Briefs | Agreements vow closer Shanghai-Macau ties

Macau and Shanghai signed four new agreements yesterday, including one for a thematic year of co-operation expected to expand ties between the two. The three other new memorandums of understanding signed cover the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) industry, financial services and youth exchanges. The Chief Executive, Chui Sai On, and the Mayor of Shanghai, Ying Yong, witnessed the signing ceremony held at the government headquarters. In his signing ceremony speech, Chui said the memorandum of understanding on a thematic year of Macau-Shanghai co-operation was in line with President Xi Jinping’s guiding principles regarding the integration of Macau’s development with overall national development.

UM PhD student receives Lotfi Zadeh Best Paper Award

Shu Ting, a PhD student from the Department of Computer and Information, Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), University of Macau (UM), received the Lotfi Zadeh Best Paper Award for her medical biometrics systems on accurate diabetes diagnosis, at the 17th International Conference on Machine Learning and Cybernetics (ICMLC) and the 15th International Conference on Wavelet Analysis and Pattern Recognition (ICWAPR). The award is presented to the best overall paper from both conferences.

Airport’s new boarding gates in service

The Macau International Airport (MIA) opened new boarding gates in the North area of the passenger terminal yesterday. The airport has been undergoing a series of expansions and facility enhancements over the past few years in a bid to cope with an increased number of passengers. This year, over 8 million passengers are expected to use the facility. The North extension of the terminal was opened to passengers in 2018 and served as a major highlight of MIA’s short-term expansion plan. To make the use of the new gates more intuitive during the introductory phase, starting yesterday, checked-in passengers will receive a flyer regarding the new boarding gate locations.

Driving license examiner attacked by failed candidate

A driving test examiner was attacked on Tuesday by a candidate who had just failed the test. The examiner, who works for the Transport Bureau (DSAT), sustained injuries to his head. After medical treatment, the victim was in a stable condition.  It is suspected that the candidate was unhappy with the test results, which prompted the attack. The case has been referred to the police for further investigation. The DSAT sent its regards to the victim and strongly condemned all acts of violence, emphasizing that nobody should resort to violence in order to solve problems.

Chinese Orchestra’s new concert season starts September

The opening concert of the Macao Chinese Orchestra’s 2018-19 concert season will be held on  September 2. The concert, “Glimpses of the National Wind”, features specially invited erhu performers Yu Hongmei and Zhai Qinxi from the Central Conservatory of Music. The National Orchestra will play a new musical piece, Red Litchis, which is rich in Lingnan style. The concert also features the erhu concerto Amannisa, inspired by the Uighur artist Amannisa. Tickets for the orchestra’s concert season are on sale at the Macau Ticketing Network, with various discount packages available.

Qingmao port estimated to open at the end of 2019

Yesterday, Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak said that the Qingmao port may possibly open by the end of 2019. The foundation work project for the Qingmao port has been approved for construction seven days a week.  The port will be located 800 meters southeast of the Gongbei Border Gate and will feature a 400 meter long closed corridor connecting Zhuhai train station to Macau’s Light Rapid Transit.