News

Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) launched mobile application software (App) with various languages such as Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, English and Portuguese. It is applicable for both iphone and Android mobile system. IFT App contains a rich content which is synchronised with IFT website. By using the apps, users are able to browse institute information such as news list, event list, short courses information and enrollment status, sharing their favorite courses with friends. Furthermore, through the Apps, users can also get the latest news of IFT's training units - Pousada de Mong-Há and Educational Restaurant, table reservation for restaurant can also be done there. For the ease of degree programme students, students can log into the apps with their personal account and password for checking time schedule, attendance, grades etc. Push notification service is also available with the Apps which is optional for users to turn it on or off. The app can be downloaded at Google Play Store or Apple iTunes Store for free by searching the key words Institute for Tourism Studies. With the popularization of electronics like smart phones and tablet PC, IFT hopes that through launching this Apps, the public can easily acquire institute latest news with their portable electronic devices. Moreover, IFT has launched their official YouTube, Facebook page, sina blog-Weibo in these few years and it is hoped that institute information can be shared with the public in a more effective and helpful way.
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The 2013 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Exhibition and Forum (2013 MIECF) will take place from 21 to 23 March at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. The theme of this year's MIECF is "Sustainable Cities – The Way Towards a Green Future". The Macao SAR Government aims to continuously promote the concept of Thinking Green, Going Clean and Living Cool through this major annual green event by organising a series of green activities, including forums and seminars, an exhibition, business matching, Green Public Day and technical visits.
Green Forum and Green Exhibition are two key elements in MIECF, this year, there will be a series of forums and seminars, for which environmental protection experts, scholars and professionals will share their insights on a variety of environmental issues, as well as promoting exchanges between the participating representatives from different governments, commercial organisations and social groups. At the same time, thematic workshops will be held to further enhance the effectiveness of the event. A great deal of effort has been put into attracting environmental enterprises and institutions in the environmental field, from local and abroad, to participate as exhibitors, in a bid to increase international participation in the event. The Green Exhibition will focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy, green building, green transport, waste and water management solutions and environmental services, to promote technological exchange and co-operation between environmental protection industry operators in Macao, the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region and the international market, thereby creating business opportunities for exhibitors from all over the world.
Furthermore, 2013 MIECF will continue to provide a series of activities, including: 1. Green Business Matching, to assist enterprises from around the world to promote their products and services; 2. Hosted Buyer Programme, under which, buyers recommended by the exhibitors will be invited to take part in the event through different channels, with the objective of identifying potential buyers and projects developers, and arrange business meetings with the other exhibitors; 3. Professional promotion seminars, to provide opportunities for the exhibitors to showcase their environmentally friendly products and solutions, as a means to create business opportunities; 4. Green Gala Dinner and exchange activities to serve as a networking platform for people from different sectors; 5. Green Public Day, which will take place at the last day of the event, and include a "Green Bazaar", to sale of environmental friendly and water and energy saving products, as a means to raise public awareness and encourage participation in this green international event.
Sine its inception in 2008, five editions of the MIECF was held. According to statistical data of the past five events, in the first year there were 2,000 visitors, with the number increasing to 8,000 in 2012. During the same period, professional visitors increased from 2,000 in the first MIECF, to 6,000 last year. From 164 exhibitors from eight countries and regions in 2008, these numbers were increased to 398 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions, in last year´s MIECF. At the 2012 MIECF, there were 130 local exhibitors, accounting for nearly one-third of the total. The area of the venue was also largely expanded, from the original 6,900 square metres to 16,000 square metres. Last year´s MIECF attracted 6,400 trade visitors from 53 countries and regions. Over 1,200 people participated in the forums and seminars, 702 business matching sessions were held, which contributed to the on the spot signing of 35 co-operation agreements. These figures clearly show that since its inception, MIECF has developed steadily and has received recognition from the industry. As a matter of fact, MIECF has gradually become an important platform for the Pan-Pearl River Delta and the international environmental protection industry to promote a green economy and technology.
Looking ahead, Macao SAR Government will continue to organise this annual event, to further strengthen co-operation and exchange in the field of environmental protection, strengthen the investment role of the MIECF platform, enhance the Hosted Buyer Programme at home and abroad, as well as the professional level of the exchange activities, to jointly build sustainable and low carbon cities.
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Macao and Zhuhai will hold more regular meetings to enhance communication and to widen the scope of co-operation between the two neighbours in the new year. This was disclosed today when the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, met with the Secretary of CPC Zhuhai Municipal Committee, Mr Li Jia, at the Government Headquarters to exchange views on ways to further bolster co-operation in the new year. During the meeting, Mr Li reviewed the latest developments in Zhuhai and highlighted the progress of the opening up of Hengqin Island by the two governments. He said he believed that Macao and Zhuhai will have closer contact in terms of traffic connections, tourism co-operation, flow of people and goods with the implementation of the Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Framework Agreement. He hoped that the two governments could continuously enhance co-operation on the introduction of investment, air transportation and tourism, he said. Mr Li pointed out that the new developing area of Hengqin Island is an innovative model, of which Hengqin's cultural industry will be developed with the completion of the new Macau University campus in the Island. He said he was optimistic towards the prospects for co-operation of the two places. The two leaders confirmed that they would organise more meetings on a regular base to further follow up on the proposed co-operative projects.
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In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the motorsport event since 1954, the Macau Grand Prix Committee (CGPM) has announced a two weekend Diamond Jubiliee Grand Prix Carnival, with the first race weekend set for November 9-10, and the second to be hosted from November 14-17, 2013. Six races are scheduled to take place on November 9-10, including the MAC/HKG Interport Race and the Macau Touring Car Cup, popular with drivers across Macau, Hong Kong and Asia. The three blue riband headline races: the Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix - the FIA Formula 3 Intercontinental Cup, the 47th Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix and the double header season finale of the FIA World Touring Car Championship will be held November 14-17 as part of a seven-race weekend. The provisional programme for the 60th Macau Grand Prix will be announced at a later date. The programme will also include the best of the region's motorsport for a diverse and unique celebration and an unforgettable Diamond Jubilee Grand Prix Carnival for drivers, riders, media and fans alike. Over the past 59 years, the support and understanding of the public has been one of the major contributing factors to the international success of the Macau Grand Prix. The Macau Grand Prix Committee is again working with other departments to minimize traffic pressure and to reduce the impact on the public. The Macau Grand Prix Committee would like to express its thanks to the community for the continuing support and understanding .
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Consumers have reflected that the supply of infant milk powder has become quite tense recently and infant milk powder is unavailable in many local retail outlets. Consumers are suggested to visit Consumer Council's website to acquire the service hotlines of milk powder suppliers and get information on where to purchase certain brands of infant milk powder. Consumer Council indicates that the supply of infant milk powder in local market became quite tense and such situation has been informed by both citizens and members of the Legislative Assembly. Related government departments including Health Bureau (SS), Economic Services Bureau (DSE), Provisional Municipal Council (IACM), and Consumer Council met with suppliers of infant milk powder (including Mead Johnson, Abbot, Friso, Snow Brand, Nan Ha, Nestle Excel and Wyeth Gold) in Hong Kong last year and hotlines available to Macao consumers were then set up, enabling suppliers to deal with consumers' problems after calling their hotlines. The Council has recently contacted milk powder suppliers through the available hotlines and was informed that supply of Wyeth Gold and Friso milk powder is quite tense, however, suppliers are continuing to import more products to prepare for the demand during Chinese New Year. All hotlines have been called and confirmed by the Council to ensure normal operation. Service hotlines of infant milk powder suppliers are as follows:
(* please find attached file) For more details, consumers can visit the Council's website: http://www.consumer.gov.mo/e/milk_powder_suppliers_e.asp.
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A total number of 7,222 cases were received by Consumer Council in 2012. The top 5 categories of complaints received were telecommunication services, telecommunication equipment and supplies, food and beverages, electrical appliances and clothing and apparel. Consumer Council indicated that a total number of 7,222 cases were received in 2012, which was 5.43 percent more than the 6,850 cases received in 2011. Among all the cases received, 1,609 were complaints (which amounted to 22.28 percent of the total number of cases received and 4.74 percent less compared to 1,689 complaints received in 2011), 5,520 were inquires (which amounted to 76.43 percent of the total number of cases received and 10.69 percent more compared to 4,987 inquires received in 2011), and the rest of 93 cases were suggestions from consumers (which amounted to 1.29 percent of the total number of cases received and 46.55 percent less compared to 174 suggestions received in 2011). The top 5 categories of complaints were telecommunication services (231 cases, 14.36 percent of total), telecommunication equipment and supplies (202 cases, 12.55 percent of total), food and beverages (124 cases, 7.71 percent of total), electrical appliances (89 cases, 5.53 percent of total) and clothing and apparel (87 cases, 5.41 percent of total) respectively. The top 5 categories of complaints received in 2012 were similar to those in 2011 except that public transportation had been replaced by electrical appliances. Consumer Council indicated that telecommunication services still marked the top of the 5 categories of complaints, cases concerning this category mainly involved issues such as 3G mobile phone charges and data fees, and the number of cases received in 2012 had been decreased by 11 percent compared to 2011. Telecommunication equipment and supplies marked the second top category and mainly involved quality and prices of 3G mobile phones and business practices, the number of cases received in 2012 had been increased by 27 percent compared to 2011. Food and beverages, which marked the third, mainly involved pastries, milk powder, and frozen food, and the number of complaints had been decreased by 16 percent. Electrical appliances replaced public transportation and became fourth in the top 5 categories of complaints and the number of complaint cases, which included television, air conditioner and washing machine, etc., had been increased by 17 percent. The number of cases received under clothing and apparel category was similar to that from 2011 and cases mainly included garments, handbags and shoes, etc.. A total number of 862 cases were received from tourists. Among all these cases, 361 were complaints, 499 were inquiries and 2 were suggestions. In comparison to the numbers from 2011, number of complaint cases had been decreased by 4.75 percent and inquiries had been increased by 3.1 percent. A detailed analysis of the number of cases received in 2012 will be published later by the Council in its monthly magazine Consumer Report.
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IFT installs 4 new self-serviced kiosks in front of the registration counters at both IFT Macao and Taipa campuses for strengthening short courses registration process. This new amenity can facilitate citizens to acquire course information and reduces their average waiting time of enquiries. Meanwhile, the Institute will provide more short courses which can be enrolled online to further enhance the application process. This new amenity not only boosts the efficiency of short course application and handling enquiries, but also enables people to obtain course information and thus serve the purpose of time saving and convenience. By using the self- serviced kiosk, the public can acquire below services or information at ease: Registration for courses enrollment
Applicants can use the kiosk to register for courses which require to undergo the enrollment process before application. Only Macao ID card needs to be inserted for identification and mobile phone number input for the notification of the enrollment result. Course application status checking
Detailed information of the course such as application period, class schedule, course fee, application method, quota, course outline etc. can be checked with the kiosk. Printing service is also available if necessary. On-day course venue checking
Students can check the class venue before class via the kiosk. IFT hopes that with the advanced technology development, more amenities like this can be launched for the convenience of the public and for the improvement of work efficiency. Also, the Institute will utilise more self-serviced amenities in the future depending on the market demand.
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To facilitate registrants to appoint authorized representatives to conduct exchange of the Dragon and Snake Lunar Year banknotes, the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) has come up with a uniform and simple procedure after discussion with banks.
Starting from 17 January 2013, an authorized representative will only need to bring along his / her ID card and submit the following documents to conduct the note exchange on the selected date and location:
1. Authorization form [downloaded from AMCM's website (www.amcm.gov.mo) ] signed by the registrant
2. Registrant's ID copy bearing his / her signature
3. Representative's ID copy bearing his / her signature
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the fourth quarter of 2012 increased by 4.45% year-on-year to 133.78, attributable to dearer prices of handbags and rising charges for restaurant services. Notable increase was observed in the price index of Clothing & Footwear (+16.46%); Transport & Communications (+7.15%); and Entertainment & Cultural Activities (+6.73%) on account of rising prices of handbags, as well as higher charges for outbound transport and entertainment services. Price index of hotel rooms decreased by 2.40% year-on-year. The average TPI (124.31) for the whole year of 2012 increased by 6.05% year-on-year, with marked increase being recorded in the price index of Restaurant Services (+12.98%); Entertainment & Cultural Activities (+10.97%); and Clothing & Footwear (+10.16%); however, price index of hotel rooms decreased by 0.63%. TPI for the fourth quarter of 2012 rose by 10.99% quarter-to-quarter, of which hotel room rate increased notably during the National Day holidays, the Macao Grand Prix, Christmas break and New Year's Eve, pushing up the price index of Accommodation by 31.92%. Price index of Clothing & Footwear increased by 15.84% quarter-to-quarter upon new arrival of Winter clothing. The 2009/2010-based TPI reflects the price changes of goods and services purchased by visitors. Sections of TPI goods and services are based on 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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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) launches the "Tourism Awareness Campaign" again and cooperates with local associations to organize activities. It is estimated that one fifth of Macau citizens will participate in the activities. The purpose of the campaign is to educate citizens about awareness of tourism in a widespread and effective way in order to upgrade tourism resource quality together and create a friendly tourism environment in harmony with the Macau SAR's strategic goal of building a "World Centre of Tourism and Leisure". Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Cheong U, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes and Acting Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Maria Madalena Leong along with 22 association representatives hosted the Launch Ceremony of "Tourism Awareness Campaign" today (January 15). MGTO launches the "Tourism Awareness Campaign" again, enriching the activities and adopting different devices to cultivate citizens' courtesy towards visitors and introduce Macau tourism resources. It is hoped that every citizen can become a tourism ambassador and share Macau locals' compassion widely. 5 tourism ambassadors with whom citizens are familiar – Helpful, Friendly, Polite, Knowledge and Smiling, continue to uphold the slogan "Be My Guest･Feel at Home" and advocate Macau's warm hospitality. MGTO cooperates with 22 social organizations to organize over 50 activities at the first stage. It is estimated that 100,000 citizens will participate in the activities. The activities include various creative competitions, seminars, training courses, research, promotion activities, World-Heritage-related activities, local tours, carnivals, cultural performance, souvenirs making and game booths, etc.
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