News

Dr Brian Hall from the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau (UM), will receive the 2016 Young Investigator Award (Applied Science) from the International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS), in recognition of his contributions to the field of psychology. Dr Hall will be the second scholar to receive this honour. The first recipient of this award was Dr Naomi Eisenberger, a professor of psychology from the University of California at Los Angeles, whose clinical psychology programme has been consistently ranked among the top two in the United States. Dr Hall will receive the award at the 31st International Congress of Psychology to be held in late July in Yokohama, Japan, where he will also give a plenary speech. Founded in 2012, the Young Investigator Award is given at the quadrennial International Congress of Psychology, one of the largest and most esteemed international psychology conferences in the world. This award is given to scientists who have made a significant contribution to psychological science through excellent research, refereed publications, success in securing research grants, and visibility, within the first ten years of receiving their PhD degrees. Dr Hall has published more than 55 peer-reviewed papers in SSCI journals, 30 of which were published after he joined UM in 2014. As a clinical psychologist, an epidemiologist, and an expert on global public health, Dr Hall is currently involved in a collaborative multidisciplinary research projects aimed to improve the health of the populace in the Greater China region, with an emphasis on the population in Macao, and the migrant communities in the Pearl River Delta region. To learn more about Dr Hall’s research, please visit http://www.umac.mo/fss/psychology/staff_Brian.html.
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According to the statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, the proportion of international business in the local banking sector dropped slightly in the first quarter of 2016. At end-March 2016, the share of international assets in total banking assets fell to 84.6% from 84.9% at end-2015, while the share of international liabilities in total banking liabilities declined to 80.2% from 80.5%. Non-local currencies continued to be the dominant denomination in international banking transactions. At end-March 2016, the shares of the pataca in total international assets and total international liabilities were 0.8% and 2.6% respectively. Hong Kong Dollar, US Dollar, the renminbi and other foreign currencies accounted for 41.7%, 38.8%, 12.4% and 6.3% of total international assets as well as 47.1%, 34.9%, 10.8% and 4.6% of total international liabilities respectively. International Banking Assets At end-March 2016, total international assets dropped mildly by 0.9% from a quarter ago but increased by 8.9% from a year earlier to MOP1,128.3 billion (USD141.3 billion). Within this total, external assets increased by 9.1% year-on-year to MOP832.1 billion while local assets in foreign currencies went up by 8.4% to MOP296.2 billion. As a major component of international assets, external interbank loans grew by 10.2% to MOP372.9 billion. International Banking Liabilities Total international liabilities decreased marginally by 0.9% from three months ago but advanced by 9.2% year-on-year to MOP1,069.0 billion (USD133.9 billion). Of this total, external liabilities and local liabilities in foreign currencies expanded year-on-year by 14.5% to MOP589.8 billion and 3.3% to MOP479.2 billion respectively. Foreign currency deposits held by residents and the MSAR government in local banks continued to form a major component of international liabilities. This type of deposits grew by 2.0% to MOP432.7 billion at end-March 2016 from MOP424.2 billion at end-March 2015. Breakdown of External Banking Assets and Liabilities by Region The majority of external assets and liabilities were related to Asia and Europe. At end-March 2016, claims on Hong Kong SAR and Mainland China occupied 40.4% and 22.4% of total external assets, while claims on Portugal and the United Kingdom took up 3.2% and 2.1% respectively. On external liabilities, Hong Kong SAR and Mainland China accounted for 50.8% and 17.1% of the total respectively while France and Portugal took up 1.0% and 0.9% respectively. Portuguese-speaking countries represented 3.4% and 1.1% of total external assets and liabilities respectively. The compilation of International Banking Statistics follows the methodology advocated by the Bank for International Settlements in order to facilitate Macao SAR’s participation in the “Locational International Banking Statistics” project of the international organisation.
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The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), co-organised the “Training Seminar for Joint Development of Guangdong-Macao Convention and Exhibition Industry”. It was successfully held in Guangzhou on 12 and 13 May 2016. In a bid to strengthen exchanges and co-operation between convention and exhibition industries in Guangdong and Macao, IPIM organised a delegation of 30 representatives from the Macao convention and exhibition industry to join the training seminar in Guangzhou. The delegates included representatives of the Macao Convention and Exhibition Association, Macau Fair and Trade Association, Association of Advertising Agents of Macau, Macau Federal Commercial Association of Convention and Exhibition Industry and representatives of local convention and exhibition companies. The opening ceremony was held on 12 May. Irene V.K. Lau, Executive Director of IPIM, and Zhou Tong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Trade and Investment Promotion for CCPIT, made speeches to nearly 80 participants attending the seminar. Zhu Hong, Deputy Director – General of Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, and Yan Zhigang, Director of Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, also attended the opening ceremony. The seminar aimed to promote the growth of the Macao convention and exhibition industry and enhance exchanges and co-operation between the convention and exhibition industry in Mainland China and Macao. Such an initiative was in response to guidelines – contained under China’s 13th Five-Year Plan – on deepening co-operation and development between Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao. The seminar analysed the trends and characteristics of the evolution of the convention and exhibition industry under the new market fundamentals. In doing so the seminar sought to expedite the joint development of a Guangdong-Macao convention and exhibition industry, and to achieve mutual benefits. During the two-day seminar, several experts and instructors from the Ministry of Commerce of China, the China Convention and Exhibition Society and from IPIM, explored and analysed with the trainees the development, trends and characteristics of the Guangdong-Macao convention and exhibition sector. All parties had productive interactions and exchanges, which will contribute to facilitating co-operation in the regional convention and exhibition sector.
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The University of Macau (UM) will hold the Congregation 2016 in its Sports Complex on Saturday 28 May at 4:00pm. Bachelor’s degrees will be presented to Class of 2016 graduates at the event. Chui Sai On, chief executive of the Macao SAR, will officiate at the ceremony. This year, nearly 1,400 students of bachelor’s degree programmes, from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Faculty of Business Administration, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Science and Technology, and Faculty of Social Sciences, will receive their graduation certificates, including 46 outstanding students who have completed programmes of the Honours College. Graduating students’ families and friends need to present admission tickets for entering the event venue. The tickets can be collected at UM’s Registry between 19 May and 25 May during office hours, or at registration desks on the day of the congregation between 2:00pm and 3:00pm. Those attending the ceremony can go to the new campus by (A) using taxi or public transport (Route 71 or 73 bus (from Macao), Route 72 bus (from Taipa); or (B) driving (Car Parks P3 and P5 and an outdoor parking area N9 will be open to the public free of charge). For details, please visit http://reg.umac.mo/graduation/congregation/general-information/.
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Consumer Council conducted its first ‘Supermarket price survey’ in May on 17 May for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets near Areia Preta, Mong Há and Avenida de Venceslau de Morais 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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For the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June, Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on fresh pork from wet markets and supermarkets on 17 May. Prices of different types of pork, including pork chop, ribs, pork belly, lean meat, etc. were collected. The specific product price survey on fresh pork can be found on the Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo), ‘Supermarket Price Information Platform’ iPhone & Android apps, and the Council’s official WeChat account. Meanwhile, the Council also compares local fresh pork prices with those in Zhuhai for the past week, a spreadsheet is prepared for consumers’ reference and to enhance transparency of the fresh food market. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Consumer Council conducted a survey on tailor made furniture to know more about the practices and terms of the relevant industry. Details of the survey is available in the latest issue no.271 Consumer Report. The Council received 17 complaint cases regarding tailor made furniture last year, issues include tailor made products not meeting consumers’ expectation, late delivery, and unsatisfactory delivery service, etc.. The Council states that these problems are usually caused due to the lack of information provided by furniture companies to consumers, for example, details such as dimensions of the furniture, responsibility of late delivery, or extra fees charged for different buildings with different floor levels. The mentioned survey, including questions such as quotation, measuring, and other details during the purchase process, was sent out to those companies which offer tailor made service. Responses from 7 furniture companies have been consolidated and featured in the latest issue no.271 Consumer Report. Consumers are reminded to make enquiry and comparison before making purchase, it is also advised to include the terms and conditions of the order in the invoice or contract clearly to safeguard consumer rights. The ‘Certified Shop’ service area was launched by Consumer Council in March for the provision of service specially offered to ‘Adherents’ and ‘Certified Shops’. The Council hopes that simplified procedures and services will help encourage more businesses to join the ‘Certified Shop’ mechanism. A report on this is included in the latest Consumer Report. The latest Consumer Report also features a detailed report on the cases received by the Council in 2015, and reports on the activities held during ‛15 March World Consumer Rights Day’. Starting from this issue, the Council will include a series of interview on the 11 grade A ‘Certified Shops’ in 2015. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the Council (Av. Horta e Costa, N.º 24-A, Edf. Cheung Heng, R/C), 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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The application deadline for the “Academic Research Grants”, launched by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC, from the Portuguese acronym), is 31 May 2016. Eligible academics may now submit their applications. Late applications will not be considered. The “Academic Research Grants”, launched by IC annually, aim at encouraging original academic research on the culture of Macao and on the cultural exchange between Macao, Mainland China and other countries. Local or overseas doctorate degree holders with proven academic research experience, and local or overseas researchers with sufficient research experience and recognized academic accomplishment are eligible to apply for the Grants by submitting the duly filled out application form to IC in person or by double registered mail . Applicants must also submit their curriculum vitae, research project plan and certified copies of certificates and academic transcripts. Applications may be submitted in person at the Cultural Affairs Bureau building, or at the Services Centre of the Macao SAR Government (located at No. 52, Rua Nova da Areia Preta), during office hours (the date of the receipt stamp will be considered as the date of submission). The Cultural Affairs Bureau is open from Monday to Thursday, from 9am to 1pm and 2:30pm to 5:45pm; and on Friday, from 9am to 1pm and 2:30pm to 5:30pm. The Services Centre of the Macao SAR Government is open from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm, including at lunch time. Applications may also be submitted by double registered mail to the following address: Praça do Tap Siac, Edif. do Instituto Cultural, Macao (the date of the postmark will be considered as the date of submission). The following must be written on the envelope: "Application for the Academic Research Grants of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government". The “Academic Research Grants Regulations” and application forms are available for reference and download at IC’s webpage: www.icm.gov.mo. For enquiries, please contact Ms. Silvia Kuan, staff member of IC, through tel. no. 8399 6381, during office hours, or by email to silviak@icm.gov.mo.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 1,928 building units and parking spaces were purchased and sold at MOP 8.45 billion in the first quarter of 2016 as per Stamp Duty record, down by 22.3% and 23.5% respectively quarter-to-quarter. Purchase and sale of residential units totalled 1,215 at MOP 5.55 billion, down by 16.8% and 20.6% quarter-to-quarter. Among them, transaction of existing residential units totalled 1,082 at MOP 4.65 billion, down by 15.4% and 16.0% respectively; pre-sale residential units decreased by 26.9% to 133 with the total value dropping by 38.1% to MOP 0.91 billion. The average price of residential units decreased by 4.2% quarter-to-quarter to MOP 72,955 per square metre of usable area in the first quarter. The average price of pre-sale residential units dropped by 8.9% to MOP 94,165 per square meter, with the average price of those in the Macao Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane falling by 16.1%, 9.4% and 3.8% respectively. Many of the pre-sale residential units purchased and sold were in Coloane (78), Ilha Verde (19) and NAPE & Aterros da Baía da Praia Grande (9), and the average price was MOP 94,495, MOP 84,722 and MOP 101,079 respectively per square metre. The average price of existing residential units decreased by 1.7% quarter-to-quarter to MOP 69,825 per square meter, with the average price of those in the Macao Peninsula and Taipa dropping by 1.6% and 2.3% respectively. Many of the existing residential units purchased and sold were in Baixa da Taipa (154), Novos Aterros da Areia Preta (NATAP) (149) and Areia Preta & Iao Hon (94), and the average price was MOP 77,804, MOP 78,550 and MOP 65,819 respectively per square meter. Analysed by year of completion, there were 679 residential units built more than 20 years ago (87 in Areia Preta & Iao Hon, 76 in Barca), and the average price was MOP 59,832 per square metre, down by 1.1% quarter-to-quarter. For the 256 residential units completed between 11 to 20 years ago (70 in Baixa da Taipa, 50 in NATAP), the average price dropped by 1.9% to MOP 70,912 per square metre. The average price of the 67 residential units completed in 5 years or less (26 in NATAP, 12 in Doca do Lamau) decreased by 4.6%, at MOP 98,005 per square metre. Analysed by usable floor area, there were 590 residential units having a floor area of 50.0 to 99.9 square metres, and the average price fell by 5.2% quarter-to-quarter to MOP 71,606 per square metre. Among the 459 small-sized residential units having a floor area of less than 50 square metres, the average price dropped by 4.7% to MOP 68,211 per square metre. The average price of office units decreased by 4.2% quarter-to-quarter to MOP 97,568 per square metre, while that of industrial units increased by 14.6% to MOP 43,850 per square metre. In the first quarter of 2016, there were 2,595 real estate sale contracts signed, involving 2,599 properties, down by 8.6% quarter-to-quarter; meanwhile, 2,522 mortgage contracts were signed, involving 3,283 properties, down by 14.9%. As regards construction in the private sector, gross floor area of construction of new buildings totalled 464 thousand square metres, providing 2,339 units (2,302 are residential units) and 1,845 parking spaces for cars upon completion. Meanwhile, gross floor area of buildings completed totalled 37 thousand square metres, altogether providing 163 units (127 are residential units) and 133 parking spaces for cars.
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Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) joins hands with Macau Films & Television Productions and Culture Association (MFTPA) to participate in the 69th Cannes Film Festival, which is staged in France from 11 to 22 May, and run a booth at the concurrently-held “Marché du Film”, the leading worldwide film market, whereby to spotlight the International Film Festival & Awards˙Macao, coming at the end of this year, and showcase Macao as a fascinating filming location to various film industry professionals from around the world. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes and the delegation of MFTPA are currently in France for the Cannes Film Festival, riding on this premiere event of the film industry to raise Macao’s profile in the international film industry. The “Marché du Film” is concurrently held during the Cannes Film Festival, gathering over 10,000 film industry professionals including producers and directors from across the globe. MGTO seizes this golden opportunity to converse with elites of the international film industry and run a booth to promote the International Film Festival & Awards˙Macao (IFFAM), to be held this December, and showcase Macao’s unique qualities and cultural ambience as an ideal location for film shooting. Through the visit in Cannes, MGTO aims to promote the inaugural edition of IFFAM, hoping to attract more international film and television production companies to join the event and bring in world-class exchange opportunities. The Office is thus hosting several luncheon meetings during the festival and has invited key responsible people of various international film festivals and film distributors to meet the delegates and share about the current situation and future prospect of the international film industry. Later on, MGTO will also participate in various major film festivals including Shanghai International Film Festival and Busan International Film Festival for learning and promotion opportunities, to gain more experience and foster connections between Macao and international movie industry professionals while promoting cultural tourism and cultural industry development. With the above efforts, the Office is dedicated to bringing long-term benefit for the sustainable development of Macao tourism industry.
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