News

Organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the 34th Macao Young Musicians Competition will be held between 25 July and 7 August simultaneously in several venues in Macao. Online registration for the competition dedicated to Chinese and Western instruments will be closed at 12am on 29 April, while the deadline for on-site registration and document submission for online registration will be closed at 7pm on 30 April. Interested parties shall submit an application and supporting documents in due course. In order to encourage online registration, applicants who apply online only need to pay the discounted application fee of MOP 80 per category. Upon completion of the online registration, applicants should proceed to the payment of application fee and the submission of required documents to the Cultural Affairs Bureau Building located at Tap Siac Square from 10am to 7pm (open during lunch hours and on Saturday) between 28 and 30 April. In addition, applicants who choose to register on site may submit their duly completed application forms, relevant documents and the application fee to the Cultural Affairs Bureau Building at Tap Siac Square in person from 10am to 7pm (open during lunch hours and on Saturday) between 28 and 30 April. The application fee for the competition is MOP100 per category. For more information regarding the application, regulations of the competition, the application forms and the list of the compulsory pieces, please visit and download at the Macao Young Musicians Competition website (http://www.icm.gov.mo/CJMM/). For enquiries, please contact IC through the phone numbers 8399 6911 or 8399 6979 during office hours. Enquiry by phone service will be extended to 7pm during the registration period between 28 and 30 April.
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The Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region is notified by the Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa in Hong Kong that the Macao Special Administrative Region Travel Permit holders can apply for the Port of Entry Visa in person at the Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa in Hong Kong for entering the Republic of South Africa. For the formalities for visa application, please refer to the website of the Identification Services Bureau (http://www.dsi.gov.mo/download/2016-04-27_ Notice(English)%20201642710364.pdf). For inquiries, applicants can contact the Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa in Hong Kong (Address: Suite 1906-8, 19/F, Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong; Telephone: (852)3926 4300; Fax: (852)2890 1975).
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that both the unemployment rate (1.9%) and the underemployment rate (0.5%) for January-March 2016 remained stable as in December 2015-February 2016. Total labour force was 396,600 and the labour force participation rate stood at 72.3%. Total employment decreased by 1,400 from December 2015-February 2016, at 389,000. Analysed by industry, employment in Hotels & Similar Activities and Gaming & Junket Activities registered decrease. Number of the unemployed was 7,700, up by 300 from December 2015-February 2016; fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job accounted for 6.3% of the total unemployed, down by 0.6 percentage points. In the first quarter of 2016, the general unemployment rate (1.9%) remained unchanged as in the previous quarter, while the unemployment rate of local residents (2.7%) edged up by 0.1 percentage point. Total employment decreased by 4,100 quarter-to-quarter, with those aged 55-64 dropping by 1,200. Analysed by industry, employment in Construction (48,200) dropped by 2,900, while that in Restaurants & Similar Activities (27,700) rose by 1,500. Median monthly employment earnings of the employed held stable as in the previous quarter, at MOP15,000 in the first quarter, with those engaging in Gaming & Junket Activities and Construction earning MOP19,500 and MOP15,000 respectively. Moreover, median earnings of the employed residents stayed unchanged from the previous quarter, at MOP18,000.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on tissue papers, household cleansing products, and oral care products on 26 Arpil 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, as well as on the Council’s WeChat account page. For inquiry, please call the Council’s hotline: 8988 9315.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao noted the comments in the EU’s Annual Report on Macao SAR (25 April, 2016) regarding the Memorandum of Understanding on Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (“MOU”) signed between the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) and the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) last year and the relevant media coverage, and would like to reiterate as follows: 1. The AMCM has been exerting relentless efforts in enforcing the prevention of activities of money laundering and terrorist financing according to the international standards. The PBOC is the coordinating agency responsible for implementing the measures in relation to anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism in the Mainland. The MOU signed between the AMCM and the PBOC is to implement the recommendations advocated by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on cross-border regulatory and supervisory cooperation, and to further enhance and strengthen the prevailing supervisory system to prevent and combat the activities of money laundering and terrorist financing in the financial sector of Macao SAR. 2. The signing of the MOU is in line with the common practice for cross-border regulatory and supervisory cooperation, which does not alter or affect any applicable laws and regulations. The AMCM and the PBOC, following the relevant laws and legal regulations of Macao SAR and the Mainland respectively, shall strengthen bilateral cooperation in the exchange of regulatory and supervisory information and other relevant aspects of on-going supervision according to both the MOU and the FATF standards.
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The Government is inviting members of the public to contribute their comments regarding the proposal for the Five-Year Development Plan, which focuses on the city’s socio-economic development covering 2016 to 2020. The Government is currently conducting a two-month public consultation, which runs until 30 June. The Five-Year Development Plan (2016-2020) of the Macao Special Administrative Region (Macao SAR) aims at laying down a blueprint for how the city can achieve its strategic aims of being a world centre of tourism and leisure, and a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries (collectively known as the “Centre and Platform” policies). The Government suggests four phases for realisation of the Centre policy, covering: initiation; acceleration; completion; and finalisation. The proposal for the Five-Year Development Plan also covers the following in relation to the Government's administrative effort: maintenance of stable development; prioritisation of projects related to people’s livelihoods; promotion of balanced and coordinated socio-economic development; and the sharing among the community of the fruits of development achieved by those concerted efforts. To transform Macao into a city with international-standard living and working conditions, transportation, and tourism and entertainment, the Government strives to realise seven development goals as outlined in the proposal for the Five-Year Development Plan. They are: 1) to maintain a steady development of the overall economy; 2) to make further progress in optimising the structure of the economy; 3) to foster the development of Macao as a city for international tourism; 4) to improve on a continuous basis residents’ quality of life; 5) to raise further the level of education among the city’s residents; 6) to achieve measurable results in environmental protection; and 7) to enhance the Government’s administrative efficiency and deepen legal development. Regarding the enhancement of Macao’s economic competitiveness and sustainable development, the Government intends to: promote innovation in ideas; promote internationally Macao’s diverse culture; boost the quality of education and the cultivation of local talent; optimise urban infrastructure; further develop Macao as a ‘smart’ city in information technology terms; bolster administrative efficiency; foster development of the “Centre and Platform” policies; and deepen regional cooperation while further complementing the country’s development. The Government additionally has a range of suggestions on how further to advance Macao’s special role in national development as envisaged under the country’s 13th Five-Year Plan. Regarding Macao’s development in the coming five years, the Government would step up efforts to achieve Macao’s moderate economic diversification; realise the Centre policy; and intensify regional cooperation. Regarding the city’s gaming industry, the Government’s aim would be to: support further the growth of non-gaming elements in local resorts; and maintain the stable development of the overall sector. The Government also suggests – under the proposal for the Five-Year Development Plan (2016-2020) of the Macao SAR – that living and social conditions in Macao should be optimised. This includes: creating a reserve of public land; enhancing urban planning and the development of infrastructure, transportation and environmental protection; optimising security and safety; promoting love for the country and for Macao; advancing opportunities in employment; advancing education opportunities and cultivation of local talent; improving welfare for residents and for disadvantaged groups; protecting the elderly; and improving healthcare services for all residents. The Government would additionally launch an action plan to facilitate development of local small- and medium-sized enterprises, while at the same time supporting the city’s mainstay industry. The proposal for the Five-Year Development Plan would also seek to coordinate and assist the growth of emerging industries. Under the proposed Plan, the Government is considering the establishment of a mechanism for allocate of public land. This would seek to ensure maintenance of a scientific and rational approach to land allocation. There would also be a plan to expand the number of professionals bilingual in Chinese and Portuguese, and ensure priority of employment for such professionals. In summary, the proposal for the Five-Year Development Plan (2016-2020) of the Macao SAR consists of: four parts; six chapters; 27 sections; and 24 sub-sections. The proposal document amounts to more than 37,000 Chinese characters. The current proposal has been compiled based on opinion gathered during last year’s public consultation on the fundamentals for the Five-Year Development Plan of the Macao SAR. The current proposal also comprises opinions from experts at the National Development and Reform Commission; from the Director of Tsinghua University’s Centre for China Studies, Professor Hu Angang; and from a member of the Social, Economic and Public Policy Research Centre of the Macao Polytechnic Institute, Professor Chen Qingyun. A full copy of the proposal for the Five-Year Development Plan (2016-2020) of the Macao SAR is available – in Macao’s official languages Chinese and Portuguese – for download via the website of the Chief Executive’s Office (http://www.gce.gov.mo); the website of the Committee for Development of the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure (http://www.cccmtl.gov.mo/); the Government Portal website of the Macao SAR (http://www.gov.mo); and the website of the Government Information Bureau (http://www.gcs.gov.mo). To promote better understanding of the proposal for the Five-Year Development Plan (2016-2020) of the Macao SAR, two videos will be made available to the public. They will be distributed via several media outlets, namely: local television channels; programmes on local radio; online social platforms; television screens located in public areas of various government departments; and on television screens in public buses. Members of the public are welcome to contribute their opinions before 30 June via the website of the Committee for Development of the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure (http://www.cccmtl.gov.mo/); or by email to: message@gep.gov.mo; or by post to: Post Office Box No.1201; or by telephone on +853 2882 3610; or by fax to +853 2882 3426; or in person (by prior appointment only) to representatives of the Policy Research Office at Rua do Desporto, No.185-195, Taipa, Macao.
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A professional diploma course on quantity surveying, offered by the University of Macau’s (UM) Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), has been accredited by the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES). Macao’s construction and engineering industry has experienced rapid development in recent years, with an increasing number of large-scale international construction projects in the city. In view of this, the CCE launched a professional diploma course on quantity surveying, to help industry practitioners acquire a thorough understanding of the latest methods for calculating quantities and concepts in the field commonly used worldwide. The course also aims to help practitioners upgrade their knowledge and skills and align themselves with international standards. During his visit to Macao, CICES President David Loosemore presented graduation certificates to CCE Director Prof Leung Shing On, who received the certificates on behalf of all participants in the course. Both parties then held a meeting to explore opportunities for future collaboration. Since 2014, the CCE has been offering various professional certificate and diploma courses on quantity surveying for local industry practitioners. The courses were held in collaboration with the CICES, the Architects Association of Macau, the Macau Institution of Engineers, the Association of Macau Engineering Consultant Companies, the Macao Association of Building Contractors and Developers, Macau Construction Association, and Macau Construction Machinery Engineering Association.
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In order to promote the development of modern music in Macao, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC, from the Portuguese acronym) organizes the concert “HUSH!! Full Music”, which will be held at Hac Sa Beach, between 30 April and 1 May (Saturday and Sunday), running for 15 hours of music in two consecutive days. Aside from famous singers, the renowned local and foreign ensembles are also invited to perform different types of music, thereby offering a warm and enthusiastic music event for the general public. The concert “HUSH!!” has been taking place for over ten years and has already become one of Macao’s major annual music events. It is also well known by the nearby regions and music circles in Asia, it gradually becomes the city’s major cultural trademark event. This year, IC intends to expand the festival’s power, by extending the concert “HUSH!! Full Music” for two consecutive days, namely from 1pm to 8pm on 30 April and from 1pm to 9pm on 1 May, Labour Day, at Hac Sa Beach, offering an even bigger stage for local bands to have music exchange with foreign bands. It aims to develop the festival into a large-scale modern music event and offer the public more high quality recreational activities. The two-day outdoor event will feature with local young music bands and musicians, including DJ Saiyan, Willy, Eva Tana, Rachel, Queena, Sinking Summer, Kirsten, Scamper, Macau Jazz Swing Band, Crossline, Single Path, Fall to Fly, Boogie Engineering, Sketch, Cactus, Rush and Crush, Black Sheep, Vibration, Experience, Wat de Funk; as well as singers and bands from Thailand, Ecuador, Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, including Cheer Chen, Sticky Rice, Candy Lo, KOLOR, Chochukmo, Cheng Bi, Project Ace, SISAY and The Richman Toy. The concerts will be filled mainly in rock music as well as a variety of different types of music namely jazz, blues, folk music, latin music and world music, among others. “HUSH!! Full Music” is organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau in cooperation with the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau and the Marine and Water Bureau. Admission is free. No ticket or seat reservation is required. Considering parking spaces in Hac Sa Beach are limited, the organizer recommends the public using public transportation to get to the venue (bus routes: 15, 21A, 25 and 26A). The festival’s programme will be announced in the respective webpage at www.icm.gov.mo/hush.
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The Government has set up a steering committee to coordinate and promote measures to protect the elderly, in an effort to explore the challenges and opportunities created in managing a community with an ageing population. According to an Executive Order published today in the Macao SAR Gazette, the Interdepartmental Steering Committee on Mechanisms to Protect the Elderly will coordinate policy in the short-, medium- and long-term regarding Macao’s 10-year action plan for services for the elderly. The plan spans the period 2016 to 2025. The Steering Committee will also be responsible for reviewing and modifying the protection mechanism as the needs of society – and of the growing number of the elderly – change over time. Other functions of the Steering Committee include: formulation of the next 10-year action plan regarding services for the elderly to be implemented after 2025; enabling non-governmental organisations to take part in policymaking on issues affecting the elderly; the setting up of a benchmarking system to assess the effectiveness of each 10-year action plan; and reporting to the Chief Executive on the progress achieved and follow-ups needed regarding each action plan. The Steering Committee has 14 members, with the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture in the role of chairman. The Director of the Social Welfare Bureau is the vice chairwoman of the Steering Committee.
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The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, said the Macao Gaming Committee could – via its reconstituted membership – further develop its role in facilitating a healthy development of the city’s gaming industry. Mr Leong’s comment was made following the decision by the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, to include the Secretary for Security on the Macao Gaming Committee. Such a decision would have a positive impact on the Committee’s work, said Mr Leong. There would be a greater need for the Committee to receive input on security matters, especially at a time the industry was undergoing a new phase of development, Mr Leong told reporters on Saturday (23 April). The Macao Gaming Committee was established in July 2000, and is chaired by the Chief Executive of Macao. Its tasks include looking into how the gaming industry might be developed in the future. Mr Leong stated the Government had remained in close contact with representatives of the city’s gaming promoters regarding discussions on raising the financial threshold for companies interested in entering the local gaming promotion sector. There had been similar close communication regarding the possibility of in future conducting in-depth background checks on people applying to be gaming promoters. Those policy ideas were aimed at promoting a spirit of legal compliance and enhanced professionalism in the sector, Mr Leong added. Mr Leong additionally said he hoped a public discussion on the issue of paternity leave for men working in the private sector would soon reach a consensus. The Government is dedicated to enhancing the working conditions of residents: not only by updating the terms of paternity leave but also by other revisions of labour policy. The topics have been discussed in the Standing Council on Social Concerted Action, an advisory body to the Chief Executive on labour policies. Mr Leong said he hoped the members of the Standing Council would take into consideration the Chief Executive’s comments on paternity leave. Those comments had been offered during a meeting of the Legislative Assembly on Friday (22 April).
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