Briefs | Unemployment rate steady

The unemployment rate remained stable at 1.7 percent between December and February over the period of November 2014 to January 2015. According to data released by the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), the number of unemployed people reached 6,900, up by 200 over November 2014 to January 2015. Fresh labor force entrants searching for their first job accounted for 9.2 percent of the total unemployed, down by 2.1 percentage points. Total labor force numbers reached 404,400 and labor participation rate stood at 74 percent. Total employment was 396,500, representing a decrease of 1,300 from November 2014-January 2015. Analyzed by industry, employment in hotels, restaurants, and construction saw a decrease, DSEC said.

UM hosts first open day on new campus

The Open Day organized by the University of Macau (UM) yesterday attracted more than 8,000 visitors, including parents and secondary students seeking tertiary studies. The day-long activity, which also featured an International Food Festival held by the university’s exchange students from around the world, offered them opportunities to explore various new faculties and residential colleges on the new Hengqin campus. The university’s rector Wei Zhao mentioned in his opening speech that this year UM has caught the attention of many of the best local students, as a large number of applications have been received. Of the 329 students admitted by the program of Principals’ Recommended Admission, 31 were ranked the top within their own schools. The number, as Mr. Zhao said, reflected the recognition of the university’s educational philosophy. Booth games, exhibitions from different departments, and students’ performances were also on the itinerary.