News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the economy of Macao expanded by 4.0% year-on-year in real terms in the third quarter of 2016, the first positive quarterly growth recorded over the past two years, attributable to a rebound in both exports of services and investment. External demand showed improvement, leading to a pickup in exports of gaming services and exports of other tourism services, rising by 0.2% and 6.5% respectively year-on-year, an upswing from the second quarter (-9.9% and -6.0%); meanwhile, exports of goods decreased by 15.6%, a slowdown from the 24.7% drop in the second quarter. Domestic demand recovered, private consumption expenditure and investment grew by 0.3% and 2.3% respectively; meanwhile, government final consumption expenditure and imports of goods fell by 1.3% and 7.3% respectively. The implicit deflator of GDP, which measures the overall changes in prices, rose marginally by 0.2% year-on-year in the third quarter. Private consumption resumed growth. Sustained favourable employment situation and reduced inflationary pressures pushed private consumption expenditure up slightly by 0.3% year-on-year, ending its downward trend in the previous two quarters; nevertheless, expenditure on durable goods remained weak, revealing that households were still relatively cautious about spending on non-essential items. Household final consumption expenditure in the domestic market and abroad grew by 0.5% and 4.5% respectively. Government final consumption expenditure diminished, falling by 1.3% year-on-year, lower than the 6.1% growth in the second quarter. Compensation of employees increased by 2.2%, while net purchases of goods and services decreased by 4.9%. Investment gained momentum. Gross fixed capital formation, the gauge of investment, grew by 2.3% year-on-year, rebounding from the second quarter (-20.0%). Investment growth was underpinned by an increase in private investment. Private investment in construction and equipment increased by 1.3% and 11.2% respectively, resulting in a 2.4% rise in total private investment. Meanwhile, government investment rose by 1.8%, of which equipment investment grew by 17.5% but public construction edged down by 0.1%. Decline in merchandise trade tapered off. Overall demand stabilized, with private consumption, investment and visitor spending showing modest growth. Both imports and exports of goods decreased at a slower rate, by 7.3% and 15.6% respectively year-on-year, far lower than the 17.0% and 24.7% declines in the second quarter. Service trade returned to positive growth. Owing to increases in visitor arrivals and spending, exports of services grew by 3.3% year-on-year, putting an end to the downtrend over the past two years. Exports of gaming services and exports of other tourism services increased by 0.2% and 6.5% respectively. Meanwhile, imports of services rose by 6.2% year-on-year, improving from the 3.1% drop in the second quarter. In the first three quarters of 2016, the economy of Macao contracted by 5.4% in real terms. In terms of major GDP expenditure components, private consumption expenditure decreased by 1.6%, investment receded by 18.1%, exports and imports of goods dropped by 22.0% and 15.4% respectively; exports and imports of services shrank by 5.8% and 1.0% respectively, in which exports of gaming services and exports of other tourism services fell by 8.7% and 2.6% respectively; meanwhile, government final consumption expenditure rose by 1.6%, the only major expenditure component that registered growth. Economic growth for 2014 and 2015 was revised downwards from ­0.9% and -20.3% to -1.2% and -21.5% respectively, while the rate of growth for the first and second quarters of 2016 was revised upwards from -13.3% and -7.1% to -12.4% and -7.0% respectively.
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The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) is now calling for submission of information in order to publish the Macao Music Yearbook 2014 and the Macao Music Yearbook 2015. Local art associations or artists are welcome to provide relevant information starting from today until 26 January 2017, in order to facilitate the compilation of the yearbooks. With the growth of Macao’s classical music scene and artistic exchanges with other countries and regions, it is necessary to keep a detailed record of Macao’s artistic development. In recent years, the Cultural Affairs Bureau planned to compile the publication of three performing arts yearbooks in the field of Macao’s theatre, dance and music. Last year, with the support of art associations and performing arts practitioners, the related performing arts events and activities were documented systematically. In view of this, IC keeps on collecting information for the Macao Music Yearbook 2014 and the Macao Music Yearbook 2015. These yearbooks will document the performing art activities held in the past two years, featuring information on classical music, jazz, and musical theatre, among other areas, as well as information of local and overseas concerts, competitions, master classes, workshops, courses, seminars, exchanges and exhibitions, research and related publications (such as books, periodicals, scripts, dissertation and critiques), photos, videos and so forth, based on its objectivity and authenticity. As the yearbooks involve a vast scope of materials, associations and individuals, IC is now gathering relevant information for the Macao Music Yearbook 2014 and 2015 in order to prevent the omission of any data and ensure the integrity of the data. All interested parties in providing the aforementioned information may download application forms at the webpage https://sites.google.com/site/macaomusicyearbook20142015/ or obtain them at the Cultural Affairs Bureau Building in person. Applicants may submit the completed application form by fax to 2847 3747 or by email to musicyearbook1415@gmail.com. Submission of documents can also be made by post or in person at the Cultural Affairs Bureau Building located at the Tap Siac Square. For enquiries, please contact Ms. Lee or Mr. Cheong through tel. no. 6629 6463, during office hours.
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The “Macao Tourism Data plus” (“MTD plus”), an online platform run by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), is now equipped with new statistical indicators on hotel industry figures. The Office continues to enhance its publication of tourism statistical data and optimize the service features. For users from different circles to check out a range of tourism statistical data easily and experience more convenient public service, MGTO inaugurated an all-in-one online platform known as “Macao Tourism Data plus” in late November 2015 offering inclusive tourism statistical data. Following its addition of new features including Portuguese version, subscription service and user manual this August, the platform now offers three additional statistical indicators regarding the hotel sector in its interactive data. The three new indicators include: 1. Occupancy rate of operating hotel establishments; 2. Number of guests of operating hotel establishments 3. Operating hotel establishments. Currently available in Chinese, Portuguese and English language, “MTD plus” is equipped with an array of features including interactive data, tourism statistics tables, E-publications, other tourism statistics, distribution maps of visitor source markets as well as tourism situation video. At present, a total of eight different indicators are available for search of statistical data in an interactive format, including total visitor arrivals, by source markets, by modes of transport, average length of stay of visitors and that of hotel overnight guests, occupancy rate of operating hotel establishments, number of guests of operating hotel establishments as well as number of operating hotel establishments and guest rooms. In the days ahead, MGTO will make continuous efforts to optimize the various features of the “MTD plus” platform in accord with suggestions from users and members of the trade. All users from various sectors are welcome to access the website of “MTD plus”: http://dataplus.macaotourism.gov.mo
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IFT organises training and education programmes in collaboration with UNWTO via the newly established Global Centre for Tourism Education and Training of IFT. These courses would seek to enhance the human capital of the Asia Pacific tourism sector and promote sustainable tourism in the region. The Centre would also provide training to officials and industry representatives from the local industry as well as Portuguese-speaking countries, contributing to the Government’s goal of building Macao into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, and a Commercial and Trade Cooperation Service Platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries (“One Centre, One Platform” initiative). Representatives of tourism-related bodies from Asia-Pacific countries and regions attend the course – “Tourism Capacity Building for Government and Public Officials” – organised by the Institute, in partnership with UNWTO from 14-21 November. Participants in the course include: 2 representatives from the Macao Government Tourism Office, 2 representatives from the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), including the Representative of East-Timor in Forum Macao, and 17 participants come from Afghanistan, Bhutan, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Mongolia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea and Mainland China. This is the second time IFT partnered with UNWTO to offer such type of professional training course. Overseas participants attending professional training courses at IFT would be able to learn new, tourism-related, management strategies and practices, as well as gain valuable insights from observing Macao’s tourism industry. It is hoped the knowledge acquired during the courses could be useful for overseas participants in the development of the tourism and hospitality industries in their respective countries and regions. In addition, representatives from Macao – and from elsewhere – could benefit from the experience-sharing process when meeting the other participants on this particular course, and on future courses. 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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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that there were 28 banks in Macao; number of full-time employees increased by 144 year-on-year to 6,072 at the end of the third quarter of 2016. Analysed by occupation, there were 1,672 directors and managers, and 2,041 clerks (including 748 bank tellers). In September 2016, average earnings (excluding bonuses) of full-time employees amounted to MOP25,650, up by 3.0% year-on-year. Average earnings of bank tellers increased by 5.3% to MOP15,470. At the end of the third quarter of 2016, job vacancies stood at 240, similar to a year ago; vacancies for clerks totalled 143, including 52 for bank tellers. In terms of recruitment prerequisites, 62.1% of the vacancies required working experience, 91.7% required tertiary education, and requirement for knowledge of Mandarin and English accounted for 97.1% and 94.2% respectively. In the third quarter of 2016, the Banking Sector hired 265 new employees; the employee recruitment rate (4.4%) and the employee turnover rate (3.4%) fell by 3.9 and 2.3 percentage points respectively year-on-year, indicating that the manpower situation of the Banking Sector was relatively stable in this quarter. As regards vocational training, the Banking Sector had 8,439 employee participants attending training courses provided by the employer (including courses organized by the banks or in conjunction with other institutions, and those sponsored by the banks). The majority of the participants (93.9%) attended courses organized by the banks. Most of the participants (61.1%) attended Business & Administration courses, followed by Law courses (35.0%).
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The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) is paying close attention to the earthquake that occurred this morning in Fukushima, Japan. Until the present moment, GGCT has not received any request for information or assistance. From the information gathered through the Macao travel industry, until the present moment, there is no indication that any Macao tour group has been affected. If necessary, Macao residents can call: 24-hour Tourism Hotline (853) 2833 3000; The Chinese Embassy and Consulates or the Global Emergency Call Center for Consular Protection and Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hour hotline: +86 10 12308 for assistance.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, encouraged Macao’s young people to diversify their efforts at personal development, including via study, and by gaining practical experience and learning teamwork via involvement in the work of local associations. Mr Chui made the remarks on Friday (18 November) in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, when he took part in an exchange session with some 150 Macao young people that are studying at Jinan University. During the session, Mr Chui shared his own experience: he explained that when he first graduated from university, he did not really know what ‘dream’ to pursue; he was looking for a stable job. He noted that a person’s career plans can change after gaining experience of the world of work. The Government is striving to tackle challenges, in order to maintain Macao’s long-term prosperity and the well-being of its people. The Government needs to pay close attention to young people’s opinions, as they are the future of the community and an important asset of the city, Mr Chui added. Sharing his insights on effective management, Mr Chui said the development of good interpersonal relationships was an important tool to help solve problems: unofficial communication on a topic might be more effective for tackling issues than official meetings. The Chief Executive also shared his opinion on employment opportunities in Macao; industrial development; scholarship schemes; academic research; and development of business and of new media. Regarding employment opportunities in Macao, Mr Chui said statistics indicated there was a high rate of employment among Macao’s young people – whether they had studied in Macao or outside the city. He said the experience young people gained in their first few jobs was important, as they could gather knowledge not available via the classroom. The Government was pleased to be able to offer more support to sectors that were nascent in Macao, such as: the cultural and creative industries; traditional Chinese medicine; high-end services; specialised financial services; and the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) sector. Great potential was envisaged for those industries and their development was seen as a step toward diversifying the city’s economy. Mr Chui noted there might be a great number of development opportunities arising from the cultural and creative industries. He nonetheless urged young people to pay extra attention to the potential risks in those career paths. Regarding the development of new media, Mr Chui said he considered it an inevitable trend: the Government understood the importance of new media in relation to disseminating information. The Government would use further policies in order progressively to advance the development of new media in Macao. The Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms O Lam; Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Jinan University – and President of the Jinan University Macao Alumni Association – Mr Ma Iao Hang; Vice President of Jinan University, Mr Xia Quan; and the Director of the Jinan University Macao Alumni Association, Mr Lai Pak Keong; along with teachers from Jinan University; and 30 alumni, also attended Friday evening’s session. Mr Chui was in Guangzhou on Friday and Saturday for a two-day visit, following an invitation from Jinan University to participate in the celebrations of the 110th anniversary of the institution’s establishment.
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Consumer Council conducted its latest ‘Supermarket price survey’ in November on 21 November for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets near Horte e Costa, Avenida do Ouvidor Arriaga and Rua da Emenda areas in Santo António 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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The “Parade through Macao, Latin City”, organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC, from the Portuguese acronym) in celebration of the 17th anniversary of Macao’s handover to China, will be held on Sunday, 4 December 2016. This year, IC has once again joined hands with several local associations and organisations to recruit VIVA Ambassadors for providing assistance during the event. The VIVA Ambassadors will declare their commitment to the event in an oath ceremony, to be held on Saturday, 26 November 2016, at 3pm, at the Largo da Companhia de Jesus. After the oath ceremony, nearly 500 VIVA Ambassadors will attend training sessions, site inspections and rehearsals. During the Parade, they will be assigned different tasks including crowd control, the maintenance of public order and souvenir distribution, as well as providing assistance during the interaction between performers and the public. VIVA Ambassadors’ participation is crucial to this event, ensuring the public to enjoy the event in an orderly, safe and pleasurable environment. The VIVA Ambassadors recruitment campaign has drawn support from the Bank of China Macau Branch Volunteers Association, the Macao Community Youth Volunteers Development Association, the General Volunteers Association of Macao, The Boys’ Brigade of Macau, The Scout Association of Macau and the Association of Volunteers Social Service Macao. The “Parade through Macao, Latin City” is one of the most important activities in celebration of Macao’s handover to China and it has become the city’s signature festivity since 2011. This year’s Parade carries forward the motto “An Annual Celebration for the Entire City – VIVA” and is themed “VIVA’s Adventures through Shan Hai”. VIVA will cross a time gate and depart to the mysterious land of the Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shan Hai Jing), kicking off a fantastic adventure and taking part in the “Peace, Love and Cultural Integration” party, celebrating the handover.
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Organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), the exhibition “Traces and Vision – Longzhou ‘Shehuo’ Folk Performances, Photography by Wu Xiaopeng” was inaugurated on 18 November, at 6pm at the IACM Temporary Exhibitions Gallery, featuring a total of 60 works by the famous Chinese photographer Wu Xiaopeng. The show displays the folk customs of Longzhou ‘Shehuo’ in Shaanxi Province. The opening ceremony was officiated by the Head of Division of Visual Art of Department of Museums of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government, U Weng Hong; the Vice President of the China Photographers Association, Li Weikun; the Deputy Editor-in-chief of Macao Daily News, Si Tou Wai Ip; the Life Honorary President of the Photography Salon Society of Macao, Lai Wing Chiu; and the Photographer, Wu Xiaopeng. Admission is free and all are welcome. Wu Xiaopeng is currently a member of the China Photographers Association, Guangdong Province Photographers Association, of the executive committee of Photographers Association of Zhuhai, and vice-chairman of the HSZM Photographic Alliance. As a former consultant to the Photography Salon Society of Macao, he was a member of the jury of the 16th to the 19th Macao International Salon of Photography. Mr. Wu has received many national and international awards for his works. In 2015, he was hailed as one of the Top 10 Photographers in Guangdong Province. Wu Xiaopeng visited dozens of villages across Longzhou in Shaanxi Province in recent years to capture images of the quaint Shehuo activities. This profound historical and cultural folk custom, of which Shaanxi Province is one of the representatives, was inscribed in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2006. Rather than pursuing the visual aesthetics of the images, Mr. Wu showcases his endeavour to capture the villagers’ spiritual demeanour and present the customs of indigenous communities. The exhibition “Traces and Vision – Longzhou ‘Shehuo’ Folk Performances, Photography by Wu Xiaopeng” is held from 19 November 2016 to 8 January 2017, at the IACM Temporary Exhibitions Gallery located at No. 163, Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, and is open daily from 9am to 9pm, including public holidays. Admission is free. For enquiries about the exhibition, please call IC through tel. no. 8988 4000, during office hours.
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