermarket price survey’ in December on 6 December for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets near Iao Hon Market and the Border Gate area (Portas do Cerco ) in N. Sra. de Fátima Parish. 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. 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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Consumer Council conducted its third ‘Supermarket price survey’ in December on 6 December for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets near Iao Hon Market and the Border Gate area (Portas do Cerco ) in N. Sra. de Fátima Parish.
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For the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June, Consumer Council on 6 December collects prices of fresh pork from wet markets and supermarkets for consumers’ reference. The mentioned data collected during 30 November to 6 December are used for comparing the average selling price of the same products from Zhuhai and Hong Kong. The relevant data has been uploaded to the Council’s website for consumers’ reference. The specific price surveys on fresh pork and vegetables are now available on the Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo), iPhone & Android ‘Supermarket Price Information Platform’ app, and the Council’s WeChat Account page. The relevant surveys include the average selling prices of local fresh pork and vegetables, and comparison on the respective the average selling prices rom Zhuhai, HK, and Macao. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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With the objective of increasing the understanding of the measures to combat terrorist financing specifically in the analysis and presentation of the international standards on financial integrity, the countering of the financing of terrorism and anti-money laundering, the Legal and Judicial Training Centre is going to organise a five-day seminar on “Countering the Financing of Terrorism” that will take place in the auditorium of the Civil Service Training Centre located on Alameda Dr. Carlos D’ Assumpção n.° 322-362, Cheng Feng Commercial Centre, 7th floor, on December 12th to 16th, from 6pm to 8:30pm. Integrated in the 3rd Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field between Macao Special Administrative Region and the European Union, this Seminar will feature as its keynote speaker Mr. Giuseppe Lombardo, Consultant in financial integrity, anti-money laundering and the countering of the financing of terrorism; Associate Professor of Anti-Money Laundering Legislation (appointed) – LUMSA University, Rome, Italy and Ex-Senior Counsel of the Legal Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Seminar will be conducted in English, with simultaneous translation into Cantonese and Portuguese. During the five daily sessions, the following topics will be discussed: 1) The International standards for the criminalisation of terrorist financing: a. The session will focus on the main legal requirements for the criminalisation of terrorist financing (1999 UN Convention and Recommendation 5 of the FATF (Financial Action Task Force)) requirements for the criminalisation of foreign fighters; b. Main challenges in the effective implementation of these requirements (and the best practices to overcome them). 2) The international standard for the freezing of terrorist assets (I): a. The session will discuss the main requirements for the freezing of terrorist assets (FATF Recommendation 6), with a special focus on the UNSCR (United Nations Security Council Resolution) 1267 (and successor resolutions, including UNSCR1988 (2011) and UNSCR 1989 (2011)); b. Main challenges in the effective implementation of these requirements (and the best practices to overcome them): identification of targets (including by obliged entities) and the implementation of the freezing / prohibition requirements. 3) The international standard for the freezing of terrorist assets (II): a. The session will discuss the main requirements for the freezing of terrorist assets (FATF Recommendation 6), with a special focus on UNSCR 1373 and UN 2253 (2015) on ISIL; b. Main challenges in the effective implementation of these requirements (and the best practices to overcome them): the standard for domestic designation, the identification of targets (including by obliged entities) and the implementation of the freezing / prohibition requirements. 4) The international standard for the suppression of the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction: a. The session will discuss the main requirements introduced by FATF Recommendation 7 and UNSCRs 1718 (2006) and 1737 (2006); b. The main challenges in implementing them and the best practices in overcoming them. 5) The latest trends and typologies in terrorist financing (and the main challenge to tackle them effectively): a. The session will focus on the main trends and typologies in terrorist financing (foreign fighters, ISIL etc.), as identified by FATF papers and by the experience of certain countries; b. The role of the FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit) and intelligence; the role of reporting entities in detecting targets and/or suspicious transactions related to terrorist financing. The 3rd Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field between the Macao Special Administrative Region and the European Union, which incorporates this Seminar, has as its main objective “Promote the Development and Modernisation of the Macao Special Administrative Region’s Legal System” and is going to take place until November 2019. The execution of the Co-operation Programme is coordinated by the Legal Affairs Bureau, together with many entities and public departments of the Macao Special Administrative Region, namely the Legal and Judicial Training Centre, the Institute of European Studies of Macau, the Economic Services, the Consumer Council and the Social Welfare Bureau.
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With the objective of increasing the understanding of the measures to combat terrorist financing specifically in the analysis and presentation of the international standards on financial integrity, the countering of the financing of terrorism and anti-money laundering, the Legal and Judicial Training Centre is going to organise a five-day seminar on “Countering the Financing of Terrorism” that will take place in the auditorium of the Civil Service Training Centre located on Alameda Dr. Carlos D’ Assumpção n.° 322-362, Cheng Feng Commercial Centre, 7th floor, on December 12th to 16th, from 6pm to 8:30pm.
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The Macao Cultural Centre is looking for young voices to join its Children’s Choir in the coming year. Applications are now open to children aged 8 to 16, interested in exploring their singing skills and musical culture. Auditions will take place at the end of December. For more than a decade, children have been introduced to the world of music through choral practices, music appreciation and performances. These ranged from a special onstage appearance with Bobby McFerrin to an international collaboration with the French Saint Marc’s Children’s Choir. Most recently, CCM’s young voices have presented a mini-concert combining theatrical expression and body movement at the ARTmusing Fun. Besides these performing moments, choir members have also been active in community oriented events and environmental projects. All these activities are planned to boost children’s musical and interpersonal skills through a diversity of concerts and events. CCM Children’s Choir provides musical practice, with classes in Cantonese (complemented with English) happening on a weekly basis, every Sunday from 11am to 1pm. Application forms should be submitted by December 22 (7 pm) at the Macao Cultural Centre or any Macao Ticketing Network counter. Candidates will be individually notified of audition times, scheduled for December 27 and 28, 2016. Monthly fees will cost MOP200 and must be settled each semester. For further information on recruitment please visit www.ccm.gov.mo .
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The “Atlas of Zhuhai•Macau”, which is a joint compilation by Cartography and Cadastre Bureau of the Government of the Macao SAR, Department of Land & Resources of Guangdong Province and Land & Resources Bureau of Zhuhai City has been released. It is the first Atlas after the announcement and implementation of Macao SAR boundary on 20th December, 2015. With compilation of geographical information of the two regions, “Atlas of Zhuhai•Macau” enhances information sharing and as a result bringing convenience to work and life. This Atlas definitely plays an important role in mutual cooperation and economic development between Zhuhai and Macao. “Atlas of Zhuhai•Macau”, which mapping extent includes the Macao Special Administrative Region and the Zhuhai City of Guangdong Province, consists of five parts: map search index, introductory maps, regional maps, detailed region maps and toponymic index. In order to enrich the content and enhance the sense of reality, it is mainly presented by orthophoto aerial maps, accompanied by detailed street maps for the central and main development zones of the city so that users can get more acquainted with the geographical conditions in Zhuhai and Macao. The price of “Atlas of Zhuhai•Macau” is MOP299.00/set and is now available at the Cartography and Cadastre Bureau, Public Information Centre, Service Centre of Macao SAR, Central Post Office, Plaza Cultural Macau, Livraria Wan Tat and Seng Kwong Bookstore, or you can place an order via online shopping service of Cartography and Cadastre Bureau. Online shopping service website of Cartography and Cadastre Bureau: https://eservice.dscc.gov.mo. For general enquiries, please call 2834 0040, or send an email to epay_enquiry@dscc.gov.mo.
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The “Atlas of Zhuhai•Macau”, which is a joint compilation by Cartography and Cadastre Bureau of the Government of the Macao SAR, Department of Land & Resources of Guangdong Province and Land & Resources Bureau of Zhuhai City has been released. It is the first Atlas after the announcement and implementation of Macao SAR boundary on 20th December, 2015. With compilation of geographical information of the two regions, “Atlas of Zhuhai•Macau” enhances information sharing and as a result bringing convenience to work and life. This Atlas definitely plays an important role in mutual cooperation and economic development between Zhuhai and Macao.
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Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) once again held the “Quality Tourism Services Accreditation Scheme” (QTSAS), targeting the catering sector and travel agencies this year. In parallel with that, the Office hosted a QTSAS Awards Gala Dinner tonight (5 December) to present the “Star Merchant Award” of the year to 42 qualified catering businesses and 28 qualified travel agencies, among which 4 catering businesses and 2 travel agencies were also given the “Service Star Award”. Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Ip Peng Kin; MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; President of the Institute for Tourism Studies, Fanny Vong; President of the Executive Committee of the Consumer Council, Wong Hon Neng; Head of Department of Environment, Hygiene and Licensing of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM), Fong Vai Seng; MGTO Deputy Directors, Cecilia Tse and Cheng Wai Tong; Chairman of Macau Hotel Association, Samuel Yeung Chun Yip; President of the United Association of Food and Beverage Merchants of Macao, Chan Chak Mo; President of the Board of Directors of Association of Macau Small and Medium Enterprise of Catering, Vincent Ieong Weng Seng, President of Macau Travel Agency Association, Alex Lao Nga Wong; President of the Travel Industry Council of Macau, Siu Chi Shing; Secretary-General of the Association of Macau Tourist Agents, Cheung Kin Chung; as well as Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency, Michael P. H. Lam were present at the Awards Gala Dinner together with other guests. Giving a speech on behalf of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Alexis Tam during the dinner, Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Ip Peng Kin, stated that the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture has always attached great importance to nurturing tourism industry professionals. He hopes that members of the local tourism community can voice their suggestions and make concerted efforts to promote and optimize tourism industry training. He looks forward to seeing members of the industries actively participate in training programs to enhance their accomplishments and professional knowledge in order to maintain a great service attitude and positive mentality while carrying out their responsibilities devotedly. By doing the above, they can together promote quality tourism service and enhance the destination image, joining hands to transform the city into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. On behalf of Secretary Tam, Ip Peng Kin also encouraged members of the local industries to keep upgrading their service with new ideas, and by leveraging innovative media and technology, to provide more fascinating travel experiences for visitors, which will in turn foster smart tourism development in Macao. He added that while MGTO is currently carrying out the preparation work for Macao’s application to become a UNESCO Creative Cities Network member in the field of Gastronomy, local catering businesses can do their best to provide services of high quality and help Macao become a City of Gastronomy. MGTO launched the QTSAS in 2014, with the objectives not only to establish service quality standards for members of the tourism industry but also to support and encourage them to upgrade their service quality. The Scheme also aims to recognize tourism businesses for their outstanding services and excellent service management. QTSAS gives out two accolades namely “Star Merchant Award” and “Service Star Award”. Since the Scheme was rolled out for the catering industry in the first two years with good results achieved, the Office extended the Scheme from the catering industry to include travel agencies as well this year. Based on license categorization, MGTO set up four categories including “Deluxe Restaurant”, “First Class Restaurant”, “Second Class Restaurant” and “Food and Beverage Establishments” in the Scheme. During the process, the participating catering businesses were given two types of assessments, namely “Mystery Shopping Assessment” and “Service Management System Audit” with regard to their frontline service and management level. This year, 42 qualified merchants received the “Star Merchant Award” in recognition of their outstanding tourism services. Four of them were also entitled to the “Service Star Award” because of the highest score they received in their respective category. Including this year’s award winners, around 200 catering merchants have been designated as the “Star Merchant” since the launch of QTSAS. For the field of travel agencies, the participating businesses had to go through three types of assessments including “Mystery Shopping Assessment”, “Service Management System Audit” and “Traveller Satisfaction Survey”. As a result, a total of 28 qualified travel agencies were presented the “Star Merchant Award”. Moreover, to commend travel agencies which provided their patrons with high-quality services in and beyond Macao, the Office conferred the “Service Star Award – Inbound Service” and “Service Star Award – Outbound Service” to the two “Star Merchant” travel agencies which met the prescribed standard and received the highest total score for “Inbound Service” and “Outbound Service” respectively. In line with the Scheme, MGTO held an array of workshops and courses this year for participating merchants of 2016 and the award-winning merchants of 2014 and 2015, supporting them to keep improving their services in terms of quality and efficiency. In addition, MGTO keeps promoting the Scheme via different channels and has produced leaflets listing the award-winning travel agencies as well as the printed “Star Merchant Award” – Restaurants and Eateries Guide of the year for distribution at various Tourist Information counters. The public can also check out the list of award-winning merchants on MGTO’s website: www.macaotourism.gov.mo. MGTO will carry on the Scheme and optimize the current system of assessment and incentive for the catering sector and travel agencies. In addition, the Office will continue to support and assist industry partners to organize training programs, in order to foster quality improvement in services provided by tourism and other related industries and support Macao’s goal to become a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.
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