Briefs | Residential price index on the rise

The Statistics and Census Service stated that the overall residential price index in the second quarter of 2017 increased by 3.7 percent from the previous quarter to 253. This marks the fifth consecutive quarter of increase. The index for the Macau Peninsula is 253.7 and 249.9 for Taipa and Coloane respectively. Both have risen from the first quarter of 2017 by 3.6 percent and 4.3 percent respectively. Meanwhile, the index for pre-sale residential units is 247.2, increasing by 6 percent quarter-to-quarter. The index for residential units with a usable floor area between 50 to 74.9 square meters is 281.7, increasing by 5.7 percent quarter-to-quarter, while the index for those with a floor area of 100 square meters or more is 232.1, rising by 4.3 percent.  

Gaming operators cancel two-day weekend

Multiple gaming operators have reportedly cancelled the two-day weekend off. As a result, some of the employees of these operators have complained that it is now more difficult for them to ask for days off. Previously, during the region’s economy adjustment period, gaming operators had flexible holiday arrangements in place.  The Gaming Employees Home noted that as the city’s gaming revenues grow, some gaming operators are reportedly canceling their flexible holiday-taking measures. The president of the association informed that about 30 percent of the association’s members had reported the aforementioned situation, hoping the employers would make some changes. 

FAOM reportedly defamed

The Macau Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM) reported a claim of recent defamation to the Electoral Committee. The association claims that at the end of June, boards with discrediting information written on them were noticed at the Border Gate Square. The discrediting text included accusations claiming that FAOM received large amounts of financial support, and that FAOM “has three non-local workers for every four among its employees.” The association denied the accusations, saying that the association received reasonable financial support and only hires non-local employees according to its needs.

Over 5,000 tickets sold for Int’l Music Festival

Tickets for the 31st Macau International Music Festival (MIMF) went on sale on Sunday and over 5,000 tickets have been sold as of yesterday. More than half of the available ticketss were sold. According to a statement from the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), a large number of people waited at different ticket offices to purchase tickets, and IC had sent staff to maintain public order at the ticket offices. Tickets for the shows “El fog by Masayoshi Fujita,” “Guimarães String Quartet,” “Novus String Quartet” and performances by the Vienna Philharmonic are sold out. Limited numbers of tickets are still available for the grand opening and other performances. The 31st MIMF will be held from September 29 to October 30.

UM scholar receives international award

Mario Cams, an assistant professor from the University of Macau’s Department of History, recently received the 2017 DHST Prize for Young Scholars from the Division of History of Science and Technology (DHST), International Union of the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, for his outstanding academic performance and research in the field of the history of science. Cams received the award for his new book “Companions in Geography: East-West Collaboration in the Mapping of Qing China”. The award presentation ceremony took place at the 25th International Congress of History of Science and Technology held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The prize is awarded every four years to young historians of science and technology.