News

The construction on the “Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge”, a cross-sea bridge linking Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao in the Pearl River Delta, China commenced on the 15th December 2009 at Zhuhai. In the future, closer relationship of the three regions will be achieved because of this cross-sea bridge. To commemorate this occasion, Macao Post, China Post and HongKong Post jointly issue the postage paid postcard with the theme “Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge” on 24th March 2010, which is the hundredth day since commencement of the construction of the bridge. The issuance of the postcard is to commemorate this special day, and at the same time has marked an important milestone for the social and economic development in the Pearl River Delta region. The design of the postcard uses the conceptual design to represent the magnificent structure of the bridge, and the city flowers “Bauhinia”, “Bougainvillea” and “Lotus Flower” symbolizing the three regions of Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao linking together. The postcard issued by Macao Post is applied the silver foil on the lotus flower, to highlight the region. The postage paid postcard will be available for sale at the Philatelic Shop of Macao Post Headquarters, “Rua do Campo” Post Office, Maritime Ferry Terminal Post Office, Airport Post Office, and the Communications Museum on 24th March 2010. The postage paid postcard to be sold in Macao is priced at MOP6.00 each, you can send this postcard to every corner of the world without stamp.
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In today’s competitive environment, brands have become increasingly important assets to businesses as customers often associate brands with concepts of quality, trustworthiness, prestige and value, and base purchase decisions on their identification with the brands. Realising this important asset in hospitality management, the Institute For Tourism Studies co-organises an Executive Development Programme in Brand Management with Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland, on 16 – 17 March. 16 senior executives from education and hospitality industry participated in the programme. Vice President of IFT, Ms. Florence Ian presided over the certificate presentation ceremony which was held after the course on 17 March. The two-day programme draws industry leaders and practitioners’ attention to issues in developing, managing and evaluating global brand leadership strategies. Participants will discover how creating a coherent brand experience requires the alignment of every touch point in the organization with a customer value proposition. Over the two days, participants will be familiarised with: l Developing brand identities
l Developing brand-building programmes
l Management of brand equity
l Brand leveraging and brand extension
l The process of brand orientation
l Product and service strategies l Customer value proposition
l How to market brands The programme will be conducted by Prof. André Mack. Prof. Mack has an extensive career in the in-flight catering industry and management consulting. He specialized in the areas of strategic marketing, customizer service and business process re-engineering. He is both Director, Lausanne Hospitality Consulting, and a faculty member of Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland, lecturing on project management and consulting. The Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), Switzerland, is the first and leading hospitality school founded in 1893. EHL provides solid hospitality management education based on the philosophy that hospitality management is both a science and an art. Its approach emphasizes not only the technique but also the culture of hospitality: the mixture of tangible and intangible elements that make up this unique industry. The establishment of this partnership has once again proven the international recognition of IFT’s teaching quality. As one of the leading tourism and hospitality education institutions in Macao and Asia Pacific, IFT will continue to provide top-notch programmes and contribute to the sustainable development of the industry. More information about the programme and application can be found on http://www.ift.edu.mo/edp/brand2010/ or contact Ms. Sandi U at 8506 1281 for enquiry.
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According to the statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, the proportion of international business in the local banking sector decreased marginally during the fourth quarter of 2009. At end-December 2009, the share of international assets in total banking assets fell to 84.8% from 85.0% at end-September 2009, while the share of international liabilities in total banking liabilities dropped to 77.5% from 78.4%. Foreign currencies remained as the dominant denomination in international banking transactions. At end-2009, the shares of Pataca (MOP) in total international assets and total international liabilities were 0.5% and 1.2% respectively. Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) and Other Foreign Currencies (OFCs) accounted for 47.7% and 51.8% of total international assets as well as 49.2% and 49.6% of total international liabilities respectively. International Banking Assets
At end-2009, total international assets edged down by 0.4% from three months earlier but increased by 21.1% over a year ago to MOP362.1 billion (USD45.3 billion). Within this total, external assets jumped by 28.1% to MOP282.5 billion in a year while local assets in foreign currencies rose slightly by 1.7% to MOP79.7 billion. As a major component of international assets, external loans & deposits expanded markedly by 29.6% over a year earlier to MOP254.9 billion, mainly attributable to the 22.8% increase in cross-border interbank assets. International Banking Liabilities
Meanwhile, total international liabilities retreated marginally by 1.4% from three months ago but expanded by 21.0% from a year earlier to MOP330.8 billion (USD41.4 billion). Of this total, external liabilities and local liabilities in foreign currencies amounted to MOP166.0 billion and MOP164.9 billion in respective order. Compared with a year earlier, the former soared by 31.0% while the latter increased by 12.3%. Foreign currency deposits held by residents in the local banking system formed a major component of international liabilities. This type of deposits grew by 12.6% to MOP157.9 billion at end-2009 from MOP140.2 billion at end-2008. Breakdown of External Banking Assets and Liabilities by Region
The majority of external assets and liabilities were related to the regions of Asia and Europe. At end-2009, claims on Hong Kong and Mainland China occupied respectively 37.9% and 6.3% of total external assets, while claims on Portugal and the UK took up respective shares of 14.8% and 2.4%. On external liabilities, Hong Kong and China occupied 37.0% and 22.1% of the total respectively while France and Portugal took up respective shares of 10.9% and 9.6%. The compilation of International Banking Statistics follows the methodology advocated by the Bank for International Settlements in order to facilitate Macao SAR’s participation in the “Locational International Banking Statistics” project of the international organisation.
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There is no plan to restart the property investment residency scheme that was suspended three years ago, the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today. Mr Chui stated this at a press conference at Government Headquarters after delivering his Policy Address at the Legislative Assembly, the first since he assumed office last December. Mr Chui said the Government would also move to repossess land lots sold but were not built on by developers in contravention of contracts or related regulations, through a legal, orderly and transparent manner. Speaking on the property market, he said the Government would hold open tenders for land, and would make the necessary revisions to legislations and regulations to promote construction of smaller-size housing units which would be more affordable to the general public.
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Mr Chui also disclosed that a consultative commission on public housing would be formed next month, to be chaired by the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io. He re-iterated that 19,000 public housing units would be completed by the end of 2012, as scheduled. Speaking on measures to bridge the disparity between the rich and the poor, Mr Chui said in the long-term the Government would allocate more resources for education, push forward construction of infrastructure works and foster regional co-operation. On Macao-Taiwan relation, he said the Government would establish a formal communication mechanism with Taiwan to promote co-operation. The Chief-of-Office of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Alexis Tam Chon Weng, will be responsible for this. As for constitutional development, Mr Chui said the Government would listen to the people. Tomorrow Mr Chui will attend a plenary meeting of the Legislative Assembly to answer questions raised by legislators.
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At the beginning of a new era for the Macao SAR, the Government would advocate scientific policy-making and build an even more transparent administration, the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, pledged today. Delivering his first Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2010 to the Legislative Assembly, Mr Chui announced that a policy research office, directly under his supervision, would be established to streamline policy-making and be responsible for gathering opinion from public entities, consultative committees, academic institutions and organisations. In addition to the newly-established spokesperson system, the Government would review the Publication Law and Broadcasting Law this year to better uphold publication freedom and facilitate access to information. And based on the existing legal framework and norms, the Government would regulate the accountability of officials at all levels and define their political, administrative and legal responsibilities. The Government would also review the present system to require the adequate disclosure of assets by senior officials. A designated working group would be formed to draft the law for the Legislative Assembly’s approval, he said. Speaking on public finance, Mr Chui said the Government would formalise the usage of financial reserves and ensure that in the future its use would be subject to Legislative Assembly approval. On relieving the hardships of the financially-challenged, the Government would ensure the construction of public housing is on schedule and open for application regularly. The Government would also give residents another round of cash subsidies similar to that of last year, which was 6,000 patacas for permanent residents, 3,600 patacas for residents, and 500 patacas coupons for medical services. The 150 patacas a month electricity charge subsidy for all households would also be extended for another year. On public healthcare, the Government would increase its input to build an even better medical system, including a new hospital on Taipa/Coloane island. Moreover, it would work on a plan on primary healthcare for next decade to enhance the entire public health system. To ensure food safety, the Government would establish a food safety centre under the administration of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, to co-ordinate the work in this area. The Government would launch a review of the residency policy in order to attract professionals and talents who could contribute to the upgrading of Macao’s industries and sustainable developments. The administration would also accelerate the passing of a Cultural Heritage Protection Law to better protect the unique cultural features of Macao. On the economy, he said the Government would set up a commission on cultural industry and establish a foundation to support local creative work. Moreover, there will be a Conference and Exhibition Industry Development Commission and a designated department to facilitate the development of the conference and exhibition industry. In line with the principle of ‘one country, two systems’, the Government would put Taiwan-related affairs on its policy agenda and establish a formal communication mechanism with Taiwan to promote co-operation. The Government was committed to fostering Macao-Taiwan exchanges in all fields, including trade, commerce, tourism, culture and education with the ultimate goal of contributing to the peaceful reunification of the nation. On regional co-operation, Mr Chui said Macao would strengthen co-operation with Guangdong and Hong Kong, especially on industries such as conference and exhibition, culture, traditional Chinese medicine, logistics and education. Mr Chui will attend a plenary meeting of the Legislative Assembly to answer questions raised from legislators tomorrow.
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The Macao Chinese Orchestra will present two concerts this spring in the Grand Auditorium of the Macao Cultural Centre. Affinity to Macao (Sunday, 28th March) and Shanghai Rhapsody (Sunday, 25th April) feature outstanding musical selections representing the spirit of the two cities. Concerts tickets are available at JT Ticket Net outlets, where purchasers may also take advantage of the Orchestra’s special 2+2 Discount Scheme. The concert Affinity to Macao, conducted by the Orchestra’s Artistic Director, Pang Ka Pang, features the premiere of a piece for Chinese orchestra titled Reflections on Macao, a work commissioned by the Orchestra from renowned composer Rao Yuyan. The piece takes the audience on a musical stroll through the Historic Centre of Macao, where Western and Chinese cultures converge, and enchants listers with its Cantonese flair and subtle European flavour. Concertgoers will also be treated to the refreshing orchestral version of Affinity to Macao, a part of which was arranged by famed musician Kuan Nai Chung, performed in its entirety. Shanghai Rhapsody, led by Chen Xieyang, will expose audiences to some of the mellowest hits featuring lyrics by the conductor’s own father, Chen Dieyi. Among them are gems like The Evening Bells of Nanping, I Only Have You and Not Him in My Heart, Lover’s Tears and the Spring Breeze Kisses My Cheek, all of them very emblematic of Shanghai. Also presented will be an orchestral number known as The Chrysanthemum Flower Bed, the enigmatically charming signature tune from the film Curse of the Golden Flower. Originally the brainchild of Jay Chou, this number has been “refashioned”, as it were, into a folk piece by Maestro Chen Xieyang. The piece will be interpreted by the multiple international contest award-winning cellist Zhu Yibing, and erhu player Yu Hongmei, the first ever Chinese musician to perform a solo concert in Carnegie Hall. On the heels of their world premiere performance in Beijing, the soloists will be giving the piece its second-ever rendition in Macao, undoubtedly winning over the local audience with the limitless possibilities of the Chinese folk music style and the innovation of placing Chinese musical instruments side by side with their Western counterparts on the concert stage. Yu Hongmei will also deliver a rousing performance of the Erhu Concerto Red Plum Flower Capriccio. The two concerts will take place in the Grand Auditorium of the Macao Cultural Centre on 28th March and 25th April, respectively. Tickets are now available at JT Ticket Net outlets, priced at MOP 100, 60 and 40. The 2+2 Discount Scheme is available, offering concertgoers two free tickets to one concert with the purchase of two tickets to the other. Ticket outlets include the Net’s Nam Van Office (situated diagonally across from the rear entrance to the CTM shop), the Pedro Coutinho Office (on the 2nd floor of the CTM Building) and the ground floor service centre at CTM’s Taipa Branch. For more information call 2828 2888.
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The Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On, is to deliver his Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2010 tomorrow, his first since he assumed office last December. The session, to be held at the Legislative Assembly at 3 pm, will be followed by a press conference at Government Headquarters at 5 pm. These will be broadcast live on the Portal Website of the Macao SAR (http://www.gov.mo) and the website of the Legislative Assembly (http://www.al.gov.mo). Chinese and Portuguese versions of the Policy Address will be available on these websites. Copies of the Policy Address will be available at the Technical Support Office of the Government Headquarters, Government Information Bureau, Printing Bureau, Government Information Centre, Macao Central Library, Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, and the Macao Post. On 17 March (Wednesday), Mr Chui will attend a plenary meeting of the Legislative Assembly to answer questions raised from legislators. Teledifusão de Macao will carry televise live broadcasts the Policy Address, the press conference and the plenary meeting. From 18 March to 1 April (Tuesday), the five policy secretaries will attend plenary meetings of the Legislative Assembly to introduce their policies and answer legislators’ questions. These sessions will also be broadcast live on the Portal Website of the Macao SAR and Teledifusão de Macao. Meanwhile, the Government Spokesperson, Mr Alexis Tam Chon Weng, said that Macao and Guangdong had set up a working group to draft a framework agreement on bilateral co-operation. Members of the group comprise senior officials from two sides, including the Deputy Secretary of Guangdong Provincial Government, Mr Tang Hao, and Mr Tam himself, who is also the Chief-of-Office of the Office of the Chief Executive.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that visitor arrivals in package tours increased by 9.7% year-on-year to 458,920 in January 2010. Visitors from Mainland China (328,956), Japan (23,759) and Taiwan, China (22,937) rose by 5.1%, 55.6% and 61.9% year-on-year respectively, while those from Hong Kong (20,638) decreased by 28.4%. As the 2009 Chinese New Year fell in January, number of Macao residents travelling outbound in package tours in January 2010 dropped substantially by 29.2% year-on-year to 12,842, with Mainland China (63.1% of total), Japan (7.3%) and Taiwan, China (7.1%) being the most popular tour itineraries. Meanwhile, outbound residents travelling under individual arrangements using services of travel agencies totalled 28,471, down by 4.5% year-on-year; the main destinations were Mainland China (37.0% of total), Hong Kong (31.1%) and Taiwan, China (13.7%). At the end of January 2010, total number of available guest rooms of the hotel sector increased by 1,548 (+8.8%) year-on-year to 19,086 rooms. Attributable to the improved economic conditions, a total of 664,403 guests checked into hotels and guest-houses in January 2010, up by 26.6% year-on-year, with the majority coming from Mainland China (53.4% of total) and Hong Kong (19.0%). The average occupancy rate of the hotels and guest-houses soared by 16.0 percentage points year-on-year to 81.6% and that of the hotels reached 82.4%, with 4-star hotels leading at 87.8%. The average length of stay of the guests increased by 0.1 night to 1.5 nights. In January 2010, visitor-guests of hotels and guest-houses accounted for 62.7% of the total number of tourists, up from 56.7% in January 2009.
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, new SME lending approved by Macao banks increased at a fast pace in the second half of 2009. Concurrently, the utilisation of SME credit in proportion to the credit limit approved by banks witnessed a slight decline. New Lending Approved In the second half of 2009, new SME credit limit approved by Macao banks totaled MOP8.9 billion, 43.7% up on the first half of 2009 or 72.0% up on the same period last year. The collateralised ratio, which indicates the proportion of credit limit with tangible assets pledged, reached 64.4%, up 25.1 percentage points when compared with the first half of 2009 or up 3.1 percentage points when compared with the same period of the preceding year. Credit Utilisation As at end-December 2009, the outstanding value of total SME loans reached MOP20.7 billion, which represented a growth of 5.7% from end-June 2009 or 4.2% from a year earlier. When compared with end-June 2009, SME loans to sectors of “construction and public works”, “restaurants, hotels and similar activities” and “wholesale and retail trade” increased at respective rates of 17.0%, 10.6% and 5.0%, whereas those to “manufacturing” dropped 24.6%. These sectors accounted for 75.0% of the total SME loans outstanding. The utilisation rate, defined as the proportion of outstanding credit balance to the credit limit granted, declined 0.4 percentage points from six months ago to 60.7% . Delinquent Loans At the end of December 2009, the outstanding balance of delinquent SME loans grew by 17.8% from six months ago to MOP510 million. Compared to a year ago, the balance grew by 19.0%. The delinquency ratio, a ratio of delinquent loans outstanding balance to total SME loans outstanding, rose 0.25 percentage points from end-June 2009 or 0.31 percentage points from a year ago to 2.47%.
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Organized by the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO) and hosted by the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), the "IAPCO Regional Seminar on Professional Congress Organization" opened today (March 15) at the Grand Hyatt Macau. About 90 MICE industry professionals from Macau and other regions in Asia participated. This is the second consecutive year for the prestigious IAPCO Regional Seminar to be held in Macau. The 3-day seminar aims to provide value-added opportunity for industry professionals from this region to further enhance their organization skills of an international event, how to promote a destination and how to win the bid. About 90 professional congress organizers (PCOs), convention and visitors bureaus, events management companies and other meetings industry representatives from Macau, Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand are here to take part in the seminar and each participant will receive a certificate of attendance from IAPCO & MGTO. The first two days of the seminar will provide participants with a snapshot understanding of the mechanics of conferences and exhibitions, whilst the third day will be dedicated to an in-depth seminar on Promoting a Destination and Bidding to Win. In addition, MGTO has arranged a half-day tour the next day after the seminar so that participants can see and experience for themselves Macau’s current MICE offerings. Three internationally renowned speakers who are experts in the congress industry will share their knowledge and experience in organizing international congresses. They are: Philippe Fournier, the newly elected President of IAPCO, and managing director of MCI in Europe with 25 years experience; Roslyn McLeod, IAPCO Council Member, and managing director of Arinex Pty Ltd. in Australia - Roslyn has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her contribution to the meetings industry - and Jan Tonkin, also IAPCO Council Member, and managing director of The Conference Company in New Zealand. The Deputy Director of MGTO, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, pointed out in her welcome speech that 2009 was an exceptionally challenging year. “The financial crisis took its toll on the global economy, while the outbreak of human swine influenza further discouraged travelling. However, as the global economy revives, we should take this opportunity to strengthen our fundamentals and be well equipped with necessary trainings to grasp more business opportunities,” she stressed. She believed that from the valuable insight of the speakers and through interaction with regional participants, the local business tourism trade can enhance their competitiveness and standards of service. Macau’s convention and exhibition industry is growing steadily. With the support of governmental policy, improved facilities and continuous educational opportunities, Macau has enriched its event portfolio by hosting various regional and international conventions and exhibitions. Since the first IAPCO seminar in 1975, IAPCO has built up an unequalled reputation in the field of international meetings management training. Over 2,700 participants worldwide, including at least 80 in Macau have since obtained an IAPCO Seminar Certificate of Attendance. The IAPCO annual “Wolfsberg Seminar” is a much touted industry educational event, however with Macau hosting the regional seminar, many more MICE professionals in Asia will have the opportunity to tap into the collective expertise and experience of the speakers.
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