News

The 17th European Union-Macao Joint Committee meeting was held in Brussels on 4 December 2012, in accordance with Article 16 of the Agreement for Trade and Co-operation between the European Economic Community and Macao of 15 December 1992. This was the 11th annual meeting since China's resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). The previous meeting was held in Macao in June 2011. The Delegation of the European Union (EU) was headed by Mr. Gerhard Sabathil, Director for North East Asia and the Pacific of the European External Action Service; and the Delegation of the Macao SAR was headed by Ms. Florinda da Rosa Silva Chan, Secretary for Administration and Justice. Both sides reiterated their appreciation for the annual bilateral meeting as an effective forum to discuss issues of common interest and ways to further closer co-operation. During the meeting, the parties reviewed the latest developments in the bilateral relationship and took stock of ongoing bilateral co-operation activities, including in areas identified during the previous meeting. Macao informed the EU of recent developments in the Special Administrative Region, including the steady growth of its economy in 2012, the Hengqin project, new infrastructure development, the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement with Mainland China, and efforts towards diversification of the economy. The EU informed Macao of its latest efforts in addressing the sovereign debt and reforming the banking sector, including through measures aimed at boosting competitiveness and ensuring growth and jobs. On EU-Macao co-operation, both sides welcomed the satisfactory implementation of the EU-Macao Legal Co-operation Project, aimed at strengthening Macao's legal system and to enhance public administration, legal and judicial expertise, as well as the activities under the EU Business Information Programme, including its business councils. The two sides expressed their satisfaction with the successful launch of the EU Academic Programme in Macao on 15 June 2012, and the EU provided more details on the next steps of the programme. The EU Academic Programme aims at raising awareness and knowledge of the EU in Macao by supporting EU-focused studies and research, academic links and outreach activities. The two sides also welcomed the signature in Macao on 21 November 2012 of the third agreement to promote exchanges and training of interpreters. Both sides welcomed the adoption of the new copyright code by Macao and Macao's commitment to block retransmission of pirated signals in all fields, including through application of the criminal sanctions foreseen in the new code. Finally, the EU and Macao authorities expressed their shared intention to explore new areas of cooperation and to continue to cooperate in areas like environmental protection, cultural and creative exchanges, which have been the subject of initiatives and events involving both sides following the last meeting.
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In order to provide diversified training opportunities for industry professionals and further enhance management quality of the local service industry, Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) and Cornell University School of Hotel Administration co-orgainsed an Executive Development Programme on Essential Human-Resources Practices for Managers on 4 & 5 December. The course provides a comprehensive opportunity for participants to learn how to manage the most expensive and arguably most important organisational resource: human capital. The programme focuses on a number of "best practices" for staffing, training and development, performance management, incentive systems and related human-resources practices that can be used to enhance functional effectiveness and improve firm performance in a wide variety of hospitality settings. The programme attracted 35 registrations from professionals of local hotels and mega resorts.
IFT has the honour of inviting Prof. J. Bruce Tracey from faculty of the School of Hotel Administration to give the lecture. Prof. Tracey acquired his Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Albany. In addition to Cornell, he has taught in a variety of degree programmes in Finland, Singapore, France and Switzerland. He has also facilitated numerous executive education courses throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Focusing on human resources strategy and management, Prof. Tracey's research has examined a wide range of strategic and operational-level HR topics including the impact of training initiatives on individual and firm performance, employee turnover, employment law and leadership. Through the programme, participants gain insights and skills for operational and human resource managers in the hospitality industry. Topics include: - HR planning methodologies - High-performance staffing
- Compensation tools
- HR metrics and analytics
- Linking human-resources practices with company gold and performance IFT is always striving to enhance its research and teaching so as to contribute to the industry and the society. By organising seminars and workshops, IFT constantly shares with the industry the most updated information and research findings about the future development of Macao's tourism industry and ways to enhance it.
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Owing to the prevailing unstable situation Syrian Arab Republic, Macao Post announced that all postal services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet and Parcel) from Macao to Syrian Arab Republic are subject to delay until further notice. Thank you for your kind attention.
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, broad money supply maintained its uptrend in October. As loans decreased and deposits increased, the overall loan-to-deposit ratio of the banking sector continued to slide. Money supply Currency in circulation dropped 1.4% while demand deposits rose 8.9%. M1 thus increased 7.1% from one month earlier. Concurrently, quasi-monetary liabilities grew 2.9%. The sum of these two items, i.e. M2, increased by 3.4% to MOP360.1 billion. On an annual basis, M1 and M2 rose 17.5% and 23.2% respectively. The share of Pataca (MOP) in M2 stood at 24.9%, up 0.3 percentage points from a month ago but down 0.1 percentage point from a year earlier. The share of Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) in M2 was 56.0%, down 0.2 percentage points month-to-month but up 3.7 percentage points year-on-year. Deposits Resident deposits rose 3.5% from the preceding month to MOP352.7 billion. Of which, MOP deposits, HKD deposits and other foreign currency deposits increased at respective rates of 5.1%, 3.1% and 2.9%. In the meantime, non-resident deposits decreased 0.2% to MOP124.0 billion while public sector deposits with the banking sector rose 1.3% to MOP42.2 billion. As a result, total deposits with the banking sector rose 2.4% from a month earlier to MOP518.9 billion. The shares of MOP and HKD in total deposits were 21.1% and 47.7% respectively. Loans Domestic loans to the private sector slid 1.0% from a month ago to MOP189.4 billion. Among which, MOP56.5 billion was MOP-denominated and MOP117.7 billion was denominated in HKD, representing 29.8% and 62.1% of the total respectively. External loans also decreased 0.6% to MOP212.0 billion; of which, loans denominated in MOP and HKD accounted for 0.8% (MOP1.6 billion) and 24.6% (MOP52.1 billion) respectively. Loan-to-deposit ratios As domestic loans to the private sector decreased while resident deposits increased, the loan-to-deposit ratio for the resident sector at end-October dropped 2.1 percentage points month-to-month to 48.0%. The ratio for both the resident and non-resident sectors was 77.4%, down 2.5 percentage points from end-September.
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Aiming to protect consumer rights by monitoring consumer markets, Consumer Council established the 'Code of Practice' for 'Certified Shop' retailers in the furniture retail industry. It is pointed out in the 2013 Policy Address that strengthened monitoring on consumer markets and enforced regulations, including the review of 'Certified Shops' mechanism, will be carried out to safeguard consumer rights. Consumer Council points out the importance of establishing 'Codes of Practice' for industries under its 'Certified Shop' mechanism, 'the 'Codes' not only serve as a channel to monitor the business of 'Certified Shops' but also establish a fair and harmonious relationship between traders and consumers, as the 'Codes' allow both sides to solve their disputes promptly. Businesses that are not listed in the 'Certified Shop' mechanism also agree the 'Codes of Practice' build up a positive image for their industries. The Council has established various 'Codes of Practice' for different industries in the past 10 years, the most recent ones include the 'Codes' for photographic equipment supplies and photo printing services, optical retail industry, and souvenir retailers (specialty foods). Consumer Council recently established the 'Code of Practice' for furniture retail industry in response to the increased consumption of finished/stock or custom-made furniture by consumers. The 'Code' includes general regulations for the industry, and two parts specifically aimed at finished/stock products and custom-made products. 'Certified Shop' furniture retailers believe the 'Code' enables both traders and consumers to pay attention to general problems arise from their transactions and helps avoid disputes. The Council indicates that the 'Code' is established based on the opinions of furniture retailers, the operation of the industry and issues from the most common consumer disputes related to the industry. As the implementation of 'Code of Practice' is one of the criteria in the annual assessment of 'Certified Shop', 'Certified Shop' furniture retailers are reminded to comply with this newly launched 'Code'. Further, in response to the changes in business model and clothing materials, the 'Code of Practice' for laundries and dry cleaners established in 2004 has been revised, aiming to ensure fair transactions between both retailers and consumers. The Council will continue to review the 15 'Codes of Practice' and revise accordingly for a fair and harmonious consumption market in Macao. The 'Codes of Practice' for the furniture retail industry and laundries and dry cleaners (revision) will be printed as leaflets and are now able for download on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo).
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Consumer Council recently conducted a price check on cooking oil. Both increase and decrease in price were recorded. Survey result also showed that price differences of the same product sold at different retail outlets ranged from 1.6 percent to 64.5 percent. Prices of 22 brands of cooking oil were collected from 20 retail outlets on 30th November by Consumer Council. Selling prices of the same product were found to vary in different retail outlets, 'Pietro Coricelli Olive Pomace Oil/1L', which was sold at $38.0 to $62.5, recorded a price difference of 64.5 percent. The current survey also showed that price discrepancies of 3 brands of cooking oil sold at different outlets had shrink. The surveyed cooking oil brands generally differed for 30 to 40 percent in price at various retail outlets. In comparison with data from September's survey, 7 out of all surveyed brands recorded no change in price. 'Tripod Brand Top Quality Corn Oil/2L' recorded a general price decrease of over 10 percent in many outlets, 'Knife Brand Pure Peanut Oil/900mlx3' recorded a general price increase of about 10 percent while 'Mazola Canola Oil/3.5L' observed price increases ranged from 5 percent to 20 percent. The mentioned specific price survey on cooking oil is now available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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This year, 1045 businesses are awarded the 2013 'Certified Shop' emblem by Consumer Council. 13 'Certified Shops' with a score of over 95 are awarded as 'Class A Certified Shop'. Consumer Council added a grading system to its assessment mechanism of 'Certified Shop' last year to award businesses that acquire the highest class in the previous year, the Council hopes the assessment mechanism encourages 'Certified Shops' to make improvement and provide better services to consumers. This year, 13 'Certified Shops' are classified as 'Class A' and 1 of them has already been awarded for two consecutive years. The number of classes A- and B 'Certified Shops' has increased by 20 percent, making a total of 609 'Certified Shops' in the classes A to B, which amounts to approximately 100 more shops when compared to the previous year. The Council hopes all 'Certified Shops' are encouraged to earn higher marks and raise the overall standard of 'Certified Shops'. 216 shops did not pass the assessment and are not qualified for the new 'Certified Shop' emblem; the pass rate of 'Certified Shop' is 82.8 percent. Consumer Council will continue to enhance its surveillance on 'Certified Shop', better its assessment mechanism, set up codes of practice, and provide training to businesses to ensure continuous improvement of 'Certified Shops'. The award ceremony of 'Class A Certified Shop' was held on 4th December at Macau Fisherman's Wharf, over 50 representatives from different organizations were also awarded certificates for their continuous support as consultants of the 'Consumer Arbitration Centre'.
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The Government has set up an inter-departmental study team to look into old-age security mechanisms to cope with the challenges and impacts brought about by an aging population. The team came into operation today, according to today's Government Gazette. The team's core functions include reviewing current policies and measures on old-age security and to come up with proposals for improvement; conducting a comprehensive study on medical, housing and retirement policies for the elderly and suggesting tactics to improve the quality of life for the elderly; providing concrete measures to enhance the old-age security mechanism; promoting co-operation with non-government associations and private entities to support and assist in researches; following up and evaluating the progress of study and submitting a follow-up report to Chief Executive. The Director of the Social Welfare Bureau will co-ordinate the study team. Other members include representatives from Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, directors from Statistics and Census Service; Labour Affairs Bureau, Health Bureau, Education and Youth Affairs Bureau, Culture Affairs Bureau, Macau Sport Development Board, Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau, Housing Bureau, Transport Bureau, presidents from the Social Security Fund, and director of Seniors Academy of Macao Polytechnic Institute. The study team may invite staff from other departments, private entities and academics to participate in researches. Moreover, it is empowered to set up special teams for specific research topics if necessary.
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University of Macau (UM) Rector Wei Zhao was elected academician of the International Eurasian Academy of Sciences (IEAS) at its 16th plenary meeting held in Beijing, showing international recognition of his achievements in scientific research and higher education administration. Prof. Wei Zhao is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and he has made outstanding contributions in distributed computing, real-time systems, computer networks, and cyberspace security. During the time he served as the director of the Division of Computer and Network Systems in the United States National Science Foundation, Prof. Wei Zhao initiated studies of the Internet of Things (IOT) and was responsible for allocating funds for the project. He is currently the chief scientist for a project on IOT, which has been approved for funding under the "973 Programme", a key national research development programme in China, leading a team of scientists from UM, the Institute of Computing Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsinghua University, Tongji University and East China Normal University. In March 2011 he was awarded an honorary doctorate degrees by twelve universities in Portugal, in recognition of his achievements in scientific research and higher education. Founded in 1994, IEAS is an authoritative international organisation of natural scientists, engineering experts and social scientists. Its members include over six hundred academicians from forty-six countries. Current members of IEAS include Lu Yongxiang, former president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Xu Guanhua and Zhu Lilan, both former minister of science and technology of China; Sun Jiadong, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and recipient of the 1999 "Two Bombs, One Satellite" Achievement Medal and the 2009 National Science and Technology Award; and Joseph Jao-Yiu Sung, vice-chancellor and president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
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In accordance to the nomination of the Decoration Awards Committee, the Macao Government announced the recipients of Decorations, Medal and Certificates of Merit to 46 individuals and entities in recognition of their outstanding achievements, contributions and distinguished services rendered to the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR). Decorations of Honour, including the Decoration of Honour - Grand Lotus, the Decoration of Honour - Golden Lotus and the Decoration of Honour - Silver Lotus, are awarded to individuals or entities that have made outstanding contributions to the image and reputation of the Macao SAR. The recipients are: Decoration of Honour – Grand Lotus
Mr Lao Kung Po Decoration of Honour - Golden Lotus
The Macao Chamber of Commerce Decoration of Honour – Silver Lotus
Ms Au Ieong Iun Han
Mr Leong Chong Kao Seven types of Medals of Merit are awarded for: 1. Professions; 2. Industry and commerce; 3. Tourism; 4. Education; 5. Culture; 6. Philanthropy; and 7. Sport. Each of these categories of decorations is awarded to individuals or entities that have make major or excellent contributions in their respective fields The recipients are: Medal of Merit – Professions
Ms Iong Weng Ian
Mr Lei Chin Ion
Mr Paulino Do Lago Comandante
Mr Ao Peng Kong Medal of Merit - Industry and Commerce
Mr Cheang Chi Keong
Ms Ho Pui Fan
Mr Paulo Tse
Mr Chang Iok Meng Medal of Merit – Tourism
Mr Lui Yiu Tung Francis
Solmar Limitada Medal of Merit – Education
Mr Iao Tun Ieong
Ms Chu Sheung Maria
Mr Kou Kam Fai
Mr Lai Sai Kei Medal of Merit – Culture Mr Tang Keng Pan
Mr Lei I Leong Medal of Merit – Philanthropy Ms Leong Iok Wa
Mr Luis Lei Xavier
Ms Suzanne Devoy
Medal of Merit - Sport Mr Lo Keng Chio
Mr Chong Coc Veng
Mr Wong Hang Cheong
Ms Kuan Sok Mui Medals for Distinguished Services are awarded to public entities, organisations or their staff for outstanding performance of their duties or community service. The recipients are: Medal for Distinguished Service - Medal for Bravery
Mr Ma Io Weng
Mr Cheong Mun Hong Medal for Distinguished Service - Medal for Dedication Mr Ho Si Lo
Mr Iao Teng Fong Medal for Distinguished Service - Medal for Community Service Mr Lao Ion Fai
Ms Pang Siu In
Ms Lau Sut Man Certificates of Merit including the Honorific Title - Prestige and the Honorific Title – Merit, commend Macao SAR residents or other people who have made major contribution to the reputation, development or social progress of the Macao SAR. The recipients are: Honorific Title - Prestige Ms Chan Shuk Leung
Mr Liu Gangqi
Mr Chang Shin-Hsien
Mr Barry John Bland
China Space Foundation Honorific Title – Merit
Mr Wong Ka Fai
Mr Li Yi
Mr Lao Kun Wa
Ms Che Ngan Ngan
Mr Sou Chin Pang
Macao Roller Hockey Men's Team
Macao Youth Artistic Ability Volunteer Association The decorations, medals and certificates of merit awards ceremony will be held in the middle of December 2012.
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