Anim’Arte sites open for tender

Six commercial spaces at Anim’Arte Nam Van have been released for public tender according to a statement from the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO). Of these six spaces, four have been designated to become cultural and creative shops, while the other two will be catering outlets. Anim’Arte Nam Van, located in Nam Van Lake Square, has been officially open to the public since June 2016. It offers a café, pedal boats, cultural and creative shops, a weekend craft market, as well as exhibitions and performances. MGTO claims that the area has hosted more than 180 cultural and creative entities and individuals since its inception, and has contributed to attracting tourists to the area. Tenders can be submitted from today until April 13. According to the statement, an introductory session evaluating for tenders has been planned for March 9 at the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau.

Consumer report studies fibre broadband

The Consumer Council has published its latest consumer report, focusing on a comparison  between the monthly plans for fiber broadband services in the territory. It also contains a report on the number of cases received by the council during 2016 and an analysis of the cases. The council says it has issued a “consumer alert” to raise consumers’ awareness, though did not expand on this point. Moreover, the report includes the details of meetings with the Zhuhai Hengqin New Area Consumers’ Association and the Consumers Association of Singapore, which covered topics such as case transfer and information exchange. A statement from the Consumer Council notes that the Macau entity recommended the adoption of a system akin to Macau’s “certified shops” mechanism, and discussed a “case trust” mechanism. The report has been made available free of charge.

New DSAJ deputy director appointed

Cheong Ham has been appointed the new deputy director of the Legal Affairs Bureau (DSAJ), according to a notice signed by Sonia Chan that was published in the Official Gazette. Cheong’s appointment will last for one year. Previously, Cheong was acting deputy director at DSAJ (a role he has held since June 2016), having started work as a civil servant in 2007.  Cheong holds an economics law bachelor degree from Fudan University, a Chinese-Portuguese Translation bachelor degree from the Macao Polytechnic Institute, and an economics law masters degree from the Sun Yet-Sen University.

Panda twins to meet public on Sundays

The Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau issued a statement yesterday informing the public that the giant panda twins Jian Jian and Kang Kang are in good health. The public is able to meet the pandas at their specially-built pavilion at the Seac Pai Van garden from 2.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m, every Sunday. Jian Jian and Kang Kang will not be regularly on display to the public in the activity area at other times so as to meet their growth requirements.

FM gave MOP60m in prizes

In 2016, the Macao Foundation (FM) handed out nearly MOP60 million in prizes to local students, according to a notice published by the foundation earlier this week. According to the report, the prizes provided financial support to more than 10,000 local students. During an award ceremony that took place on Tuesday night, 55 students were recognized for receiving special scholarships for the academic year of 2016/2017 as part of the 2016 program that recognized talented people in Macau. The foundation will collaborate with the local government to set up a “One Belt, One Road” scholarship for assist students who pursue their studies in specified cities within the “One Belt, One Road.”

Student arrested for harassing children

The Judiciary Police (PJ) arrested a 17-year-old male high school student after he allegedly harassed an 11-year-old girl. The incident took place last Friday and was reported to the PJ earlier this week. The suspect is a local student enrolled in a school in the northern area of the Macau Peninsula. The two students did not know each other. According to the police, the victim met the accused upon exiting an elevator, when he asked her whether there was a tutoring centre on that floor. She attempted to help him find the place, ending up being pushed to the stairs, where she was harassed for approximately three minutes. 

MUST celebrates 17th anniversary

The Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) commemorated its 17th anniversary on February 28, with many of its prestigious alumni present at the ceremony. Liu Liang, president of MUST, highlighted many of the accomplishments in 2016, including its newly established laboratories and research facilities. Liu then said that the school will continue to focus on developing its educational capacities and increasing its international reach. Currently, there are over 10,000 students enrolled in the University, including approximately 2,800 postgraduate students and 7,700 undergraduate students.

CTT seeks compensation

The Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau (CTT) is seeking a non-monetary compensation from CTM following a Commission of Audit (CA) report issued this week. The report heavily criticizes the ‘Wifi Go’ hotspot service. The bureau’s director Derby Lau said yesterday that compensation should be made via the delivery of services by CTM rather than through payment of any monetary compensation. The CA report indicated that the ‘Wifi Go’ service had evident problems during its planning, as well as problems in service supervision, and access installation.

Luso-China exhibition to promote cultural ties

A photography exhibition co-organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) and the Macau Scientific and Cultural Center in Portugal will be held at the site of the latter in Lisbon on March 8. The exhibition, titled “Where the World Heritage Shines – Photography Exhibition of the Historic Center of Macau”, draws on a cooperation protocol signed between Macau’s IC and the Macau Scientific and Cultural Center in Portugal that aims to promote Luso-Chinese cultural exchange. Some 100 photographs of Macau’s historic center will be showcased at the event. All of the photos were taken by local photographer Chan Hin Io, who attempts to explore “the beauty and vitality of Macau’s cultural heritage” and “the charm of this small city,” according to an IC statement. The exhibition, which was held previously in Macau and Zhongshan, China during last year, will conclude in Portugal on May 31.