IC president opposes central library project move

The president of the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), Ung Vai Meng, reiterated yesterday that the planned conversion of the old courthouse in Nam Van area to be Macau’s new central library should be upheld. During a meeting yesterday with lawmakers at the Legislative Assembly, Ung was vehemently opposed to suggestions made by some lawmakers who want the library’s construction site to be moved elsewhere. “We need to build a new library urgently. If we wait until the new reclaimed land [where some lawmakers want the project to be built] is made available, only within two generations we will be able to have a new central library. That’s why, at this stage, we are not going to pick other location,” said Ung.

Review of Culture showcases Mandarin´s House

The revelations about China in the Portuguese physician Garcia de Orta´s treatise, the reports of the Portuguese Consul and novelist Eça de Queirós on Chinese emigration coming from Macau, the life of the “Son of Macau” Zheng Guanying and the Mandarin’s House are prominent themes of the latest Review of Culture. A study of the influence of religion in Macao society today is also presented, as well as the theme of the establishment and proliferation of the Jesuits in Asia, which has been recurrent in the journal. The Review of Culture, published by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, is available at the Portuguese Bookstore, Cultural Plaza, Seng Kwong Bookstore, Macao Archives and Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre. It is also available for consultation at the Central Library, at the Archive of Macau and at the libraries of Macau universities.

Macau Corporate Governance Institute launches today

Manuela António Law Office, together with several founding members, launched the Macau Corporate Governance Institute (MCGI). According to a statement released by the organisation, MCGI is a non-profit association and will promote research into and dissemination of the principles of corporate governance, aiming to be “an important forum for issues relating to corporate governance, including but not limited to, the development of good corporate practices among Macau companies.” The institute promoters also aim to “publicise and discuss ideas and concepts on corporate governance, monitor and participate in national or international forums” and “contribute to the acceptance by Macau companies of guidelines emphasizing transparency, accountability, business fairness and integrity in governance and management practices”