2016 population by-census begins

Data collection for the 2016 population by-census started yesterday and will end August 21, according to a statement from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC).
The acting director of DSEC, Cheng I Wan, stated that the 15-day census aims to obtain up-to-date information on the demographics of Macau, in order to keep track of the changes in the population. Such information is crucial for government policy formulation as well as business and academic purposes, said Cheng.
The 2016 population by-census will adopt a sampling fraction of one-seventh of the housing units in Macau, totaling about 33,000. Information on demographic, social and economic characteristics will be collected from members of households in these units.
According to the statement, notification letters have already been sent by DSEC to the selected housing units this month. Recipients may complete the e-questionnaire via the internet or the DSEC mobile application, or provide information through face-to-face interviews with the visiting enumerators.
All enumerators will wear a yellow uniform and will carry a 2016 population by-census black satchel and identity badge with their name and photo.
Enumerators, who conduct household interviews in pairs, will introduce themselves to the household upon arrival, present their identity badge and verify the address of the household. The census is adopting paperless data collection methods, so enumerators will use mobile phones to collect the data.
Additionally, DSEC has set up a 2016 Population By-census Hotline (8809 8809) to provide households with a convenient way to make enquiries relating to the by-census, to schedule a face-to-face interview appointment, and to verify the identity of the enumerators.
DSEC is appealing to members of the public to provide accurate information during the data collection process, stressing that all information will be kept in strict confidence and used “solely for statistical purposes.”
The bureau added that “data will be processed and published in aggregate form only, and no information pertaining to individual persons or households shall be disclosed.”
In a bid to raise public awareness of the census and its importance, DSEC and the General Union of Neighborhood Associations of Macau co-organized a census “Fun show” on Saturday, which attracted nearly 1,000 people. DB