The initial review of the “2017 Subsidy Program for the Production of Original Song Albums” is now complete, with 15 entrants eligible for a second review. A total of 33 applications were received this year. According to a statement from the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), eight successful applicants from the 15 candidates will be granted a subsidy of up to MOP220,000 to cover the expenses of production, promotion, and marketing of their original song albums. They may also be advised by “veteran music professionals” from the adjudicating panel, including Hong Kong music producer Edward Chan and musician Vicky Fung. The IC says that the program is designed to cultivate local musicians and producers and to encourage the development of the city’s music industry.
AMCM to launch free coin exchange service
The Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) will launch a free coin exchange service (including the exchange of coins for banknotes and vice versa) to the public, via the two note-issuing banks Bank of China and Banco Nacional Ultramarino, to “facilitate the circulation of currency coins.” According to a statement issued by AMCM, the service will commence as of September 25 at the branches of the two banks. The coins to be exchanged should be classified by HKD/MOP denomination beforehand. Currently, some bank branches do not provide banking services for coins. The trial period for the free coin exchange service will last for six months, after which time the AMCM will review and assess the effectiveness of the service.
Macau-Johor Bahru route starts next month
Budget airline AirAsia has announced that direct flights from Macau to Johor Bahru will commence from next month, and a promotional offer will be launched for one year between November 28, 2017, and November 21, 2018. The offer will only be available for bookings between now and October 1, 2017. However, according to the booking information on AirAsia’s website last night, the route from Macau to Johor Bahru is still unavailable. An executive at the company told the Malay Mail Online that the route was part of the company’s long-term plan to develop Johor Bahru as a regional aviation hub for business travelers and Chinese investors. The company said that direct flights will be flown on a daily basis. Johor Bahru is across the border from Singapore and about three hours’ drive from the popular destination of Malacca.
UM to hold Teaching Excellence Award Seminar
The University of Macau will hold the UM Teaching Excellence Award Seminar on September 27. Li Zihao, an assistant professor from the Faculty of Education and the first recipient of the UM Teaching Excellence Award, will be the keynote speaker. He will give a talk titled “Teaching in a Digital Era with Wicked Approaches” in which Li will share his insights on innovative teaching methods and discuss ways to incorporate technology in the classroom. The UM Teaching Excellence Award was established in the 2016/2017 academic year to recognize, on an annual basis, a distinguished member of academic staff who has demonstrated excellence as an educator. The award also underlines the importance placed by the university on the pursuit of teaching excellence. The talk will take place at 5 p.m. in the Mr and Mrs Lau Chor Tak Lecture Theatre, of the Anthony Lau Building, UM (E4-G078). It will be conducted in Mandarin with simultaneous translation into English.
