Briefs | Application for IC grants open next month

Application for the Cultural Affairs Bureau’s Academic Research Grant will open next month, with a new version of regulations taking effect in February. The bureau stated in a press release that the goal of the new rules is to encourage original academic research into the culture of Macau, as well as the exchange between Macau, mainland China and other countries. According to the new regulations, selected applicants will be granted either MOP 280,000 or MOP 250,000 based on their academic background and the content of the project.

Messe Düsseldorf coming to Macau

A media exhibition is scheduled to open in Macau in the third quarter of next year. Chief Executive Chui Sai On said that the government would fully support the exhibition, and hopes it will become one of Macau’s signature events. The event will be co-organized by German company Messe Düsseldorf and the key operators of Macau’s MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) industry. During a meeting with the company’s president Werner Dornscheidt on Monday, Chui stressed that co-organizing a major exhibition with a renowned industry player would not only boost the development of Macau’s MICE industry, but also further diversify Macau’s economic structure.

DSI launches online ticketing service

The Identification Services Bureau (DSI) has introduced an online ticketing service, allowing residents to book an appointment for the same day.  Citizens can now make their bookings through the bureau’s website after 7am on a working day, without having to go directly to DSI’s office. Those who obtain a tag number through the online service will receive a confirmation SMS from DSI; they will then need to arrive at DSI 15 minutes before the time of their appointment. DSI recalled that citizens can make advance appointments through DSI’s website, the appointment hotline, the ticketing and service counter, or the self-service kiosks at DSI. Citizens who have booked an advance appointment will receive an SMS reminder from DSI one day before the scheduled date. “DSI will continue to conduct studies on the provision of more convenient electronic services to Macau citizens,” the bureau said.

MGTO expands promotion in Indian market

The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has inaugurated its representation office in New Delhi and plans to open another office in Mumbai. The bureau’s India Head Arzan Khambatta said that Delhi and Mumbai, along with Bangalore, Chennai, and Ahmedabad, would be Macau tourism’s target cities in the Indian market this year. MGTO’s deputy director Cecilia Tse revealed that they will roll out customized travel packages for Indian tourists with the bureau’s new Indian representative VFS Global. “Leisure, MICE, and especially the wedding segments are our key focus areas for this year. We are keen on hosting gala Bollywood events in Macau,” she said. Moreover, a Macau Symposium will be hosted in India, aimed at connecting Macautour operators with key trade partners of MGTO.