Briefs | Feb GGR could grow by 10pct

Gaming analysts that have examined Macau’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) trends expect February to show on average a 7 percent year-on-year growth. Bloomberg reported that the forecasts of analysts are mostly positive for the month, ranging between 4.5 percent and 10 percent growth compared to the same month last year. Analysts are citing strong VIP business, casino win rates within the normal range and a higher number of overseas visitors during this year’s Golden Week for the positive forecast. Gross gaming revenue in January 2017 was up 3.1 percent year-on-year, at MOP19.3 billion, down from the 8 percent annual growth measured in the previous month of December. The Chinese Lunar New Year in 2016 began on February 8, as opposed to being split between January and February, as was the case this year.

‘Close attention’ is being paid to terrorism

In response to reports published this year over the risk of a terrorist attack in Macau, the Office of the Secretary for Security has assured that the city’s security authorities are “paying close attention” to international threats, “including policies adopted by national governments elsewhere.” According to a statement issued by the office, Macau’s security authorities have been strengthening safety evaluation procedures, as well as enhancing strategies, enforcement efforts and police management in regards to the risk of an act of terrorism in the MSAR. Heightened police checks at border checkpoints, tourist attractions, casinos and other important facilities across the city have been commissioned. Moreover, the police force has widened the scope of intelligence exchange with neighboring countries and territories. Authorities were also keen to stress in a statement issued yesterday that the threat of a terrorist attack remains at a low level.

Illustration contest organized by museums

To celebrate the 2017 International Museum Day, the Communications Museum and the Maritime Museum will organize an illustration contest to encourage artists to record scenes of Macau with their drawing pens. Two themes are available during the competition and participants may submit their work under either category: “The Red Market” or “Drunken Dragon Festival”. Submissions must be delivered with a registration form in person to the Communications Museum no later than April 9. The winners of the first, second and third prizes will receive awards. An exhibition of the winning works and an award ceremony will be held during the Macau International Museum Day Carnival in May. According to a statement from the organizers, full-time students and residents of Macau are welcome to participate in the contest.

Sa Sa reports sales increase

Sa Sa International Holdings Ltd has announced the group’s retail sales in Macau and Hong Kong during the Chinese Lunar New Year period between January 28 and February 3. During this period, retail sales increased by 3.5 percent year-on-year, accredited to an increase in inbound traffic of mainland tourists. The group recorded 10.7 percent more transactions by mainland tourists, while the average sale per transaction for this group of people decreased by 4.6 percent year-on-year. Sales to local customers decreased by 3.3 percent in the Chinese New Year period. At the same time, the group’s same store sales in the two Special Administrative Regions fell by around 1 percent compared with last year.

Local bartender among regional finalists

Four bartenders from the Macau and Hong Kong region have been selected to compete in the Bacardi Legacy regional final in Taiwan on February 20. Three of the finalists are from Hong Kong, namely Timothy Ching from Bibo, Gurung Rajkiran from Zuma and Amanda Wan from The Envoy, while Koko Widyatno from the Ritz Carlton Macau. According to organizers, the competition aims to recognize talented bartenders who can dream up thematic cocktails using Bacardi’s Carta Blanca, Carta Oro and Ocho expressions. The finalists were determined during Bacardi Legacy’s Hong Kong competition on January 23. After the regional final in Taiwan, the global final will be held in Berlin in late April or early May. Last year, 35 countries participated in the tournament.

Macau Foundation      provides MOP727m

The Macau Foundation granted subsidies totaling about MOP727 million during the third quarter of 2016, between October and December of last year, according to information published in the Official Gazette. From this amount, more than half (MOP447 million) was granted to the Macau University of Science and Technology for the education institution’s large-scale investments such as the construction of a new block. Other major beneficiaries during the third quarter were City University of Macau (MOP45 million), the foundation behind the University of Saint Joseph (MOP19 million), the Kiang Wu Hospital Charitable Foundation (MOP15.5 million) and the Portuguese School (MOP9 million).

IIM publishes book exploring the PRD

The International Institute of Macau (IIM) has launched its most recent publication ““Pearl River Delta – From World Factory to Global Innovator,” a book exploring nine main cities of the Pearl River Delta (PRD). Written by the authors Thomas Chan and Louise do Rosário, the illustrated book features a detailed study of each of the cities. The book also focuses on the present and continuing modernization of the cities’ industries and infrastructures under China´s national 13th Five-Year Plan, as well as the One Belt, One Road initiative, and includes the relevant statistics. The book is available in the IIM office, Macaolink and the Portuguese Bookstore.

Authorities identify 49    illegal workers in Dec

The Public Security Police Force (PSP) said in a statement that it had worked with the Labor Affairs Department (DSAL) and other services to organize 273 investigation operations in December, during which they identified 49 illegal workers. The authorities said they searched construction yards, residences and commercial and industrial establishments, among other locations.