News

Three journals from the University of Macau (UM), namely China Information, the International Journal of Biological Sciences, and Chinese Medicine, have been indexed in the Science Citation Index (SCI) and the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), according to the 2016 Journal Citation Reports (JCR). China Information has an impact factor of 0.966, ranking No 8 among all the journals on area studies, and No 2 among all the journals on China studies. Released by Thomson Reuters, the JCR offers a systematic, objective means to critically evaluate the world's leading journals, with quantifiable, statistical information based on citation data. By compiling articles’ cited references, the JCR helps to measure research influence and impact at the journal and category levels. The JCR also lists journals and their impact factors and rankings in the context of their specific fields. China Information presents timely and in-depth peer-reviewed analysis of major developments in contemporary China and overseas Chinese communities in the areas of politics, economics, law, ecology, culture, and society, including literature and the arts. The journal’s editor-in-chief is Prof Ngo Tak-Wing from UM’s Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS). Prof Ngo also holds the Extraordinary Chair Professorship in Asian History at Erasmus University Rotterdam and heads the International Institute for Asian Studies’ Centre for Regulation and Governance in the Netherlands. The International Journal of Biological Sciences publishes peer-reviewed scientific papers of significance in all areas of biological sciences, including cell biology, developmental biology, structural biology, microbiology, molecular biology and genetics, biochemistry, biotechnology, biodiversity, ecology, marine biology, plant biology, and bioinformatics. The journal’s editor-in-chief is Prof Chuxia Deng, who is currently the dean and a chair professor of the Faculty of Health Sciences at UM. Prof Deng is a leading scientist in the field of life sciences. He has made significant contributions to research on cancer and metabolic diseases, cancer and ageing, cancer stem cells, and the breast cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA1, particularly in the pathogenic mechanism of breast cancer. Chinese Medicine is a journal published by the International Society for Chinese Medicine. Its editor-in-chief is Prof Wang Yitao, general secretary of the society, who is also the director and a chair professor of the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS) at UM. The journal’s editorial team is formed by young scholars from the ICMS. Thanks to the support of the Macao Foundation and international scholars in the field, the journal is now one of the most influential SCI-indexed English journals in Chinese medicine and alternative medicine, with an impact factor of 1.58. The journal’s areas of interest include the latest advances in herbal medicine, clinical nutrition, clinical diagnosis, acupuncture, pharmaceutics, biomedical sciences, epidemiology, education, informatics, sociology, and psychology that are relevant and significant to Chinese medicine. The journal is a credible channel for sharing unbiased scientific data, information, and knowledge in Chinese medicine among researchers, clinicians, academics, and students in Chinese medicine and other fields of medical sciences.
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The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) is paying close attention to the truck attack that took place in Nice, France, and maintaining close contact with the Macao travel industry for further developments. From information gathered through the Macao travel industry, currently there is no indication that Macao tour groups have been affected. Until the present moment, GGCT has not received any request for information or assistance. If necessary, Macao residents can call the 24-hour Tourism Hotline (853) 2833 3000.
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The Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) hosted again on 14 July a workshop on crisis management in hospitality operations that was aimed at representatives of tourism and culture related government bodies from Portuguese-speaking countries. The workshop was part of the ongoing work by IFT to support the Macao SAR Government’s efforts to promote the city as a commercial and trade co-operation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. It was the second time IFT hosted a training workshop tailor-made for representatives from Portuguese-speaking countries. In June, the Institute conducted the first training workshop on tourism planning and development while a study tour to several tourism attractions in Macao to discuss the tourism planning strategies relevant to the attractions was arranged. The programme was headed by IFT Lecturers Grant O'Bree and Miguel Oliveira. The workshop was divided into 2 sessions. In the morning part, participants discussed the guiding principles of crisis management, rooms divisions and food and beverage operations; and related marketing, management of F&B operations. During the afternoon, the group and the lecturers conducted a study tour to Galaxy Macau integrated resort to inspect and discuss the respective room operations and F&B operations strategies relevant to the establishment. The 9-strong group was in Macao at the invitation of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) for this training opportunity. Delegates are civil servants in tourism and culture areas in Mozambique, Cape Verde, Republic of Angola, East Timor, and Republic of Guine-Bissau. Earlier on October 12, 2015, Macao SAR Government and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Macao. The objective was to enhance cooperation between the two parties in improving the quality of human capital and increasing the competitiveness of tourism destinations (particularly in the Asia Pacific Region) in order to achieve sustainable tourism development. The Global Centre for Tourism Education and Training, soon to be set up by the Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT), Macao is tasked with the responsibility to organise training and education programmes, and other projects in collaboration with UNWTO, to achieve the objectives set out in the Memorandum. In the future, IFT hopes to continue providing training courses targeted to representatives of Portuguese-speaking countries, with the aim of enhancing exchanges and mutual learning between Macao and Portuguese-speaking countries in the field of tourism. 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 7 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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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the second quarter of 2016 dropped by 7.00% year-on-year to 125.19. Notable decrease in hotel accommodation charges and airfares drove down the price index of Accommodation by 29.27%, with the year-on-year decline accelerating since the fourth quarter of 2014; meanwhile, price index of Transport & Communications dropped by 11.32% year-on-year. On the other hand, price index of Restaurant Services and Miscellaneous Goods rose by 1.98% and 1.84% respectively. In comparison with the previous quarter, TPI for the second quarter of 2016 decreased by 8.25%. Price index of Accommodation and Transport & Communications fell by 32.37% and 17.13% respectively on account of marked decrease in hotel room rates and airfares after the Lunar New Year. On the contrary, new arrival of summer clothing & footwear and dearer prices of handbags drove up the price index of Clothing & Footwear by 4.74% quarter-to-quarter. The average TPI for the last four quarters ended the second quarter of 2016 fell by 4.86% from the previous period, with notable decrease being observed in the price index of Accommodation (-18.32%) and Clothing & Footwear (-3.10%). For the first half year of 2016, TPI went down by 6.83% year-on-year, of which price index of Accommodation and Transport & Communications decreased by 26.10% and 4.35% respectively; meanwhile, price index of Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco and Restaurant Services increased by 2.42% and 1.71% respectively. TPI reflects the price change of goods and services purchased by visitors. Sections of TPI goods and services are selected according to the consumption pattern of visitors, namely Food, Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco; Clothing & Footwear; Accommodation; Restaurant Services; Transport & Communications; Medicine & Personal Goods; Entertainment & Cultural Activities; and Miscellaneous Goods.
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The Chief Executive is highly concerned about the Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) report on the investigation of the Iec Long Firecracker Factory land swap case. After considering the views of the Public Prosecutions Office, it is determined that the “Letter of Commitment” signed on 10 January 2011 between the Sociedade de Desenvolvimento Predial Baía da Nossa Senhora da Esperança, S.A. and the Macao SAR Government does not comply with the law, and is invalid and defective. Therefore, the Government shall not be legally bound by the “Letter of Commitment”; that is, it shall not fulfil any liability stated therein. The Chief Executive has issued an Executive Order, instructing the departments with authority over the case to follow up regarding the issues raised by the CCAC report, according to the law. The Executive Order firstly instructs the Secretary for Transport and Public Works to follow up regarding the invalidation of the “Letter of Commitment”, and the subsequent issues related to the Iec Long Firecracker Factory land swap case cited in the CCAC report. Secondly, if any indication of corruption or fraud is found, the CCAC shall conduct a criminal investigation of this land swap case. Thirdly, if any civil servant is found to have been involved in misconduct, the entity empowered to initiate disciplinary process shall commence the proceedings according to the law. The Government reiterates that all land use issues will be handled in accordance with the Land Law. Of the 350 hectares of land of the new urban reclamation areas, none have yet been granted for the purpose of land debt redemption. In the past, based on favourable policies or in consideration of the public interest – including for cases involving planning revision, construction of infrastructure or public housing – the Government has published in the Macao SAR Gazette its commitment to pay for land in the form of land swaps: a system which is fair, open, lawful and rational. However, if the Government suspects any improper procedures or violation of regulations, the case will be transferred to the CCAC for investigation. The Government was fully aware of society’s concerns during last year, and examined the details of the Iec Long Firecracker Factory land swap case. The Secretary for Transport and Public Works proactively transferred the case to the CCAC for investigation. The case is now clarified, demonstrating that the Government always respects the rule of law. The Government reiterates its zero tolerance to corruption, illegal actions and disciplinary offences, which it will strictly handle according to the law. The Government wishes to join hands with the public to consolidate the foundation of rule of law, and maintain a peaceful and stable Macao.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on diapers, over-the-counter drugs, and milk powder on 13 July for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Result of the mentioned survey has been uploaded to the Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and is available in the Council’s ‘Supermarket Price Information Platform’ iPhone and Android apps, and on the Council’s WeChat account page. For inquiry, please call the Council’s hotline: 8988 9315.
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The CCAC has recently completed the investigation on the legality of a land exchange related to the Iec Long Firecracker Factory. It has also presented the investigation report to the Chief Executive according to the provisions of Organic Law of the CCAC. The CCAC released the said investigation report today and received a Notice from the Chief Executive about this matter. The CCAC attaches great importance to the information obtained from investigations, reports and other channels. Whenever signs of corruption or fraud related to corruption are found, the CCAC will carry out criminal investigation according to the law. Regarding whether or not there were criminal offences involved and whether or not formal criminal investigation has been carried out, the CCAC will adhere to the usual practice and will not make any comment on the case at this stage.
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2016 Macao Franchise Expo (2016 MFE) will be held at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel Hall A from July 29 to July 31 this year. Several internationally renowned brands are attracted to participate in this year’s MFE, in which they will be assisted to reach a successful “Going Global” and “Bringing in Investment” through modes of franchise. By utilizing the development trends of “Internet +”, MFE will also hold themed forums to show the enterprises how to seize the new opportunities in the Internet Era. Besides that, it is also held at the same time and location with the 2016 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair, aiming at a synergy effect to create golden new opportunities for enterprises. Multiple international brands involved and all kinds of industries 2016 MFE is jointly organized by IPIM, Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan, Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association, Macao Chain Stores & Franchise Association and Licensing & Franchising Association of HK. Being successfully held for 7 times, MFE is a premier commercial event integrating exhibitions, forums, business matching and promotion seminars. Every year it attracts many exhibitors and professional visitors to participate. Last year, it attracted 168 chain, franchise and brand agents and others from 11 countries and regions. Number of business matching reached to 1,000, and there were around 14,500 visitors, achieving an ideal effect. With the forthcoming MFE this year, we will again uphold the concept of “Brand Expansion Continues, Business Opportunities To Be Seized” so as to help create a “path” to a broader market for those participating exhibitors, capitalizing on the unique advantages of Macao. The countries (or regions) involved this year include: Mainland China, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao and so on. The event has attracted to those enterprises that are doing business among industries of food and beverages, retail, education, entertainment, finance, real estate, accessories, consulting service as well as brand agency. Some local renowned brands include Waffle Waffle shop, Sheng Mian, Sheng Cha, Alua e Comidas Portuguesa KAM IN, Ramen Kouji, Loksun and Lei’s Cuisine. There are also Tim Ho Wan, the Dim-Sum Specialist, A La Bakery, Chicken Pot Hut and Water Laundry from Hong Kong; Smoothie House from Taiwan and so on. Business opportunities emerging from diversified activities Besides exhibitions, this year’s “Forum on International Franchise Business Opportunities” will be held on July 29, the first day of the expo. Themed as “New Horizon for Chain and Franchise in the Internet Era”, it has invited experts and senior managers of international franchising associations in Asia, Europe, Mainland and Macao to share their experience and insights on how to operate a franchise business under the latest internet development. There are multiple activities to be held during the expo, including Promotion Seminar of South Korean and Taiwan Products; Mr. Robert Chua, the general agent of Tim Ho Wan Dim-Sum, Hong Kong and the famous TV producer is specially invited to be a guest speaker on the seminar of the second day. The “VIP Buyer Lounge”, which is newly added this year, provides a meeting opportunity for VC fund investors and MFE exhibitors to discuss the possibilities of co-operation projects. Additionally, business matching services are also provided by the organizer of the expo, with a view to assisting MFE exhibitors to find business cooperation partners. Based on the positive impact last year, the Consultancy Service in the Brand Re-packaging Pavilion will continue this year. The on-site Professional Promotion Seminar is also a good chance for franchise exhibitors to promote their brands or chain business. Adding “Competition on franchise business for youth startups”, making youth business dreams a reality What’s more, with the aim of helping youth startups and utilizing chain business mode, 2016 MFE will hold “Competition on chain business for youth startups” and invite energetic youngsters dedicated to start business to prepare investment plans for the brands involved in MFE this year and make on-site presentation to representatives from the VC fund sponsors, who will be the judges to select the outstanding investment plans. The deadline for the competition entry will be July 21. Golden opportunities created by concurrent events One special highlight this year would be 2016 MFE held at the same time and location as 2016 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair. The Fair last year attracted nearly 130,000 people and was greatly welcomed by the residents and visitors as an annual brand expo. Basing on that, the two expos in conjunction will have a synergy effect and create golden new opportunities. For any further information regarding MFE this year, please visit the official website at www.mfe.mo or contact us by tel: 853-82946777, fax: 853-82946701, e-mail: expo@mfe.com, or add the Wechat account of MFE: MFEMacau.
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The registration period for the Year of the Rooster commemorative coins 2017 launched by the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) will end at 6:00pm on 15th July 2016 (Friday). Hence, the Monetary Authority of Macao would like to remind those citizens who are interested in subscribing for the said coins to complete the online registration before the mentioned deadline. Since all 3 types of the said coins were oversubscribed, the allotment for each type of commemorative coins will be determined by computer balloting. The ballot results will be communicated via SMS messages on 22th July 2016. From that day onwards, subscribers can also browse the ballot results on the webpage of the Monetary Authority of Macao (www.amcm.gov.mo). For further details relating to the coins’ selling price and online registration and subscription procedures, please refer to our webpage (www.amcm.gov.mo) or telephone 28565072.
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Partnership between Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) and United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) offers IFT alumna Ms. Mandy Ho Pui Ian opportunity for 1-year internship at the international body’s headquarters in Madrid, Spain. The IFT graduate was selected from a group of candidates for a 1-year internship at the headquarters of the UNWTO in Spain. The opportunity was made available in partnership with IFT. Ms. Ho was assigned to UNWTO’s Regional Programme for Asia and the Pacific for the internship. She will assist in collecting and producing tourism-related information and in preparing high-level meetings, among other administrative tasks. IFT is providing Ms. Ho with a MOP40,000 scholarship to support her expenses while in the Spanish capital. The unpaid internship – for which only 1 vacancy was available – will last until the end of May 2017. Macao-born Ms. Ho graduated from IFT in 2012 with a Bachelor Degree in Tourism Event Management. She worked in customer services at the Venetian Macao Convention and Exhibition Centre for about a year. After that, she joined the 12-month Cultural Representative Programme for Walt Disney World in Florida, in the United States. She also learned of this opportunity via IFT. After returning from the US, Ms. Ho became part of the human resources department of Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel, Cotai Central. She resigned from her job there to attend the UNWTO internship in Spain. Ms. Ho advises all IFT alumni to maintain close ties with the Institute after graduating. IFT regularly provides its alumni with useful information, including on new courses, promotional offers and other activities. “It was in one of the IFT emails that I read about the UNWTO internship opportunity.” she says. “The connection between IFT and alumni is really helpful. In the Macao hospitality industry, I really see a lot of people who graduated from IFT. In a small place like Macao, networking is quite important.” Ms. Ho also praises the education she received from the Institute, saying it has been very useful so far in her career. “IFT provides very practical knowledge to students. During the 4 years of the bachelor degree programme, we are not just studying; we have practicum, internship and several hands-on projects,” she says. “We also learn how to work with different people, from different backgrounds. Those skills are really important in the service industry.” IFT has been maintaining a long-term partnership with UNWTO. Earlier in 2015, Macao SAR Government and United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Macao. The objective was to enhance cooperation between the two parties in improving the quality of human capital and increasing the competitiveness of tourism destinations (particularly in the Asia Pacific Region) in order to achieve sustainable tourism development. The Global Centre for Tourism Education and Training, soon to be set up with the involvement of IFT is tasked with the responsibility to organise training and education programmes, and other projects in collaboration with UNWTO, to achieve the objectives set out in the Memorandum. In May this year, Dr. Alexis Tam, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of Macao SAR Government and Mr. Tith Chantha, Secretary of State of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, to cooperate in promoting sustainable tourism development through enhancing human capital and establishing collaborations in tourism education and training between Macao and Cambodia. After that, a group of 20 Cambodian heritage tour guides and 4 officials from Cambodia tourism body came to IFT to attend a 7-day training programme in June, offered in collaboration with UNWTO, on the topic of capacity building of tour guides for international visitors at Angkor World Heritage site, Cambodia. 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 7 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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