News

Five students of Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) attended Incontro Romano Congress in Rome, Italy earlier and received "2013 BestResearch Paper" and "Special Award for the Booth" in the international fair which is one of the sessions of the Congress. This is the second year IFT participated and gained awards at the Congress. Incontro Romano is an international congress aimed to improve tourism students' and practitioners' understanding of the industry trends and enrich their professional knowledge. Attendees mainly are university students of tourism and hospitality majors all over the world. Every year, the Congress committee will decide a topic and candidates need to submit projects on the topic, and most importantly, the candidates must merge the culture of their own countries with their projects. After the preliminary contest, final candidates will be invited to Rome to attend the Congress and present their researches and projects. The topic of Incontro Romano 2013 is "Festival, the art of surprising". Over 300 people from Japan, America, Italy, Spain, Macao and other countries or regions attended the Congress. The IFT students successfully entered into the final round and were invited to present their researches and projects and join the international fair. Amongst them, IFT Hotel Management Year 3 students Sarah Chen and Subraina Sun submitted a research paper "How Macao hospitality workers celebrate for the guests and for themselves" and presented how to make snowy moon-cake, traditional moon-cake and Chinese tea. In addition, three IFT Tourism Business Management students Alice Zhou, Lily Chen and Jelana Wang submitted a video to present Macauo's annual grand event - Lusofonia Festival, and unique traditions of Chinese minority groups at the fair. With the exceptional research paper and presentation skills, Sarah Chen and Subraina Sun won "2013 Best Research Paper" with their research paper "How Macao hospitality workers celebrate for the guests and for themselves", which aimed to arouse respect and support for hospitality workers from families and the society, and the importance of hospitality industry to local social development. Besides, they designed a booth to demonstrate how to make snowy moon-cake, traditional moon-cake and Chinese tea ceremony, vividly displaying the inheritance and innovation of Chinese traditional festivals to audiences. Another group of participating IFT students Alice Zhou, Lily Chen and Jelana Wang stood out amongst all the contestants with their attractive design theme at their booth, presenting traditional art crafts, outfits and accessories of Chinese minority groups, and lively performing Chinese paper cutting, finally were awarded a special award of booth. IFT encourages students to participate in a variety of competitions and events, in order to express their opinion and suggestions for the industry and social development. Through participating in the Congress, IFT students were able to understand more about hospitality workers in Macao and learnt that we should support and respect them for the healthy development of Macao's hospitality industry.
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The 24th Macao Arts Festival (MAF), organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, begins Friday, May 3, and will feature thirty-four diverse programmes over the course of a month. This year, the MAF opens with a re-creation of the contemporary dance work Drought and Rain. This show, commissioned by the Edinburgh International Festival, continues a study of the memory of war by French-Vietnamese director and choreographer Ea Sola. Featuring a cast of singers who once performed to comfort soldiers on the front during the Vietnamese War, this moving ballet explores questions of survival, in times of war and against the extremes of the Vietnamese climate. Drought and Rain takes to the stage at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium on May 3, at 8pm. The MAF's opening ceremony will take place before the show, at 7.45pm, at the Macao Cultural Centre lobby, and all are invited to attend. The MAF, an event dedicated to promoting the development of the territory's arts, is not lacking in local productions. On May 4 and 5, at 3 and 8pm, the Old Court Building will host My Chair 20:13, the most recent production by the Contemporary Stage company. This work presents the thought-provoking story of a modern young woman, fighting her way to "victory" while exploring the meaning of the word and calling for introspection on the part of the audience, into their own values. The Sir Robert Ho Tung Library is host to Here She Dances, a production based on the poetry of Jenny Ng that combines multimedia arts with literary excerpts and dance. An extra performance on Monday, May 6, at 8pm has been added to supplement the sold out performances on May 4 and 5. Produced by the not-for-profit association Comuna de Pedra, Here She Dances is an excellent example of the abilities and creativity of local talents. Theatre is also present in the MAF's opening weekend, as Home Sweet Home features two of Portugal's most brilliant comedic stars portraying a variety of characters and their hilarious trials and tribulations in a nursing home. After months of touring Portugal and playing to sold-out auditoriums, Maria Rueff and Joaquim Monchique now present their must-see comedy in Macao, at the Dom Pedro V Theatre, on May 4, 5 and 6, at 8pm. Tickets for the 24th Macao Arts Festival are still available in limited numbers at all Kong Seng Ticketing Network outlets. Telephone bookings may be made on 2855 5555. For more information please check the MAF website at: www.icm.gov.mo/fam.
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In celebration of International Museum Day, observed annually on the 18th of May, the Macao Museum, under the Cultural Affairs Bureau, will hold a series of activities throughout the month. On May 5th, the Macao Museum is participating in the 2013 Macao International Museum Day Carnival in Tap Seac Square, where they will set up promotional booths and organise games and activities suitable for both parents and children. Among the activities is the Drunken Dragon Dance – Paper Craft Workshop, designed to promote and preserve the Feast of the Drunken Dragon, an item of Macao's National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The workshop specialists will guide attendees in the fashioning of paper crafts related to the Drunken Dragon Dance, and participants will take home a Drunken Dragon Dance-themed fortune bag symbolising safety and good luck (available while stocks last). The Museum's booths will also host demonstrations by members of the Macao Fresh Fish and Commercial Association, who will give Drunken Dragon Dance lessons for all ages. To enable residents to better understand and cherish Macao's world heritage, there will be a contest titled What do you know about Macao's World Heritage? held at the Museum's booths. Winners will receive a prize from the Museum (available while stocks last). Also featured in the May 5th Carnival at Tap Seac Square, the Heritage Exhibition of a Traditional Pawnshop Business will have its own booth introducing traditional Chinese tea culture. On International Museum Day itself (18th May), the Macao Museum will organise a lucky draw, Where are the Museum's Collections?, held from 11am to 1pm and from 3pm to 5pm to help visitors learn more about the collections housed there. Complimentary guided tours are available, at 3pm in Cantonese and at 4pm in Mandarin, and admission is free for the day at both the Macao Museum and the Heritage Exhibition of a Traditional Pawnshop Business. May 25th, the occasion of the Macao Museum's 15th anniversary, is also the date of the opening ceremony for the exhibition Fantasy World – Chinoiserie. This show portrays the enthusiasm for Chinese art and customs that took hold in Europe, particularly in France, during the 17th and 18th centuries. Some 80 objects d'art will be displayed, among them oil paintings, engravings, ceramic items and tapestries, on loan from Les Arts Décoratifs - Musée des Arts décoratifs (Paris), Musée du Louvre - Département des Arts graphiques, Cité de la Céramique - Sèvres et Limoges, Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'archéologie (Besançon) and Wynn Resorts (Macau) S.A.. Entrance to the Macao Museum is free for Macao residents on Sundays. For further information regarding the above activities and to register for the workshop, please call 8394 1218 (Ms. Leong) during office hours, or 8394 1204 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. You may also visit the Macao Museum's website at www.macaumuseum.gov.mo. Registration for the Drunken Dragon Dance – Paper Craft Workshop is limited, and places are available on a first come, first served basis.
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The IFT Alumni Annual Dinner will be held on 7 June, 2013 (Friday) 1930, at the Banquet Hall on the 4th floor of L'Arc Macau. This is a great chance to catch up with old friends, share hardship and joy at work life and of course a great opportunity to broaden their network. During the dinner, there will be some quick updates from our Alma Mater, music performances, lucky draw and fun for all. Tickets at only MOP340/pax are available for sale at Technical and Academic Support Division at both IFT campuses from 2 May to 3 June (Inspiration Building, Main Campus from 0900 – 1900 / Edf. César Fortune, Taipa Campus from 0900 – 1300; 1430 – 1900, Monday to Friday except for public holidays). For details, please contact Ms. Alice Lao (Tel: 85983-087 or email: alumniaffairs@ift.edu.mo ).
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As 1st May Labor Day is approaching, Economic Services Department (DSE), Macao Government Tourist Office (DST), Transport Bureau (DSAT), Judiciary Police (PJ), Public Security Police Force (PSP), Macao Custom Service, Civic and Municipal Affairs Council (IACM) and Health Bureau (SS) were called for a meeting to discuss on the protection of consumer rights for inbound tourists and measures against 'unscrupulous shops'. Consumer Council reminds consumers that if anyone finds his or her consumer rights being infringed, he or she should file a complaint at the Council or other departments and provide all necessary detailed information. The Council will also assign its staff to provide services to consumers through its hotline during 11AM to 6PM on 1st May, and will resume normal working hours on 2nd May. Consumer Council hotline: 8988 9315.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on instant drinks on 25th April for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th 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. For inquiry, please call the Council's hotline: 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total merchandise export for March 2013 amounted to MOP755 million, up by 7% year-on-year; value of re-exports (MOP583 million) increased by 16%, but that of domestic exports (MOP172 million) decreased by 14%. Total merchandise import reached MOP6.21 billion, up by 5% year-on-year. Merchandise trade deficit amounted to MOP5.45 billion for March 2013. In the first quarter of 2013, total value of merchandise export increased by 18% year-on-year to MOP2.34 billion, of which value of re-exports (MOP1.88 billion) increased by 34%, but that of domestic exports (MOP459 million) decreased by 20%. Total value of merchandise import increased by 11% to MOP19.01 billion. Merchandise trade deficit for the first quarter of 2013 widened to MOP16.67 billion. In the first quarter of 2013, merchandise export to Hong Kong (MOP1.37 billion) and Mainland China (MOP327 million) increased by 34% and 15% respectively year-on-year, while export to the USA (MOP106 million) and the EU (MOP67 million) decreased by 15% and 22% respectively. Exports of Non-textiles (MOP2.13 billion) in the first quarter of 2013 expanded by 26% year-on-year, of which exports of Diamond & diamond jewellery (MOP255 million) and Clocks & watches (MOP202 million) surged by 90% and 122% respectively. Meanwhile, exports of Textiles & garments (MOP212 million) decreased by 26%, of which exports of Non-knitted or non-crocheted garments (MOP110 million) and Knitted or crocheted garments (MOP78 million) declined by 14% and 36% respectively. In the first quarter of 2013, merchandise import originated in Mainland China (MOP6.22 billion) and the EU (MOP4.76 billion) increased by 16% and 17% respectively year-on-year. Imports of Consumer goods rose by 15% to MOP12.03 billion, with imports of Gold jewellery (MOP1.95 billion), Watches (MOP1.36 billion), Motor cars & motorcycles (MOP828 million) and Beauty, cosmetic & skin-care products (MOP493 million) increasing by 22%, 29%, 24% and 33% respectively. External merchandise trade reached MOP21.35 billion in the first quarter of 2013, up by 12% compared with MOP19.05 billion a year earlier.
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Consumer Council released its 'Supermarket Price Survey' of April. In comparison with data from last month, average prices of around 55 percent of the surveyed products had been decreased or recorded no change in price and prices of 45 percent of products had been increased slightly. Rice prices remained stable. Consumer Council collected prices of about 350 products in its latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' dated 22nd April. In comparison with data from March, prices of 104 products had been decreased, they included dairy products such as milk and adult milk powder, tissue papers and frozen foods, etc.. Average prices of 'Dettol Anti-bacterial Wipes/10pcs' had dropped by over 15 percent. For the 152 items which recorded price increases, they included mainly cooking oil, beverages, and toothpastes. Rice and cereal products mostly recorded no change in price. The Council also analyzed the percentage of lowest price products available in the 11 fixed choices of supermarkets. Tai Fung supermarket in Taipa recorded the highest percentage of on-shelf lowest price items in which around 57 percent of over 270 items sold at Taipa Tai Fung recorded the lowest price among all surveyed supermarkets in the current survey. Lee Fong supermarket at Almirante Costa Cabral came next, with 21 percent of its over 270 on-shelf items having the lowest price. 21 percent of the over 210 items sold at Park'n Shop at R. Areia Preta also recorded the lowest price. Among the 4 supermarket chains surveyed, selling prices were found to vary in different branches in different regions and price discrepancies were observed especially in branches of San Miu and Tai Fund supermarkets. San Miu supermarket R. dos Mercadores branch and Taipa Flower City branch were found to have different selling prices for over 250 on-shelf items and price differences from 0.04 percent to 15 percent were observed mainly in cooking oil, canned foods, and seasonings. For Tai Fung supermarkets, price differences from 0.2 percent to 41 percent were observed in about 70 percent of the over 200 on-shelf items sold at its Taipa branch and Yi Nam branch. Prices of around 20 products were also found to differ up to 44 percent in different branches of both Royal Supermarket and Park'n Shop. Consumers are advised to check with the information available on the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform', especially the function of 'Top Ten Price Differences' for the surveyed products. Consumers can also download the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps to make price comparisons. The latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' is now available on Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo), and the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. 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. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the unemployment rate for January-March 2013 held stable at 1.9% in comparison with the previous period (December 2012-February 2013); the underemployment rate was 0.7%, up by 0.1 percentage point. Total labour force was 359,000 and the labour force participation rate stood at 71.9%. Total employment reached 352,000, an increase of 1,200 from the previous period. Analysed by industry, employment in Wholesale Trade and Recreational, Cultural, Gaming & Other Services saw increase. Number of the unemployed increased by 100 from the previous period to 6,800; fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job accounted for 6.2% of the total unemployed, down by 0.8 percentage points. In the first quarter of 2013, the general unemployment rate remained unchanged as the previous quarter at 1.9%; the unemployment rate of local residents was 2.5%, up by 0.1 percentage point. Total labour force increased by 1,900 quarter-to-quarter, with total employment and the unemployed rising by 1,700 and 200 respectively. Median monthly employment earnings of the employed held stable at MOP12,000 in the first quarter of 2013, while that of the employed local residents amounted to MOP14,500, an increase of MOP1,500 quarter-to-quarter.
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In response to the recent enactment of the Development Plan for the Convention and Exhibition Industry (2011-2020), by the Zhuhai Municipal Government, and aiming to strengthen the cooperation between operators of convention and exhibition industry in Macao and Zhuhai, so as to achieve a coordinated and complementary development for mutual benefit, a 10-member delegation comprising of members of External Cooperation Group of the Committee for the Development of Conventions and Exhibitions of Macao SAR and officials of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), made a fact-finding trip to Zhuhai on April 19, where they visited the Zhuhai Park located at the Zhuhai-Macao Cross Border Industrial Zone and the Shizimen Central Business District. Vice-Mayor of Zhuhai, Ms. Long Guangyan hosted a luncheon for the delegation. Upon arrival at the Zhuhai Park of the Zhuhai-Macau Cross Border Industrial Zone, in the morning, members of the delegation were briefed by the Party Secretary of Zhuhai Park, Mr. Yan Hong and Zhuhai-Macau Cross Border Industrial Zone Zhuhai Park Administrative Committee Director, Ms. Zhao Wei Yuan and members of the competent departments on the recent developments and plans for the said industrial park, followed by discussions on how to strengthen the cooperation between the relevant government departments and facilitate customs clearance and logistics for the convention and exhibition industry. Later on, the delegation proceeded to the Shizimen Central Business District to learn about the development plans. They were briefed by the General Manager of the District, Mr. Tang Zengshu. The host and the Macao delegation held a short meeting to analyse the latest development of the MICE industry, including personnel training. At noon, the Vice Mayor of Zhuhai, Ms. Long Guangyan hosted a luncheon in honour of the Macao delegation. In the afternoon, the delegation met with the Vice Consultant of the Zhuhai Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau, Mr. Shen Guilin and the General Manager of Zhuhai Airshow Co., Ltd., Mr. Zhou Zuode, to discuss on the planning of MICE activities and how to strengthen the cooperation and coordination between the sides on a mutually complementary basis. Members of the Macao delegation included the Convenor of the External Development Group of the Committee for the Development of Conventions and Exhibitions of Macao SAR and President of IPIM, Mr. Jackson Chang, the Executive Director of IPIM, Ms. Irene V. K. Lau, the President of the Macao Trade & Fair Association, Mr. Lam Chong In, the Vice-Chairman of the Macau Convention and Exhibition Association, Mr. Alan Ho Hoi Ming, the President of the Board of Directors of the Association of Advertising Agents of Macau, Mr. Kevin Bi, the President of the Board of Directors of the Travel Industry Council of Macau, Mr. Andy Wu Keng Kuong and the Senior Manager of IPIM´s Promotional Activities Department, Mr. Sam Lei.
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