News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that a total of 271 MICE events were held in the first quarter of 2012, down by 6 events year-on-year, of which 250 events were held in paid venues. Total number of participants and attendees went up by 26% to 161,781. There were 12 exhibitions held in the first quarter, attracting 106,474 attendees, while 259 meetings and conferences had 55,307 participants. As regards subject of event, 129 MICE events focused on Commerce, Trade & Management (48% of the total), as well as Medical & Health (31). In accordance with information collected from organizers of 11 exhibitions, a total of 10 were repeated exhibitions that had been previously held in 2011. The 11 exhibitions attracted 1,098 exhibitors and 4,255 professional buyers. Apart from local exhibitors (34%), most of the outside exhibitors came from Hong Kong (22%) and Mainland China (19%). The majority of professional buyers came from Macao (53%) and Mainland China (26%). Expenses of exhibitions, including Government organized, amounted to MOP 24.65 million in the first quarter of 2012, up by 670% year-on-year. Expenses on Production, Construction & Decoration Services, Advertising, Promotion & Public Relations and Accommodation accounted for 31%, 22% and 17% of the total respectively. Revenue amounted to MOP 3.53 million, up by 43% year-on-year, mostly were Rentals of Exhibition Booth (76% of total). Information from 141 exhibitors interviewed in the first quarter showed that 77 had participated in the same exhibitions in 2011. Besides, revenue of the interviewed exhibitors soared by 396% year-on-year to MOP 15.56 million, with the majority (96%) coming from Sales of Products. Expenses surged by 98% year-on-year to MOP 2.26 million.
…

With the active support from the community, the charity event "2012 Love Never Dies" was held by Year 3 students of IFT Bachelor of Science in Tourism Event Management successfully. A total profit of MOP$38,178 had been raised from a series of events with the theme of love, and was donated equally to ORBIS Macau and Caritas de Macau. "2012 Love Never Dies" was held from March to May, it includes "Love. New Life" Tree Planting Day, "Love. Light Up" Light Painting Photo Competition and Exhibition as well as "Love. Experience" Blind Dinner. Through this series of activities, IFT students hope to arouse the public awareness of environmental protection and mutual love and support. Participants of "Love. Experience" Blind Dinner said that the activity brought out the message of caring for the weak and they experienced the needs and toughness of people with eye diseases, promised they would be more actively helping the needy in the future. The students are glad to have played a role and contribute to this meaningful event. They think that everyone is obliged to care for the others and our world. They hope the community can involve and support environmental protection and charity events more and to pass the torch of love.
…

In regards to five plots of lands in Avenida Wai Long, the subject of a corruption trial which ended today, the Government said it would carry out the judgment of the court according to legal procedures and make an announcement to the public in a timely manner. This was announced in a statement from the Office of the Secretary for Transport and Public Works today, after the Court of Final Appeal handed downed its verdict on corruption charges against the former Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Ao Man Long this afternoon. The Office stressed that the Government would conduct an in-depth study on the court's ruling and will carry it out. It said the successful tenderer for these five plots submitted new plans on modifying the use of land in 2007. According to this new plan, the tenderders proposed to integrate the five lands into one plot for a residential project. In June 2009, the Government held a land concession meeting on modification of the plots, when the successful tenderers presented their proposal to the public. At the end of July the same year, an anonymous letter was received by the the Government alleging that corruption was involved in the land concession exercise. The Government passed the letter to the Commission Against Corruption (CCAC). Several months later, the Government sent a letter to CCAC to inquire about the case, before the establishment of the Third-term Macao SAR Government. The CCAC replied in a letter, but it neither revealed any detail of the case nor offered any suggestion on how to handle it. The Government could not reject the tenderers' application for modification on the use of land based on an allegation in an anonymous letter and, in accordance with Land Law and a related laws, the Government completed the proceeding on 30 March 2011.
…

Consumer Council conducted a price check on 7 kinds of eggs from supermarkets and relevant data has been uploaded to the 'Specific Product Price Information Platform' on the Council's website. As living pace accelerates nowadays, many consumers choose to purchase pre-packaged eggs at supermarkets. Consumer Council recently included eggs to its specific price survey and conducted a price check on eggs on 28th May. 7 kinds of eggs, imported from mainland China, USA, and Korea, etc., were surveyed for the first time, and prices varied due to the different types, origins, and pasteurized conditions of eggs. Survey result shows that selling prices of the same brand of eggs varied in different retail outlets: 'Fred Meyer Grade AA Extra Large Eggs (12pcs)' were sold from $18.80 to $22.80, with a price difference of 21.28 percent; 'Surewin eggs (8pcs)' were sold at $12.00 to $14.50, with a price difference of 20.83 percent. Further, selling price of one brand of Korean eggs sold at Supermercado Royal Pereira branch was $3.10 (12 percent) higher than those sold at Taipa Flower City branch and S. Lourenco branch. Eggs are prone to be contaminated with different kinds of bacteria, especially with salmonella, during production. Consumers are therefore advised not to consume raw eggs and to wash eggs thoroughly before processing eggs. Also, consumers only need to rinse egg shells lightly as too much brushing on the egg shells will cause the cuticle to lose its function in blocking bacteria. Retailers need to guarantee that their sources of eggs are safe and in good hygienic condition. The specific price survey on eggs is now available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total merchandise export for April 2012 amounted to MOP643 million, up by 12.6% year-on-year, of which value of re-exports (MOP448 million) and domestic exports (MOP194 million) increased by 15.2% and 7.1% respectively. Total merchandise import amounted to MOP5.78 billion, up by 20.5% year-on-year. Merchandise trade deficit amounted to MOP5.14 billion in April 2012. In the first four months of 2012, total value of merchandise export increased by 19.6% year-on-year to MOP2.62 billion, of which value of re-exports and domestic exports rose by 28.4% and 2.8% respectively; meanwhile, total value of merchandise import increased by 29.0% to MOP23.11 billion. Merchandise trade deficit for the first four months of 2012 amounted to MOP20.49 billion. Merchandise export to Hong Kong (MOP1.28 billion) and Mainland China (MOP444 million) in the first four months of 2012 increased by 34.6% and 25.5% respectively year-on-year. Exports of Non-textile (MOP2.25 billion) expanded by 29.5%, of which exports of Machines & apparatus, parts & accessories thereof (MOP415 million) and Articles for casino (MOP80 million) surged by 141.3% and 108.9% respectively; however, exports of Textile & garment declined by 18.0% to MOP372 million. In the first four months of 2012, merchandise import from Mainland China (MOP7.34 billion) and the EU (MOP5.34 billion) expanded by 36.6% and 18.8% respectively year-on-year. Imports of Consumer goods rose by 29.2% to MOP14.14 billion, with imports of Gold jewellery (MOP2.28 billion), Watches (MOP1.63 billion) and Handbags & wallets (MOP1.33 billion) increasing by 46.0%, 54.3% and 43.1% respectively. Moreover, imports of Capital goods (MOP4.41 billion) registered year-on-year increase of 37.3%. In the first four months of 2012, total value of external merchandise trade amounted to MOP25.73 billion, up by 27.9% compared with MOP20.11 billion a year earlier.
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, returned to Macao today after a five-day visit to Beijing and Sichuan. Upon arrival at the Macau International Airport at dusk, Mr Chui told the press that he had visited the Ministry of Commerce to exchange views with officials on the introduction of domestic helpers from Mainland to Macao. He said the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, would follow up on the details of setting up a mechanism for this and he was optimistic that it would materialise soon. Mr Chui also said he had cordial meetings with officials of the Beijing municipality. He said the Secretary for Economy and Finance had led a business delegation of about 80 to attend the first China Beijing International Fair for Trade in Services and their participation had enhanced links with Beijing in different areas, particularly in trade and services. Speaking about the reconstruction projects in Sichuan, which had suffered devastating earthquakes in 2008, Mr Chui said the Macao SAR Government and the Macao Foundation had jointly sponsored 5.5 billion patacas for 105 projects. He said that the constructions of 103 projects had been completed and the other two projects were scheduled to be finished by September. The construction quality of these projects would be tested and their accounts would be audited, he said. Asked by reporters about the prospect of round-the-clock custom services between Zhuhai and Macao, Mr Chui said that Guangdong and Macao would try to extend the opening hours of the checkpoints and provide round-the-clock services ultimately, in accordance with the Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Framework Agreement. As for the new passageway announced in the previous Guangdong-Macao conference, he said that the two governments had been working on a proposal to be submitted to the Central Government. He said he would visit Beijing again with Secretary for Transport and Public Works Mr Lau Si Io to meet the related ministries and commissions and introduce the proposal for this new passageway.
…

By a close bilateral co-ordination mechanism, post-earthquakes reconstruction works funded by the Macao Government have practically helped the local population in Sichuan. The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U, said this today as he accompanied the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, to attend the completion ceremony of a large-scale sports centre sponsored by the Macao Government.
Speaking to the media, Mr Cheong said of 105 relief projects sponsored by Macao, only two awaited completion before the end of this year. He said more than half of the projects were to build schools to benefit more students and to cultivate personnel training; about a quarter of the total projects were to build hospitals, health centres, care centres for the physically changelled, social service facilities, sport centres and bridges which helped the local population.
Mr Cheong praised the Sichuan people's self-reliance spirit and their gratitude to Macao people.
There was much to be done down in addition to completing the two remaining projects, such as projects and to audit reports of the completed projects, which he said might take a year.
The Macao Government and the Macao Foundation injected 5.5 billion for reconstruction works in Sichuan in 2008: , the two governments have decided to use the $30 million remaining in the fund for the purchase of rehabilitation equipment for the physically challenged.
Mr Cheong said that the Sichuan and Macao bilateral co-ordination mechanism has closely monitored the quality of reconstruction works and the use of fund, adding that based on this good co-operative relation, both sides could further boost exchange and co-operation on trading, culture, toruism, sports and education.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the first quarter of 2012 expanded by 18.4% in real terms from a year earlier. The economic growth was powered by the increase in exports of services and investment, as well as the low comparison base in the first quarter of 2011; meanwhile, exports of gaming services rose by 19.6%, visitor spending by 21.2% and investment by 43.8%. Moreover, the implicit deflator of GDP that measures overall changes in prices increased by 7.7% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2012. In respect of private consumption expenditure, the vigorous job market sustained, increase in both total employment and working income encouraged private consumption expenditure to grow by 5.4% year-on-year. Household final consumption expenditure in the domestic market went up by 5.8%, while consumption expenditure abroad increased by 8.7%, with MOP 1.85 billion being spent in Mainland China. Government final consumption expenditure increased by 11.6% year-on-year, of which compensation of employees rose by 3.1% when net purchases of goods and services surged by 30.1%. As the gauge of investment, the increase in gross fixed capital formation widened to expand by 43.8% year-on-year, far higher than the 15.8% rise in the preceding quarter. Private investment increased by 21.2%, of which construction investment and equipment investment went up by 22.3% and 19.2% respectively. Government investment soared by 449.8%, attributable to the construction, in full swing, of the Hengqin Campus of the University of Macau and the public housing projects, driving public construction investment recorded an upsurge of 524.4%; however, equipment investment shrank by 83.0%. Merchandise exports rose by 23.8% year-on-year, higher than the 7.7% rise in the previous quarter. Merchandise imports increased by 27.3% upon rising private consumption expenditure and visitor spending, as well as expansion in total investment. Regarding the trade in services, exports of services grew by 19.2% on the back of rising visitor arrivals and visitor spending, of which exports of gaming services increased by 19.6% and total visitor spending went up by 21.2%. In addition, imports of services increased by 11.9%.
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today the completion of a sports centre sponsored by Macao in Sichuan would boost co-operation and exchanges in sports between Macao and Sichuan. He was speaking at the completion ceremony, which was also officiated by the Vice Chairman of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Mr Ho Hau Wah, and the Secretary of the Sichuan Provincial CPC Committee, Mr Liu Qibao. The Macao SAR Government donated 200 million RMB for its construction after devastating earthquakes struck Sichuan in 2008. The complex, located in Guangyuan Municipality, includes a sports centre and sports pavilion with a total area of 25,500 square metres and an outdoor field of 26,800 square metres. In a speech at the completion ceremony, Mr Chui praised the Sichuan people for their persistence and determination in rebuilding their homes. He reiterated that Macao's general public backed the Government's decision to support the reconstruction works in Sichuan. Mr Chui also said Macao and Sichuan had extended their partnerships in tourism, sports, trade, culture and some other areas, and he was confident that they would further their co-operation for the development and advance of the two places.
…

The 9th of June, 2012, marks the 7th annual China Cultural Heritage Day. In observance of the auspicious occasion, the Cultural Affairs Bureau is offering a series of diverse activities including themed shows, workshops, a poster exhibition, concerts, lectures, folk arts demonstrations, special docent services and free admission to various attractions and exhibition venues. In organising these delightful activities, the Cultural Affairs Bureau continues its ongoing effort to raise awareness of conservation and cultural heritage among the general public. This year's China Cultural Heritage Day activities are supported by the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China and the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao S.A.R. Government. Genesis and Spirit – Exhibition and Performance of Inner Mongolian Folk Arts – Chinese National Intangible Cultural Heritage is a large-scale showcase for the intangible heritage of Inner Mongolia, jointly organised by the Department of Culture of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and the Cultural Affairs Bureau, and co-organised by Galaxy Macau™. It includes the exhibition Memories of the Grasslands, to be held in Galaxy Macau's East Square, and the Inner Mongolian Folk Performances: Traditions of the Past, which unfold against the backdrop of the Ruins of St. Paul's. The grand opening of this Inner Mongolian showcase takes place on 9th June. With heritage preservation one of the major themes in the development of Chinese culture, China Cultural Heritage Day seeks to create a favourable environment for the protection of cultural heritage, raising public awareness of the importance of its conservation. A China State Council regulation officially designated the second Saturday in June as China Cultural Heritage Day, an observance that should embrace both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. This year, on 9th June, a series of celebratory events will take place across the whole of the Chinese nation, taking as their theme 'Cultural Heritage, Cultural Prosperity'. Mongolian song and dance inaugurate series of celebratory events; Genesis and Spirit exhibition and performance showcase nomadic lifestyle Jointly organised by the Department of Culture of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and the Cultural Affairs Bureau, and co-organised by Galaxy Macau™, the Genesis and Spirit – Exhibition and Performance of Inner Mongolian Folk Arts – Chinese National Intangible Cultural Heritage serves to reflect the uniqueness of China's intangible cultural heritage, to advocate its conservation and to heighten the flow of cultural exchange between the Chinese Mainland and Macao. This large-scale cultural showcase introduces the diverse customs and folkways of various ethnic groups, exhibiting items of Inner Mongolia's intangible cultural heritage and demonstrating the handcraft techniques of its folk artisans. The grand opening of the showcase takes place on the afternoon of June 9th at 3pm in the East Square of Galaxy Macau, as the curtain rises on Mongolian folk dances and performances of urtiin duu (long songs), Tuvan throat singing and the music of the morin khuur (two-stringed fiddle). The showcase includes both the exhibition Genesis and Spirit – Exhibition of Inner Mongolian Folk Art: Memories of the Grasslands and the Genesis and Spirit – Inner Mongolian Folk Performances: Traditions of the Past. Memories of the Grasslands, held in Galaxy Macau's East Square from 9th June until 2nd July, portrays scenes of Inner Mongolia, showcasing original items of intangible cultural heritage. During the exhibition period, Inner Mongolian folk artisans will personally demonstrate crafts and folkways including traditional costumes, printmaking, wool felt paintings, Mongolian embroidery, Mongolian birch bark handicrafts and the characteristic paper-cutting of Inner Mongolia. Large Mongolian yurts, called gers, will be built in the exhibition venue, enabling visitors to experience a taste of this people's nomadic lifestyle. Inner Mongolian performative heritage is further represented in two sessions of Traditions of the Past, to take place at the Ruins of St. Paul's, on 9th June at 5pm and again on 10th June at 11am. Skilled performers have travelled all the way from Inner Mongolia to present their folk songs and dances, demonstrating the unique personality and characteristics of the Region's intangible cultural heritage. The organisers have arranged special complimentary shuttle buses to transport residents and tourists between the Jardim Iao Hon bus stop, the Galaxy Macau Hotel Resort and the Luso International Bank Building (located between Praia Grande and Hotel Sintra), providing a convenient way for all to participate in the Genesis and Spirit activities. Recollections of veteran journalist Chan Tai Pak celebrate International Archives Day; Macao Central Library holds poster exhibition In joint celebration of China Cultural Heritage Day and International Archives Day, the Historical Archives of Macao have organised the exhibition Witness to Macao History – Chan Tai Pak's Recollections of over Half a Century. Macao's senior journalist, Chan Tai Pak, has dedicated his life to the press for over 70 years. His memory bears witness to the transformation of Macao and the historical development of Macao's newspapers. Chan's experiences and recollections are shared with the public in the form of oral history, precious documents and cultural relics, enabling exhibition-goers to retrace Macao's social situation through history and the development of Chinese newspapers in Macao during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The Historical Archives of Macao also hosts the Workshop on Record Preservation and Conservation, held on 9th and 10th June. This class introduces the procedures involved in restoring documents and works on paper. Participants will even learn how to make a simple photo frame. In addition, to inform the public about the value oral history and to facilitate exchange between oral historians in Macao and other parts of the world, the Historical Archives of Macao invites the Director of National Archives of Singapore, Pitt Kuan Wah, to chair the Workshop on Oral History. Ms. Pauline Choi Pui Leng and Dr. Vincent Ho Wai Kit will also be in attendance to share local experiences. The Macao Central Library will hold an exhibition of posters, titled Sentiments of Cultural Heritage, at the Sir Robert Ho Tung Library from 9th to 30th June. The Macao Central Library has selected several special posters showcasing past cultural scenes, society and daily life, and Macao's historic artistic style and graphic design skill. These posters, on display to the public for the first time, reflect the hard work done by various sectors of society for the conservation of cultural heritage. The exhibition will travel afterwards to the Macao Central Library. Macao Chinese Orchestra performs at World Heritage sites; activities at Mandarin's House and Lou Kau Mansion open for registration In the concert Stories of a Small Town the Macao Chinese Orchestra presents charming and elegant musical works featuring leisurely melodies, adding an aesthetic mood to the ambience of the Macao Museum on 10th June at 3pm. The World Heritage-listed Mandarin's House and Lou Kau Mansion also host several enjoyable activities. The Macao Conservatory Student Chinese Orchestra performs at the Mandarin's House on 9th and 10th June, providing visitors the opportunity to experience the unique architecture of this restored mansion in harmony with wonderfully melodious Chinese music. In addition, two workshops on paper fan painting will be given by local artists, demonstrating the exquisite decorative skills that endow these fans with greater beauty and sophistication. From 31st May to 26th June, Lou Kau Mansion hosts demonstrations of two traditional Guizhou arts: Silver Ornaments of the Miao Ethnic Group and Lacquerware of the Yi Ethnic Group. Both of these folk crafts, inscribed on China's National Intangible Cultural Heritage List, are imbued with unique and vivid folk and regional characteristics. Renowned artisans Wu Shuigen and Gao Guangyou lead workshops held on 9th and 10th June at 3pm, free of charge. Guided evening tour of World Heritage Sites tells Stories of the Old City; various attractions open free to the public This year, on 9th and 10th June, the Macao Heritage Ambassadors Association co-operates with several other arts and cultural associations to provide the special evening tour Listen to Stories of the Old City – Poetic Path to World Heritage Sites. The activity guides participants through the Historic Centre of Macao along lanes and alleyways under the glimmer of street lamps at sunset, on a route enriched by cultural and arts activities and performances of contemporary dance. Several of Macao's World Heritage sites and exhibition venues adopt special opening hours, free to the public, on 9th and 10th June. The Guia Lighthouse and Dom Pedro V Theatre will be open from 10am to 5pm (with docent services), while the Macao Museum and Heritage Exhibition of a Traditional Pawnshop Business invite the public to visit free of charge on these two days. For enquiries regarding China Cultural Heritage Day activities, please call the Cultural Affairs Bureau hotline on 8399 6699, or visit www.icm.gov.mo.
…