News

The University of Macau (UM) has been closely following the Sin Fong Garden incident that occurred earlier. UM has been providing technical and academic support to the SAR government in monitoring and problem identification. In the meantime UM has also adopted a series of emergency measures on campus to help students and staff affected by the incident. After the occurrence of the incident, UM's Centre for Engineering Research and Testing (CERT) was commissioned by the relevant government authorities to monitor the structure of the building, with technical support of UM's Faculty of Science and Technology (FST). In order to understand the behaviour of the structural members of the building and to provide updated monitoring data to the SAR government, after strengthening of the damaged column, several instruments have been installed on those temporary facilities and the adjacent columns through the real-time monitoring system to collect the data. In the meantime UM launched a series of emergency measures to help a dozen or so affected students and staff, including (1) providing free off-campus accommodation to affected students, and (2) providing psychological counselling to affected staff and students, and providing necessary assistance to students whose academic performance might be affected by the incident. UM will continue to closely follow the development of the incident, and will continue to fulfil its social responsibility and provide all necessary technical and academic support to the government. It will also exert its best effort to follow up on staff and students affected by the incident.
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Recently, the China Criminal Law Society held an award ceremony in Zhengzhou for winners of the National Excellent PhD Thesis of Criminal Law Award as well as their supervisors. Mr. Jiao Yanpeng, University of Macau's (UM) first doctor of law, who is currently an associate professor of the Kenneth Wang School of Law, Soochow University, won the prize for his PhD thesis entitled, "A Study on Basic Theory of Ecological Legal Interest in Criminal Law". Dr. Jiao's supervisor is Prof. Zhao Guoqiang from UM's Faculty of Law. The National Excellent PhD Thesis of Criminal Law Award, sponsored by the Gao Mingxuan Criminal Law Foundation and organized by the China Criminal Law Society, is a national award to reward outstanding theses in law. The committee consists of eleven well-known scholars in the field, which ensures the prize is representative and authoritative. All candidate papers undergo an initial evaluation and a second review. This year only eighteen papers from thirteen institutes received this prize. Dr. Jiao passed his thesis defense with excellence in February 2011 and graduated in March, becoming UM's first doctor of law since the university launched the PhD programme in law. Now Dr. Jiao is an associate professor and master's supervisor at Soochow University, as well as the director of the university's legal specialists training and research centre. His PhD thesis, "A Study on Basic Theory of Ecological Legal Interest in Criminal Law", is considered by the China Criminal Law Society to be pioneering, groundbreaking and innovative. The China Environmental Law Society rates the thesis as "a major innovation in basic theoretical research in environmental law".
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Macao' aviation security oversight work was audited by International Civil Aviation Organization in 2010 and satisfactory results were achieved. The government bodies responsible for aviation security and the airport operators have always been endeavoring their best efforts in enhancing the level of security in Macau International Airport. Regular exercises are carried out to test and assess the capacity of the Airport Emergency Plan. On 16 October midnight, the Bomb Threat Exercise 2012 was carried out in Macau International Airport to simulate the activation of the Airport Emergency Plan and the security contingency procedures in response to a bomb threat that occurred in the passenger terminal of the airport, the process of which was smooth. The exercise took place from 02:00 to 05:30 on 16 October with the participation of about 150 people. The scenario simulated a suspect baggage being found by a passenger in the departures hall of the passenger terminal of Macau International Airport. Upon being notified of the incident, the police on duty and the airport security guards arrived at the scene and confirmed that it was a suspect bomb. The case was reported immediately to the superior and the site was cordoned off. An emergency was declared and the Airport Emergency Operations Centre was activated. The police forces security immediately activated their contingency procedures and a thorough inspection was performed on the whole airport area. The police and the airport security guards later found another suspect bomb in the car park. The special police were called in to inspect the two suspect objects and one of them was confirmed to be a genuine bomb and was then detonated. The Facilitation and Security Committee holds regular meetings to review the aviation security work in Macau International Airport and discuss improvement measures to further enhance the level of security. This bomb threat exercise was conducted in accordance with the work schedule approved by the Committee in the beginning of this year. The Public Security Police Force was the coordinator; the other participants were Unitary Police Force, Macao Customs Services, Judiciary Police, Fire Services Bureau, Security Coordination Office, Health Bureau, Maritime Administration, Civil Aviation Authority, CAM-Macau International Airport Company Ltd, Administration of Airports, Ltd., Macau Security Company Ltd. (airport security), Menzies Macau Airport Services Ltd and Air Macau Company Ltd. The President of the Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Chan Weng Hong, said that exercises with different themes are carried out every year in Macau International Airport with the objective of testing and assessing the effectiveness of the Airport Emergency Plan and the capacity of the participating entities on command and control, coordination, communication, resource allocation and so on when facing contingencies. He stressed that regular training for the personnel is necessary so that they can further improve their skills in recognizing and dealing with aviation security emergencies. With the active participation from and the combined efforts between the entities as well as the personnel, all exercises that took place in the past have achieved good results. On 06 July 2012, the full-scale emergency exercise was carried out in Macau International Airport with success. According to the 2012 work plan on exercises, a full-scale exercise will be conducted in the Macau Heliport in the midnight of 19 October.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the third quarter of 2012 increased by 3.36% year-on-year to 120.54, attributable to rising charges for restaurant services and dearer prices of clothing. In comparison with the third quarter of 2011, notable increase was observed in the price index of Entertainment & Cultural Activities (+10.65%); Restaurant Services (+10.31%); and Clothing & Footwear (+7.35%) on account of higher charges for entertainment and restaurant services, as well as dearer prices of women's clothing. On the contrary, price index of Accommodation decreased by 3.52% year-on-year. TPI for the third quarter of 2012 increased by 1.64% quarter-to-quarter, of which the price index of Accommodation rose by 7.98%. On the contrary, price index of Clothing & Footwear decreased by 3.30% quarter-to-quarter upon seasonal sale of Summer clothing. The average TPI for the last four quarters ended the third quarter of 2012 increased by 9.59% from the previous period, with marked increase being observed in the price index of Restaurant Services (+16.37%); Entertainment & Cultural Activities (+12.58%); and Miscellaneous Goods (+9.67%). For the first three quarters of 2012, TPI went up by 6.66% year-on-year, with index of Restaurant Services; Entertainment & Cultural Activities; and Miscellaneous Goods increasing by 15.50%, 12.51% and 8.15% respectively. 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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Consumer Council released its latest specific price survey on tissue papers. Survey result showed that price difference of about 15 to 20 percent was recorded for the same product sold in different retail outlets. Survey data has been uploaded to the Council's 'Specific Product Price Platform' website and is also available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. Consumer Council conducted a price check on 12 brands of tissue papers from 24 supermarkets and drugstores on 9th October. Survey result showed that price differences of 7 brands of tissue roll papers ranged from the lowest 2.7 percent to the highest 36.6 percent. 'Andrex Bathroom Tissue (3ply)/10pcs', which recorded the highest price difference, was sold at $36.6 to $50.0. Prices of the other 5 brands of tissue papers ranged from 16.1 percent to 25.0 percent. 'VIRJOY Premium 2 - ply Tissue/4 boxes', which revealed the highest price difference, was sold at$24.0 to $30.0. Survey result also showed that prices of the surveyed tissue brands generally differed for about 15 to 20 percent. Consumers are reminded to check the survey and make practical price comparisons. The specific price survey on tissue papers is now available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Three pastry team members of the Institute for Tourism Studies participated in the "Macau 6th Chapter Pastry Competition" organised by Macau Culinary Association. IFT teams had joined the categories of Pralines with Artistic Showpiece, Artistic Chocolate, Margarine or Sugar Showpiece and Bread Display. It was very honorable that IFT Pastry Artisans Ronald Gonzales and Jeffrey, Chak Cheong Lao, won the bronze medal in Artistic Chocolate, Margarine or Sugar Showpiece and Pralines with Artistic Showpiece. Both of their showpieces were unique in style and flavour. Moreover, Jeffrey, Chak Cheong Lao and Gordon Hoi, graduate of Diploma in Pastry and Bakery teamed up and participated in the "Fonterra Foodservices Challenge 2012 Macau" organised by Angliss Macau Food Service Limited on 10 Oct. The competition was held at IFT with the theme of Cheese Indulgence. The team of Jeffery won the Angliss Media Award with their masterpiece Mixed Nuts Caramel Cheesecake. IFT Pastry Artisans enthusiastically joining various pastry and bakery contests, raising their overall levels. In the past years, the team had achieved excellent results in competitions being held in Hong Kong, Shanghai, etc. With the rapid development in Macao, local citizens and tourists are expecting an even better culinary service from the industry, and more incentives are needed to attract tourists instead of gaming. No doubt that delicious food is one of the strong incentives. Through participating in various types of culinary competitions, IFT pastry team and chefs hope that ideas and cooking skills can be exchanged with local and overseas culinary talent chefs and in turn enhance the international culinary standard and excellence of Macao. It is also hoped that the new cooking concepts, inspiration and trends they gained through the competition can be conveyed to IFT students.
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This year's "17th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair" (MIF) will be held from 18 to 21 October 2012, with "SME International Business Days" (hereinafter referred to as the "SME Days") as one of the highlights of the event. Since 2008, SME Days has been an ideal business platform for SMEs to look at ways to transform their business, seek international co-operation and expand their business horizons. To further encourage SMES to develop their client network and widen business collaboration opportunities during the 17th MIF, the "SME Days" will feature various activities such as – (1) Launch of the 3D Website of Macao Ideas; (2) SME Service Corner; (3) Seminars of Branding, Packaging and Promotional Strategies, Franchising and E-Commerce, and (4) SME Promotion Incentive Packages Launch of Virtual Tour of Macao Ideas Macao Ideas – the first Macao products display centre, is an integrated exhibition venue for "Made in Macao", "Macao Design", "Macao Brands" and "Sole Distributorship of Portuguese-Speaking Countries' Products", with over 900 exhibits. Macao Ideas aims to facilitate local and overseas merchandisers, product agencies and buyers a channel to access Macao products and is designed to be the sourcing platform for these products. To further showcase the special characteristics of Macao Ideas exhibits, the "Launch of Virtual Tour of Macao Ideas" will be held concurrently with the opening ceremony of the "SME Days". The website has been upgraded and improved to incorporate a virtual model of "Macao Ideas" and 360-degree product displays that allow visitor to "tour" "Macao Ideas" by just moving their mouse. It also allows visitors to be the first to have this new and exciting look into Macao Ideas during the 17th MIF, as well as providing a means to view the latest Macao Ideas collection without any geographical and time constraints. Brand & Packaging and Franchising Enquiry Services
Branding and packaging play an important role in shaping an enterprise's position and image. During the last few years, MIF has provided enterprises with up-to-date information and a free enquiry service, including "One-stop Service for Macao economic and trade consultation, information on global markets, Mainland China business and legal advisory service, CEPA information on exhibitions and franchising. This year, "SME Days" features professional business consultants from neighbouring regions to provide free on-site brand and packaging and franchising enquiry and consultancy services. SMEs will be able to obtain advice and suggestions on value-added strategies for their brand, franchising and brand sourcing. An Overseas Products/Services and Franchise Catalogue Show will be held concurrently, to allow local enterprises to acquire worldwide product information. Interested parties are welcome to pre-register their enquiries. Themed Seminars and Presentations on Branding, Packaging and Promotional Strategies, Franchising and E-Commerce A series of seminars with themes in Branding, Packaging and Promotional Strategies, Franchising and E-Commerce will be held during "SME Days". Industry experts and professionals are invited to share their insights on related topics such as "How to choose an excellent headquarters to cooperate with?", "Empower your trade business with eCommerce" and "Emotional design for uplifting brand image" on 19 October, "How to choose an excellent headquarters to cooperate with?", "Utilizing Social Network and Media to Promote Your Business" and "The value of design" on 20 October and "Building the Tea Culture and a Strong Tea Brand" on 21 October. The aim is that the above topics will inspire SMEs to become involved with prevailing market trends and developments as well as broaden their horizons. Registration is now open so sign up as soon as possible! Incentive Exhibition Schemes – 50% off for Macao Ideas exhibits and 20% off for MFE exhibitors Another highlight of "SME Days" is the various promotional schemes and packages designed for the needs of SMEs, including Financial Incentives to Participate in Exhibitions and Fairs, SME Business Promotion Package and E-Commerce Promotion Incentives as well as Existing and new Macao Ideas exhibitors applying for exhibition space in "SME Day" are entitled to 50% discount and enterprises enrolling for the "Macao Franchise Expo 2013" (2013 MFE) as exhibitors can take advantage of a 20% discount on exhibition fees. "SME International Business Days Opening Ceremony", Macao Ideas Website Launching Ceremony and Protocol Signing Ceremony will be held at 12:30 pm on 19 October 2012 in the 17th MIF Macao Pavilion Protocol Signing Centre at Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. All interested parties are welcome. For more details, please visit the MIF website at http://www.mif.com.mo/mif2012/tc/smeday.php or contact SME Service Centre (SMEC). Enquiry hotline: 87989614/87989711(Mr. Ho or Ms. Leong).
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Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of Macao SAR Cheong U was invited by the University of Macau (UM) to go hiking with its staff and students. Secretary Cheong expressed his hope that UM staff and students could take time out of their busy schedule to participate more in wholesome cultural and recreational activities so as to help UM achieve more. At 9:30 on the morning of 13 October, UM students, staff and their family members gathered at the Circular Plaza of Seac Pai Van Park, where Secretary Cheong officiated at the kick-off ceremony. At the ceremony, Secretary Cheong said: "The cool autumn is just the perfect time for hiking. I'm very happy to have the opportunity to hike and chat with UM staff and students. I'm sure we are going to have a delightful morning together." He also expressed his hope that UM staff and students could take time out of their busy schedule to participate more in wholesome cultural and recreational activities because by striking a proper balance between work and personal life they would be able to work better and help UM achieve more. He also expressed good wishes—he wished everyone health and happiness, wished UM staff more verve at work, wished UM students greater progress, and wished UM further development. He expressed his hope that UM and the SAR government could make a joint effort to well develop the new campus and make the future of Macao more prosperous. UM Rector Wei Zhao, who also participated in the hiking, said that the hiking was very meaningful because it was in response to a promise Secretary Cheong's made to UM staff and students early this year. He noted that the starting point of the hike, as well as the entire hiking path and facilities in Coloane and Taipa, still exist today because of Secretary Cheong who, over a decade ago, proposed maintaining the facilities through legislation to the government, and through over a decade of efforts, various sports facilities are now available for use by every resident. Rector Wei Zhao expressed his hope that UM staff and students could follow Secretary Cheong's advice to participate more in wholesome activities and to work together with a shared goal in mind: to develop UM into a world-class university. Over a hundred UM staff and students participated in the hiking that day, with Secretary Cheong and Rector Wei Zhao leading the way. Participants walked and chatted amid a relaxed atmosphere. Along the way, guides thoughtfully arranged by the IACM in advance explained interesting knowledge about hiking and plants. At one spot on the hiking route, from which the new campus site was visible in the distance, participants became very excited and took out their cameras for picture-taking. Seeing some of the buildings standing on the construction site, participants said they looked forward to the day when the new campus is finally put into use. Chang Kin Ian, a UM student from the Department of History, thought the hiking was fun. "I seldom have the chance to go out in the nature," said Chang. "This is really a great opportunity for me to breathe the fresh air and stretch my body and go hiking with the rector. More importantly, I had the chance to look at the new campus and the underwater tunnel from a distance. The new campus did look very big. I'm very excited." After the hiking, UM arranged a tea gathering at Seac Pai Van Park for the participants. The entire activity ended at around 11:00.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals in package tours increased by 24.8% year-on-year to 913,613 in August 2012. Visitors from Mainland China (674,949) went up by 28.3%, with 280,952 coming from Guangdong Province; besides, those from Taiwan, China (77,749); Hong Kong (36,183); Republic of Korea (33,169) and Japan (27,518) increased by 41.2%, 4.0%, 8.6% and 36.4% respectively. In the first eight months of 2012, visitors in package tours (5,821,972) increased by 24.8% year-on-year to account for 31.1% of the total visitor arrivals. Outbound residents in package tours surged by 55.8% year-on-year to 41,344 in August 2012. The most popular tour itineraries were Mainland China (72.6% of total) and the Republic of Korea (7.2%), with 19,807 travelling to Guangdong Province. In the first eight months of 2012, residents travelling in package tours totalled 267,780, up by 56.3% year-on-year. Meanwhile, outbound residents travelling under own arrangements using services of travel agencies increased by 18.1% year-on-year to 79,971 in August 2012; the main destinations were Mainland China (47.4% of total); Hong Kong (22.5%); and Taiwan, China (15.5%). In the first eight months of 2012, residents travelling under such arrangements increased by 36.1% year-on-year to 559,204. There were 66 hotels and 33 guest-houses operating at the end of August, providing a total of 24,266 guest rooms, an increase of 2,143 (+9.7%) year-on-year, of which guest rooms of the 5-star hotels accounted for 61.1% of the total. In August 2012, the hotels and guest-houses received 881,716 guests, up by 8.8% year-on-year; the average length of stay decreased by 0.18 night to 1.3 nights. Occupancy rate of hotels and guest-houses stood at 87.5%, down by 1.0 percentage point; occupancy rate of the hotels reached 88.1%, with 4-star hotels leading at 90.6%. Number of guests increased by 11.4% year-on-year to 6,233,666 in the first eight months of 2012; occupancy rate of hotels and guest-houses stood at 82.8%, down by 0.9 percentage point. From January to August 2012, visitor-guests accounted for 64.5% of the total number of overnight visitors, higher than the 61.2% in the same period of 2011.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao announced today that the preliminary estimate of Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves amounted to MOP132.8 billion (USD16.62 billion) at the end of September 2012. The reserves fell by 0.4% or MOP0.5 billion from the revised value of MOP133.2 billion (USD16.68 billion) for the previous month. Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves at end-September 2012 represented 19 times the currency in circulation or 154.7% of Pataca M2 at end-August 2012. The trade-weighted effective exchange rate index for the pataca, a gauge of the domestic currency's exchange rates against the currencies of Macao's major trading partners, fell by 1.30 points month-to-month but rose by 2.15 points year-on-year to 97.55 in September 2012. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao (Tel: 83952532; Fax: 28353042)
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