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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that visitor arrivals in package tours soared by 46.1% year-on-year to 670,664 in July 2011. Visitors from Mainland China (489,503); Taiwan, China (46,776); Republic of Korea (31,066) and Hong Kong (28,839) surged by 51.2%, 90.8%, 151.1% and 19.3% respectively. On the contrary, visitors from Japan (14,879) decreased by 38.2%. In the first seven months of 2011, visitor arrivals in package tours went up by 7.7% year-on-year to 3,795,979. In July 2011, Macao residents travelling outbound in package tours increased by 5.3% year-on-year to 26,427. The most popular tour itineraries are Mainland China (72.3% of total), Thailand (7.1%) and Malaysia (5.0%). In the first seven months of 2011, outbound residents in package tours increased slightly by 0.1% year-on-year to 135,789. Meanwhile, outbound residents travelling under own arrangements using services of travel agencies rose by 30.0% year-on-year to 65,018; the main destinations were Mainland China (47.3% of total); Hong Kong (20.5%); and Taiwan, China (15.2%). In the first seven months of 2011, outbound residents travelling under such arrangements went up by 25.4% year-on-year to 335,149. At the end of July 2011, total number of available guest rooms of hotels and guest-houses increased by 2,080 (+10.5%) year-on-year to 21,804 rooms, with that of 5-star hotels accounting for 62.8% of the total. Hotels and guest-houses received 795,827 guests in July 2011, up by 21.5% year-on-year, with the majority coming from Mainland China (54.2% of total) and Hong Kong (21.5%). The average length of stay of guests decreased by 0.07 night to 1.4 nights. The average occupancy rate of hotels and guest-houses notched up a record high of 88.2%, up by 8.2 percentage points year-on-year. Average occupancy rate of hotels reached 88.9%, with 4-star hotels leading at 93.1%. Hotel guests increased by 7.4% year-on-year to 4,784,618 in the first seven months of 2011; average occupancy rate of hotels and guest-houses stood at 82.9%, up by 4.1 percentage points from a year earlier. In the first seven months of 2011, visitor-guests accounted for 61.5% of the total number of tourists (overnight visitors), higher than 60.5% in the same period of 2010.
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The Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) was confirmed by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Tonga in Beijing that holders of the Macao SAR Passports can obtain visa-on-arrival in the Kingdom of Tonga for a stay of 31 days. At present, a total of 92 countries and territories have agreed to grant visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to the Macao SAR passport holders, while 9 countries have agreed to grant the visa-free access to the Macao SAR Travel Permit holders.
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To better support the development of the University of Macau (UM) after its relocation to the new campus on Hengqin Island as well as to create conditions for UM to achieve the objective of becoming a world-class institution, the Macao SAR government set up the UM Charter Revision Task Force in June 2011. Recently the task force visited Hong Kong and Singapore for the purpose of learning more about the reforms of governance modes of public higher education institutions (HE institutions) there as well as the reasons thereof, and reported relevant findings at the first UM Charter Revision Task Force Meeting afterwards. Task force members noted that in recent years HE institutions in both Hong Kong and Singapore are striving towards world-class institutions, and granting more autonomy in governance is one of the key measures taken by the local governments towards the realization of this objective; and the purpose of revising the UM Charter is to increase UM's international competitiveness and help it better meet future challenges. Thanks to the support of the Macao SAR government and the local community, the Judicial Regime of the University of Macau was passed by the Legislative Assembly of Macao SAR in September 2006, while the Charter of the University of Macau and the Personnel Statute of the University of Macau were also approved by the chief executive of Macao SAR. Afterwards UM began to adopt a governance structure where the university council is the supreme governing body, in line with international practice, and began to progress towards modernization and internationalization step by step. However, as a public legal person, UM is still subject to, among others, a public administrative system, a public financial system and laws and regulations governing public servants, which results in a complicated situation where governance by the University Council and governance by government systems run parallel with each other. This "dual governance" causes UM such problem in accountability, autonomy and some administrative operations that it stifles the university's development. In June 2011 the SAR government announced the establishment of the UM Charter Revision Task Force, hoping that a second Charter revision can help address relevant problems, better support UM's development after its relocation to the new campus, and create necessary conditions for UM to pursue the goal of becoming a world-class institution. Members of the UM Charter Revision Task Force include Tse Chi Wai (Chair), Iao Man Leng, Lei Pui Lam, Lam Kam Seng, Anabela Fatima Xavier Sales Ritchie, Tong Chi Kin, Leong Heng Teng, Vong Hin Fai, Yeung Tsun Man, Wei Zhao, Sou Chio Fai and Lai Iat Long (Secretary). To better understand the reforms of governance modes of public HE institutions in neighboring regions in recent years and also to borrow relevant experience, the task force went on a four-day visit to Hong Kong and Singapore from 31 August to 3 September. The task force successively visited higher education authorities in Hong Kong, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, higher education authorities in Singapore, and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Discussions mainly revolved around how autonomy and accountability in the governance of HE institutions, the nature of legal person, and funding are related to the objective of developing world-class institutions. The fact that the visits by the task force were taken very seriously by relevant government officials and university heads in Hong Kong and Singapore shows that the current development of UM has aroused great attention from the HE sectors in these regions. At the first UM Charter Revision Task Force Meeting held on 6 September, UM representatives reported the various operational difficulties UM is grappling with, including the relationship between the SAR government and UM where the latter is governed by the former, the composition and operation of the University Council, the applicability of various public laws and regulations, as well as issues concerning the financial, personnel and administrative operations of UM. At the meeting, task force members also reported and summed up relevant findings of the 4-day visit to Hong Kong and Singapore. According to government officials in Singapore, the forerunners of the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, were directly governed by the government and were subject to public administrative laws and regulations. In 2004 the government of Singapore decided to corporatize the two public universities and introduce a corresponding accountability system to allow the two universities more administrative and financial autonomy so that they can better cope with the rapidly-developing and fiercely-competitive environment and achieve world-class excellence in certain academic realms on the back of their respective unique strengths. After the corporatization, the two institutions began to adjust the flexibility of their salary systems based on market demand, and introduced healthy competition mechanisms. To encourage private donations to the universities, the local government initiated a generous "government fund matching" policy, enabling universities to develop rapidly with the joint support of the government and the community. In Hong Kong, the University Grants Committee of Hong Kong SAR, which is of a non-statutory body , coordinates higher-education-related matters on behalf of the SAR government, and it is mainly responsible for allocating funds to relevant institutions and assisting with the strategic development of higher education. HE institutions in Hong Kong have the freedom to formulate academic development plans and plan about how to utilize resources based on their respective missions and visions, but are required to each submit a complete academic development plan every three years as a basis for future fund allocation. They also need to undergo a quality review by external experts every five years. In 2003, the Hong Kong SAR government began to allow universities to de-peg their salary systems from the salary system for civil servants, and implemented a limited "government fund matching" policy, to encourage community participation in the development of HE institutions. In terms of supervision, with a "sunshine supervision system" in place, HE institutions in Hong Kong are obliged to disclose all accounts, and meanwhile the media, the Legislative Council, the Audit Commission, and the Independent Commission Against Corruption all play a supervisory role, which combine to make it unnecessary for the Hong Kong SAR government to interfere with any financial, operational, or other internal affairs of HE institutions. Tse Chi Wai noted that in both Singapore and Hong Kong, HE institutions have the power to handle their internal affairs at their own discretion, but they are driven by their own missions and global competition, which, plus the fact that the governance structure and powers of the HE institutions are subject to relevant laws and regulations and that a set of extremely rigorous quality assurance and self-evaluation system is in place, combine to make it reasonably unlikely and difficult for HE institutions to abuse their autonomy. Tse added that government officials and university management personnel in both Singapore and Hong Kong hold that these reforms in recent years have granted more autonomy to HE institutions and have made them better equipped to pursue the goal of becoming world-class institutions. Tse further remarked that the information obtained—and the relationships established—through the 4-day visit by the task force will shed inspiringly new light on—and will be of enormous benefit to—both Charter revision and the future development of UM. Leong Heng Teng remarked that the four-day visit shows that both the governments of Hong Kong SAR and Singapore are constantly studying, reviewing and pushing ahead with the exercise of developing local HE institutions into world-class institutions. Leong added that the 4-day visit has deepened his understanding of the development and governance modes of HE institutions worldwide and the insights thus obtained are of enormous relevance to the revision of UM Charter. Lei Pui Lam noted that it is an inexorable trend worldwide to delegate power and grant more autonomy to HE institutions so they can quickly respond to international competition and the needs of society; however, that begs the question: How does one strike a balance between power delegation and accountability? The answer is putting into place a set of extremely rigorous accountability system for supervisory purposes. Lei added that given the current situation, it is necessary to review the UM Charter in order to come up with a more open Judicial Regime and Charter that can better support the future development of UM and ensure that UM is truly in line with international practices. Lei is of the opinion that in terms of the direction in which Charter revision should take, considerations should be given to the proper handling of the relationships between adhering to established principles and allowing flexibility in the concrete implementation of the principles, between delegating powers and imposing certain restrictions, and between identifying existing problems and optimizing solutions.
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The Government was still studying Wynn Macau's application for the concession of a piece of land in Cotai and has not made a final decision, according to a statement by the Lands, Public Works and Transport Bureau. Since the procedures of the application were not yet completed, the Government would make further announcements at the appropriate time. The statement said the Government had always attached much importance to the management and usage of land and would strictly adhere to "Land Law" and related regulations in dealing with land concession matters.
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Owing to the strike action taken by postal workers in Sierra Leone, Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet and Parcel) from Macao to Sierra Leone are subject to delay until further notice. Thank you for your kind attention.
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Consumer Council's quarterly specific price report on rice revealed that prices of Thai rice brands had been stable during the past 6 months and an average price increase of 5% was recorded in most Japanese rice brands. The Council also indicated that price variation of up to almost 60% was found with the same rice brand sold in different retail shops. The specific price report on rice for Q3 was conducted on 7th Sept. In comparison with data from last quarter, prices of Thai rice brands were stable; 'Wing On Thai Jasmine Rice (5kg)' registered a price drop of over 15% in several retail spots. However, obvious price rise was observed in Japanese rice brands sold in many retail spots, e.g. 'Japanese Variety Pearl Rice (5kg)' recorded a price hike from 2% to 4%. Though stability is shown in rice prices, Consumer Council will continue to conduct its supermarket price survey and specific price reports on commodities. To sum up, prices of Thai rice brands have been stable since March 2011, certain brands even decreased in price; Australian brand 'Double Ram Australian Calrose Rice (5kg)' registered a price drop ranging from 13% to 25% in many retail outlets; Japanese rice brands show increase in their prices when comparing figures from Q3 to Q1, as obvious price hikes ranging from 5% to 15% are recorded in two surveyed Japanese rice brands. Improvements on reducing price discrepancies have been noted since the Council announced its work on surveying rice price; however, significant price difference of the same brand sold in different retail outlets still exists in certain outlets, and a price variation of up to almost 60% was observed this time. Consumers are advised to check with the price surveys available on the Council's website before heading out to purchase. The Council has also optimized its website functions to include the top ten commodities with greatest price differences and customized shopping cart calculations, etc. The above-mentioned report is available for download on www.consumer.gov.mo.
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The "23rd Macau International Fireworks Display Contest" kicks off today (September 10) as the fireworks teams from Canada and Korea light up the sky of Macau with splendid fireworks. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Cheong U joined Director of Macau Government Tourist Office João Manuel Costa Antunes to officiate the opening ceremony at the Macau Tower Outdoor Plaza.
Held on September 10, 12, 17, 24 and October 1 at the sea area across the Macau Tower, 23rd Macau International Fireworks Display Contest has attracted ten teams from around the world to vie for the contest.
The contest this year features teams from Canada, Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Austria, Chinese Taiwan, the Philippines, Portugal, France and China, each will show off their pyrotechnic wizardry to spectators both from Macau and overseas. Sirius Pyrotechnics from Canada makes its debut at the contest tonight. Performed in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics 2010 in Canada last year, Sirius Pyrotechnics is a famous fireworks company that specializes in large scale pyrotechnic production.
After last year's debut at the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest, Woori Fireworks from Korea is back to the city's pyromusical competition. The Korean team is a fireworks producer and performer, with several displays at fireworks events in Asia and around Korea, including participation at the 2002 FIFA Soccer World Cup Korea-Japan.
This year MGTO and Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau S.A.R.L. (CTM) continue to jointly launch "SMS Game" to promote citizen participation in the event. During the period of fireworks display contest, CTM will send out short message to their mobile service subscribers to introduce the game, in addition to promotion of the game on the websites of MGTO and CTM. Macau residents can send one text message to CTM through their mobile to vote for their favorite team after each night of display. The citizen who voted for the most popular team on that night is eligible for lucky draw to win two sets of reservoir stand tickets for the 58th Macau Grand Prix (Saturday and Sunday) and souvenir. The 5 teams who get the most SMS votes will be awarded with "The People's Choice" certificates and souvenirs. However the voting result will not affect the jury's decision on the fireworks display contest. MGTO will also post web banner on CTM's website to enhance the promotion effectiveness.
Each participating team is requested again this year to complement their display with music to enthrall the audience with a light and sound spectacular. To enhance the enjoyment, the organizer will install sound systems at the waterfront of the Macau Tower Outdoor Plaza, at the Macau Tower Street seaside and at the square in front of Kun Iam Statue on Ave. Dr Sun Yat Sen so that the public can enjoy synchronized music to the spectacular displays. Spectators are able to listen to live music of the fireworks displays through Radio Macau's live broadcast at FM100.7.
MGTO and the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau will again jointly present the Fireworks Carnival to offer an array of live entertainment, cultural activities and culinary delights on the fireworks display nights. The opening ceremony of the Fireworks Carnival 2011 was held today (September 10) at 7:30pm. Citizens can enjoy an array of live entertainment, cultural activities and culinary delights at the carnival between 5:00 - 11:00 p.m. on each of the fireworks display nights. 20 stalls offering snacks and souvenirs will also add sparkle to the party.
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, on a monthly basis, broad money supply continued to grow in July. As total deposits grew faster than total loans, the loan-to-deposit ratio dropped slightly from a month earlier.
Money supply
Currency in circulation dropped 0.5% while demand deposits rose 2.8%. M1 thus increased 2.3% when compared with the previous month. Quasi-monetary liabilities rose by 0.9%. M2 therefore increased by 1.1% to MOP274.3 billion. On an annual basis, M1 and M2 rose 8.7% and 20.2% respectively. The share of Pataca (MOP) in M2 stood at 26.2%, down 0.4 percentage points over a month ago and 1.9 percentage points from a year earlier. The share of Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) in M2 was 54.2%, up 0.6 percentage points month-to-month but down 0.3 percentage points year-on-year.
Deposits
Resident deposits grew 1.2% from the previous month to MOP268.1 billion. Of which, MOP deposits dropped 0.5% while HKD deposits and other foreign currency deposits increased at respective rates of 2.3% and 0.2%. Concurrently, non-resident deposits remained approximately unchanged from the previous month at MOP92.1 billion, while public sector deposits with the banking sector increased by 2.7% to MOP23.5 billion. As a result, total deposits with the banking sector grew 1.0% from a month earlier to MOP383.7 billion. The shares of MOP and HKD in total deposits were 21.8% and 45.1% respectively.
Loans
Domestic loans to the private sector grew 1.5% on a monthly basis to MOP159.1 billion. Among which, MOP40.6 billion was MOP-denominated and MOP104.2 billion was denominated in HKD, representing 25.5% and 65.5% of the total respectively. On the other hand, external loans dropped slightly by 0.3% to MOP157.9 billion; of which, loans denominated in MOP and HKD accounted for 0.2% (MOP0.4 billion) and 32.2% (MOP50.9 billion) respectively.
Loan-to-deposit ratios
As domestic loans to the private sector grew faster than resident deposits, the loan-to-deposit ratio for the resident sector at end-July 2011 rose marginally by 0.1 percentage point month-to-month to 54.5%. Meanwhile, the ratio for both the resident and non-resident sectors dropped 0.3 percentage points from the previous month to 82.6%.
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Under the nomination of the Prosecutor-General, and in accordance to the Administrative Order no. 61/2011 published in no. 36 Official Gazette on September 5, 2011, the Chief Executive has appointed, on a permanent basis, Leong Weng Si, Cheong Kuok Chi, Sio In Ha, Cheang Weng In and Sam Kim Kuong as prosecutors of the Public Prosecutions Office, effective from September 8, 2011. The swearing-in ceremony of the five new public prosecutors will take place at the 2nd floor of the Macau Special Administrative Region Public Prosecutions Office Headquarters, presided by the Chief Executive.
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The 58th running of the iconic Macau Grand Prix will set new records, both in terms of the quality of the race programme and commercial partnerships. With a record number of FIA titles on the programme, plus two historic landmarks to celebrate, the sporting schedule has never looked stronger. Corporations have been quick to recognise the benefits of a partnership with an event which each year reaches hundreds of millions of television viewers and garners massive global media coverage. For the first time in the Grand Prix's history all seven races have attracted title sponsors. The largest partner this year is long-time Grand Prix supporter Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A. (SJM), which becomes the official sponsor of the 58th Macau Grand Prix. In addition, SJM is title sponsor for the Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix, which this year counts as both the FIA F3 Intercontinental Cup and the finals round of the new FIA Formula 3 International Trophy, and title sponsor for the final two rounds of the FIA World Touring Car Championship (FIA WTCC). While the season finale of the FIA WTCC will be held on Macau's legendary 6.2km street circuit for the seventh successive year, 2011 also marks the 40th running of the Guia Race. Macau added the prestigious FIA championship round to the race programme in 2005, but the event has always retained its Guia Race title, and SJM has been a supporter for many years. A firm favourite of two-wheel fans across the world, the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix this year has a title sponsor in the form of the City of Dreams. Celebrating its 45th running, the extraordinary, white-knuckle thriller sees the world's finest road racing and endurance specialists brush the walls of the Guia Circuit at breakneck speeds. With sportscar racing gaining a growing and enthusiastic army of fans across the globe, the Macau GT Cup has quickly captured legions of supporters since its debut in 2008. In recognition of its rising status on the Macau Grand Prix race programme, as well as the thrilling on-track action it provides, Empresa de Desenvolvimento Predial Vitoria, S.A.,under the banner of Star River‧Windsor Arch, has signed on as title sponsor of the Macau GT Cup. Enthusiastic Grand Prix supporters CTM and Hotel Fortuna return this year. The CTM Macau Touring Car Cup attracts the cream of regional competitors racing Super Production cars, while the Hotel Fortuna MAC/HKG Interport Race sees the rival SARs do battle on the unforgiving Guia street circuit. The race which last year provided a record number of thrills and spills, the Macau Road Sport Challenge, is back and is sponsored by the Suncity Group for the first time. Long-time Grand Prix supporter Yokohama is again the Official Formula 3 Tyre Supplier as well as being the official, season-long tyre for the FIA WTCC. V.W.M. Motors Limited returns for the second year as Official Safety and Rescue Cars Supplier, providing the crack team of rescue personnel and officials with high-performance VW vehicles. Media accreditation for this year's motorsport spectacular is now open via the official Macau Grand Prix website www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo and applications will close on October 21.
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