Briefs | IIM to present photo exhibition

A photo exhibition titled “Birds of Macau” by Roberto Badaraco will be held at the Macao Science Center from December 2 to 7. The exhibition features a rich variety of birds from a collection of more than 400 types recorded in Macau and will portray both native and migratory species. According to a press release from the International Institute of Macau (IIM), this theme has attracted the interest of netizens on social networks where the photographer frequently shares his photographs with friends in addition to other works with the theme of nature. The exhibition is supported by the Macao Foundation.

Squash school to select talented young players

The Macau Squash Association and the Sports Bureau (ID) will conduct an admission test on Sunday. The two entities will select young people with a talent for squash for an opportunity to join the Squash Youth Academy.  Eligible candidates must be local residents born between 2003 and 2010. The event will be organized at the Bowling Centre, located in Taipa, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Once the students are selected, they are required to attend squash classes starting next year from January 7 until December 17.

Art communication between Macau and Tibet to be strengthened

Hei Lok, vice-president of the Macau Artist Society, while attending a meeting related to Tibet’s cultural protection and development, co-organized in Beijing, said that he expects more Macau residents will  be involved in mainland China’s activities in this area. Lok revealed that his society plans to bring its members’ art works to be exhibited in Tibet. He also announced that the local government, the Macao Museum and the Macao Foundation are inviting artists from Tibet to display their art at exhibitions in the city. The association is also planning to open three art classes in Tibet next year.

Rental contracts to be longer

The amendment to the Civil Code to introduce new real-estate tenancy regulations continues to be subject to an article-by-article discussion by the AL Third Standing Committee. Lawmakers discussed yesterday a proposal to increase the period covered by rental contracts (both commercial and residential). This means that landlords will not be able to evict tenants before a three-year term is concluded. The commission also agreed on the establishment of a mechanism on rent updates based on a formula approved by the Chief Executive. The formula will incorporate the consumer price index.

Lau to marry after last week’s disclosure

Hong Kong tycoon Joseph Lau is planning to marry long-time partner Chan Hoi-wan. Under Hong Kong law, those intending to marry are required to apply for a notice to be issued and displayed publicly for 15 days. The notice for Lau and Chan was posted at the Queensway Government Offices The revelation comes just a week after Lau purchased full-page adverts in several Hong Kong newspapers declaring the state of his relationship with former girlfriend Yvonne Liu. The unusual announcement said that any continuing connection with Lui was solely for the purpose of their two infant children and fulfilling his “responsibility as their father.” Days after the public disclosure, the Macau fugitive made new comments about his former girlfriend during a video interview in which he described her as being “greedy forever.”

Yachting scheme expected to increase tourist numbers

The President of the Travel Industry Council of Macau, Andy Wu Keng Kuong, believes that the commencement of the yacht entry scheme between Zhongshan and Macau will facilitate the diversification of the city’s tourism industry, according to a report by TDM. However, Wu is not expecting a great surge in the number of tourists in the short term. Wu says that the measure will be better assessed in the future, when more cities establish similar schemes with Macau. He believes that by the time the yacht-based entry scheme is extended to other regions, Macau’s tourism will have developed further.

Thailand Cultural Festival returns

The Association of Thais in Macau will hold the Thailand Cultural Festival of 2016 on December 3 at the Rua de Abreu Nunes. The association will deliver 2,500 bags of rice to local visitors and will organize an on-site parade. Besides the aforementioned events, food stalls will also be set up. Thai dances will be performed for two nights on December 3 and 4. This marks the 11th year the association has organized the event, which will be sponsored by the Macao Foundation, the Cultural Affairs Bureau, as well as by various companies, and by both Macau and Thai governmental authorities.

Public consultation regarded as formalism

Several lawmakers said at the Legislative Assembly this week said that the government’s public consultation system is useless and just plain formalism. Fong Chi Keong said “[the government] finds some among society’s elite, organizes a meeting with several celestial beings, and thinks the problem is solved.” Song Pek Kei questioned, “If the government does not want to listen to opinions, and is just systematizing formalism, then why bring [things out] for consultation. […] People-oriented governance is not just about speaking. It requires things to be done and requires [genuinely listening to] residents’ opinions.”