Category Archives: Macau

As one of the world's most significant markets, the Chinese aviation industry is home to many different types of airlines, ranging from full-service, hybrid, regional, and low-cost carriers. With such a great variety of airlines in a booming industry, it's even common for flag carriers to become slightly overshadowed and not often talked about.

While the major airlines such as Air China, Cathay Pacific, and China Eastern Airlines - to name a few, are more well-known, smaller flag carriers like Air Macau are not. With nearly three decades worth of history and present happenings, let's dive into this particular air carrier.

Since 1962 and before 1995, no commercial air services connected Macau to the rest of the world. All that existed before Air Macau were private helicopter services for those who could afford, and seaplane services offered by the Macao Air Transport Company - a subsidiary of Cathay Pacific Airways to provide short commutes between Macau and Hong Kong until 1961.

Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock

With this vacuum available, Air Macau was established on September 13th, 1994, as the flag carrier of Macau that would be responsible for providing affordable commercial flight services to and from other countries within the region. However, flight services only commenced the following year on November 9th, 1995, once Macau International Airport was built and ready for operations.

The airline's first flight was from Macau to Beijing Capital International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. This flight was operated with the airline's first aircraft, an Airbus A320 leased from Irish lessor AerCap. Three additional Airbus A321s would eventually join the airline's fleet the same year under the same leasing agreement.

Four years later, in 1999, Air Macau had grown to transport at least 1.1 million passengers annually, with approximately 80% of its passengers originating from Kaoshiung and Taipei. Since then, the airline's route network has graciously expanded to include many destinations in China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines.

Then, in 2003, the flag carrier dabbled into the air cargo sector after operating its first freighter service between Taipei and Shenzhen via Macau with an Airbus A300BA-200F leased from TradeWinds. More freighters would soon join the airline's fleet in the next few years until 2012 when Air Macau stuck to serving belly cargo on passenger flights only.

Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

Even without the freighters, the airline managed to transport an average of 15,900 tonnes of cargo and mail annually since 2012, alongside an estimated 2.12 million passengers with an average load factor of about 70%. The fleet of Air Macau has also risen to house 22 aircraft, with the reception of its first Airbus A320neo in April 2019 and the first A321neo in December of the same year.

Concerning ownership, the airline's initial big owners were China National Aviation Holding, with a 51% share, followed by TAP Air Portugal, with a 20% stake. Other initial shareholders included the Sociedade de Turismo e Diverses de Macau with 14%, EVA Air with 5%, the government of Macau with 5%, and remaining Macau investors with another 5%.

But when Air Macau fell into financial trouble in 2006 - due to the failed commencement of its low-cost project, Macau Asia Express, in which approximately $30 million was invested as original funding, the flag carrier required a temporary lifeline. The lifeline came when the government of Macau approved a rescue package of about 507.3 million Macanese Pataca ($62.42 million).

Another lifeline appeared in 2009 when a combined stake of 1.25% was sold to Air China by two companies controlled by the Chief Executive of Macau, Edmund Ho. The following year, in 2010, TAP Air Portugal also sold its share to the Star Alliance member, effectively making Air China the parent company of Air Macau with a 66.9% stake.

With Air Macau recovering financially from that crisis and the pandemic, the flag carrier has been expanding its route network in the past two years, gradually reinstating old routes. Fresh new routes and heightened frequencies are also currently underway as the airline looks to strengthen its presence within the region.

Photo: Jeffry Surianto | Shutterstock

As for future expansions of its fleet, the airline has the determination to improve its service further and better meet the growing demands of passengers and is patiently awaiting the arrival of additional Airbus A320neos and A321neos under a leasing agreement.

Have you flown with Air Macau before? Share your experience with us in the comments below.

Read the original post:

Air Macau: Everything You Need To Know - Simple Flying

MGM will host the Oktoberfest Macau at MGM 2023 from 12 to 23 October, marking the 13th year of the iconic event.

One of the most popular annual events in Macau since its inception, Oktoberfest Macau at MGM 2023 continues to be supported by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Consulate General of Germany in Hong Kong and German Chamber of Commerce in Macau. It will run for 12 consecutive days outdoors.

In a statement, MGM said This year, we have invited the HGL FUN BAND band from Munich, Germany to perform in Macau again to celebrate Oktoberfest where they will sing the classic Oktoberfest theme song Hello Macau!

The event has become one of the most iconic annual cross-border events in the city, stimulating the synergy of tourism, entertainment, gastronomy and culture, and fully utilizing the Tourism + effect.

Oktoberfest Macau at MGMs traditional setting will be recreated this year, including the classic Oktoberfest blue and white marquee, traditional wooden benches and chairs, beer ladies dressed in traditional costumes from Germany, the designated beer Lwenbru and special German barbecue dishes.

Oktoberfest has been held at MGM since 2009 and is now in its 13th year. It has been one of the highlights of the year at MGM, however last years Oktoberfest was temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic epidemic.

Tickets go on sale from 11 September at a cost of MOP$250 and include two glasses of your selected beverage.

Read the original:

Oktoberfest returns to MGM Cotai from 12 to 23 October - Inside Asian Gaming

The very first Macau showing of Picassos artworks in gemmaux MACAU - Media OutReach - 7 September 2023 - As part of "Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2023", organised by the Macao SAR Government, One Central Macau proudly presents for the first time in Macau, "Pablo Picasso: Paintings in Glass" sponsored by Hongkong Land. Aligning with the objective of Art Macao, this show will contribute to arts and culture in Macau, establishing it further as a World Heritage city. The six artworks in this show are among fifty works, unique and signed, selected by Picasso himself between 1954 and 1957, among his most exemplary works to be interpreted in gemmail (French for 'enamel gem'). One Central Macau's Picasso Gemmaux artwork to premiere in Macau

This exhibition is the very first Macau showing of Picasso's artworks in gemmaux to be presented at the Atrium of One Central Macau with free admission from today until 31st October. This showcase offers a rare opportunity to appreciate many of Picasso's most important artworks. As part of Art Macao's theme, "The Statistics of Fortune", this show features works that are reminiscent of the technique of stained glass seen in churches in aesthetics, yet they are back lit light boxes engineered by a workshop led by physicist Roger Malherbe-Navarre working on light diffraction in Paris in the mid 1950's. At the time, the technique was extremely innovative. The layering of several panes of carefully assembled glass gave Picasso's artworks the third dimensionality he sought to achieve in paintings. The technology of these backlit light boxes also gives a new life to the colours, as well as preserving them closer to the intention of the artist. Impressed by the gemmistes' masterful assembling and fusing of carefully selected glass, Picasso declared 'A new art is born!'

Intimate retrospective into life of renowned artistic genius

This exhibition features a special curation of six gemmaux artworks, representing many of Picasso's closest and most influential 'studies' of life. Among them are 'Femme assise', an early portrait of Dora Maar, fellow artist and lover who led him to create the masterpiece Guernica, and the very first gemmail work Picasso signed. Another iconic work is the 'Portrait of Marie-Therese Walter', in which Picasso depicts the French model Marie-Therese Walter, who gave birth to his first daughter, and Mere et Enfant, in which Picasso's wife Olga and his first son, Dora Maar, are depicted. The exclusive series also includes a striking self-portrait of the artist himself, executed in an emotionally expressive style. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Picasso's death and the artworks on display are borrowed from private collections.

"We hold a deep appreciation for the role of arts in society and have dedicated ourselves to honouring cultural heritage. We envision ONE CENTRAL MACAU to serve as a canvas that connects art with the community. This Picasso exhibition is the latest initiative which aims to educate, engage and inspire the community in Macau, inviting people to revel in the beauty of diverse cultural expressions." said Jennifer Lam, Director & Head of Marketing & Communications at Hongkong Land.

Sherry Wong, Chairperson of the Hongkong Land Art Committee, states, "Art Macao is the most important cultural and artistic event of Macau organised by the government and, we are enthusiastic in our participation. Hongkong Land is continually exploring opportunities to both advance and enhance artistic vibrancy by fully reflecting the trends and cultural life of the Macau community. We are especially pleased to present the exhibition "Pablo Picasso: Paintings in Glass", offering an opportunity to both discover and fully appreciate the creativity and personality of one of our greatest and most popular artists."

The unique display of original artworks is featured at the atrium of One Central Macau, with enlarged reproductions of each work displayed on the back of the painting, making it easy for the public to view the series of masterpieces from other locations in the atrium. Be inspired by "Pablo Picasso: Paintings in Glass" at One Central Macau.

"Pablo Picasso: Paintings in Glass" Date : From now 31st October, 2023 Admission: Free entry Location: G/F, Atrium, One Central Macau Avenida de Sagres, Nape, Macau

Editor's Note: The Hongkong Land Art Committee consists of members from a wide range of backgrounds - each one with a keen interest in art and culture - coming from a wide variety of key departments within the company. The committee provides a distinctive perspective about art with the mission to inspire, educate and cultivate an appreciation and curiosity for arts and culture, in order to preserve its heritage while making it accessible to all.

Hashtag: #onecentralmacau #artmacau #pabolpicasso #gemmaux #paintingsinglass

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

One Central Macau is a leading shopping destination on the harbour front of Macau Peninsula. Spanning 200,000 square feet in leasable shop area, it houses a spectacular array of leading international designer brands, including Boucheron, BVLGARI, Burberry, Cartier, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Zegna, FENDI, Gucci, Herms, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Luck Hock Watch, Patek Philippe and more. These brands have chosen to establish their duplex or multi-storey flagship stores, or their first or biggest outlet in Macau at One Central.

The cosmopolitan lifestyle complex also features 7 luxurious residential towers, the Mandarin Oriental, Macau hotel, as well as one of the most coveted hotel managed properties, The Residences & Apartments at Mandarin Oriental, Macau. One Central enjoys direct access to MGM MACAU, and is immediately across from Wynn Macau, with Grand Lisboa and StarWorld Hotel within the distance of a stone's throw. With its central location, One Central sits right at the intersection of the best in entertainment, luxury and elegance, offering a shopping experience synonymous with Central Hong Kong or Beverly Hills of Los Angeles.

Official Website: http://www.onecentralmall.com.mo Official WeChat: OneCentralMacau

Hongkong Land is a major listed property investment, management and development group. Founded in 1889, Hongkong Land's business is built on excellence, integrity and partnership.

The Group owns and manages more than 850,000 sq. m. of prime office and luxury retail property in key Asian cities, principally in Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing and Jakarta. Its properties attract the world's foremost companies and luxury brands.

The Group's Central Hong Kong portfolio represents some 450,000 sq. m. of prime property. It has a further 165,000 sq. m. of prestigious office space in Singapore mainly held through joint ventures, a luxury retail centre at Wangfujing in Beijing, and a 50% interest in a leading office complex in Central Jakarta. The Group also has a number of high quality residential, commercial and mixed-use projects under development in cities across China and Southeast Asia. In Singapore, its subsidiary, MCL Land, is a well-established residential developer.

Hongkong Land Holdings Limited is incorporated in Bermuda and has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Bermuda and Singapore. The Group's assets and investments are managed from Hong Kong by Hongkong Land Limited. Hongkong Land is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

Read the original post:

ONE CENTRAL MACAU Celebrates the Year of Picasso with "Pablo ... - ZAWYA

Sep 06, 2023 Newsdesk Latest News, Macau, Top of the deck

The actual criminalisation of unauthorised money-exchange activity known to occur in Macaus casinos or their surroundings is currently being considered by the citys authorities, said on Wednesday Wong Sio Chak (pictured centre), Secretary for Security, during a media briefing on crime data for the first half of 2023.

Mr Wong did not go into detail on the mechanics of such criminalisation. But he said unauthorised money changing had long been affecting security conditions inside casinos and the areas surrounding them, and had often induced other crimes, notably scams, illegal detainment of individuals, assaults and even murders.

Bets at Macau casinos are mainly denominated in Hong Kong dollars, but many of the venues customers are from mainland China, which imposes controls on the amount of Chinas currency, the yuan, that can be brought across the border, per trip.

Unauthorised currency exchange taking place in or around Macau casinos has been classified by Macaus Public Prosecutions Office as activity between private parties, and so in general terms, it currently comes under the citys financial regulatory framework, rather than being a criminal matter.

On this topic, Mr Wong said during the Wednesday briefing: The Judiciary Police have hoped that the illicit money exchange that is related to gambling purposes could be criminalised.

He added: Alternatively, if these [illicit money exchanges] are not to be criminalised, we would assess how the fines can be enhanced to a very hefty level for the purpose of deterring such acts, coupled with measures such as enforcing an immigration ban on the offenders.

The briefing heard that during the first six months of this year, Macau police identified via daily inspections and various special operations at the citys casinos a total of 8,124 individuals involved with illicit money exchange. The tally was a 198.1 percent increase on the 2,725 individuals logged by the police in the first half of 2022, noted Mr Wong.

In the January to June period, Macau police had alerted the citys casino regulator, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, to 488 people involved with illicit money exchange, and the regulator had subsequently banned them from entering Macau casinos, said Mr Wong.

The Secretary also noted that most of the illicit money traders identified were residents of the Chinese mainland who had respectively entered Macau on a tourist visa.

In the first half where Macau had seen the lifting of Covid-19 -associated travel restrictions, an increase in tourism and gaming business recovery there had also been a growth in gaming-related crimes, stated Mr Wong during the briefing.

The Secretary said that the police had investigated 422 cases of suspected gaming-related crime during the first half. That was a 113.1 percent increase on the 198 cases in the same period in 2022. However, the first-half gaming-related crime case tally was still 56.4 percent lower than the same period in 2019, when the police investigated 968 cases.

Out of the 422 gaming-related crimes probed in the first six months of 2023, there had been year-on-year rises in alleged thefts, scams and usury, according to Mr Wong.

Continue reading here:

GGRAsia Criminalising illicit money swap biz an option: Macau govt - GGRAsia

Macau casinos have seen MOP8 billion ($991.4M) in gross gaming revenue (GGR) during the first 14 days of May, an average daily run rate of MOP570 million ($7.06 million), as per investment bank JP Morgan. According to the firm, the ongoing robust recovery shows elevated baseline demand levels, similar to what was seen during the Lunar New Year in late January this year.

"This implies that last weeks GGR a seasonally slow week after the long holiday was still at MOP500 million per day, a meaningful notch above the MOP400 million plus run-rates that the industry generated prior to the Labor Day holiday, said analyst DS Kim, as reported by the Macau Daily Times.

For its part, VIP demand is on a recovery rate of around 25% to 30%, significantly higher than the recovery recorded during the first quarter of the year. "VIPs still dont move the needles for profits/cash flows, but we believe this level of recovery is pretty impressive, nonetheless," the investment bank noted.

Meanwhile, casino stocks have been on a decline amid the sector gaining momentum.However, Kim noted that "those better-than-expected fundamentals" will ultimately drive the sentiment or stocks higher as the street numbers move up."

Last month, the casino sector posted its best gaming month since January 2020, delivering GGR of MOP 14.7 billion ($1.81 billion), a 15.6% increase from the level seen in March. The April period included two days of the national Labor Day holiday that extended until May 3.

Gross gaming revenue in the city soared 450% year-over-yearlast month to smash the consensus estimate of analysts. However, it was still more than one-third below the 2019 level. Still, the start of the year has been strong for Macau.

Continued here:

Macau shows elevated baseline demand levels as GGR reaches ... - Yogonet International

Macaus banking sectorhas reported growth in international business in the first quarter of 2023,according to the latest statistics released by the Monetary Authority of Macau.

According to a report from the citys de facto central bank on Thursday, the share of international assets rose to 85.6 per cent from 85.4 per cent at the end of December last year, while that of international liabilities increased to 83.4 per cent from 81.9 per cent.

Foreign Currencies

Foreign currenciescontinued to dominate international banking transactions, with non-localcurrencies accounting for the majority of total international assets andliabilities.

At end-March 2023, theshares of the pataca in total international assets and in total internationalliabilities were 0.8 per cent and 0.6 per cent, respectively.

The Hong Kong dollar,the US dollar, the renminbi, and other foreign currencies accounted for themajority of total international assets, while their respective shares in totalinternational liabilities also appeared dominant.

Total international assets

Total international assets increased by 2.8 per cent from the previous quarter to MOP2,270.9 billion (US$281 billion). Within this total, external assets rose by 4.2 per cent from the previous quarter to MOP1,666.5 billion, while local assets in foreign currencies dropped by 1 per cent to MOP604.4 billion.

External non-bank loans, as a major component of international assets, decreased by 3.6 per cent to MOP676.4 billion.

Total international liabilities

Total internationalliabilities went up by 4.3 per cent to MOP2,212.8 billion (USD273.7 billion)over a three-month period.

Of this total, externalliabilities and local liabilities in foreign currencies grew quarter-on-quarterby 5.7 per cent to MOP1,269.6 billion and 2.6 per cent to MOP943.2 billion,respectively.

Deposits taken from external banks were a major component of international liabilities, rising by 15.6 per cent to MOP712.0 billion at end-March 2023.

External assets and liabilities

The majority ofexternal assets and liabilities of the local banking sector were connected withAsia. Claims on mainland China and Hong Kong occupied 42.1 per cent and 25.2per cent of total external assets.

Meanwhile, claims onPortuguese-speaking countries and Belt and Road countries occupied respectiveshares of 0.7 per cent and 10.8 per cent.

When it came toexternal liabilities, mainland China and Hong Kong accounted for 42 per centand 41 per cent respectively, while Portuguese-speaking countries and Belt andRoad countries represented 0.6 per centand 5.2 per cent, respectively.

See the original post:

International business rises for Macau's banking sector in Q1 - Macau Business

Traditional home-cooked Macanese food is being added to the menu at a Nottingham takeaway - believed to be the first and only place in the city serving this style of Asian cookery. Asian Mama, aka Helena Ali, is being give the opportunity to showcase her dishes by established takeaway Rynos.

Her menu will launch alongside the usual pizza, burgers and chicken wings served by the outlet in Alfreton Road, near Canning Circus. Macanese food has a unique mix of Portuguese and Chinese influences.

Helena, 54, who came to Nottingham nearly ten years ago, said: "Macau is right next to Hong Kong. It used to be a Portuguese colony run by the Portuguese for 100 years. It's the same story as Hong Kong. Hong Kong went back to China and Macau as well. It became very crowded and too commercial. I have found Macau here now, quiet, friendly people."

Keep up to date with all the latest food and drink news by signing up to our newsletter here

Her daughter came to the University of Nottingham to study microbiology and Helena followed soon afterwards and made the city her home even though she knew no one. "The first time I came to Nottingham I fell in love so I decided to move. I'm so excited," she said about her new business that will launch on Friday, May 19 with 50 per cent off.

Prawn cakes with a chilli dip, Portuguese chicken with olives, and beef in red wine sauce are some of Helena's homely dishes that will be on the menu. Another is African chicken, a popular Macanese dish made with peanut butter, coconut milk and chilli. If it takes off she will add soup and desserts.

"People used to travel to Macau for the food - it's different to other Asian food," added Helena, who has worked as a carer at a home for the elderly in Nottingham for the last seven years. "I used to run our family restaurant in Macau, which served mainly curry but Macanese food as well, a kind of fusion, Singaporean curry, Malaysian curry, all sorts. I learnt how to cook there. I helped out when I was a child. I have a great passion for cooking."

Rynos' owners Imran Haq and Alfie Pryor first met Helena when she came in as a customer and they started chatting. Imran, who took over the business last September, said: "Me and Alfie try to make it is a friendly place. We get a lot of young people here and sometimes they're away from home and they appreciate somewhere they can come and have a chat about things.

"Some places are very impersonal. When you go in they don't talk to you. Here we try and make it a little bit more of a community vibe and a welcoming atmosphere. We get some people just turning up for a chat.

"You get a lot of people talking about various things and it helps us pass the time and it builds community spirit. She said she was looking to set up her business. After listening to her story and the struggles she has faced with regards to moving to the UK alone and not knowing anyone in the town and still having the desire and drive to better herself, I decided to offer her a chance to launch her business from my premises

"She is keen to get back on her feet and to use her experience to bring authentic Macanese cuisine to Nottingham. You've got to have a lot of capital to set up a business and it's challenging times at the moment. It's tough for everybody and us guys are really small and we've got to work extra hard to compete with the bigger franchises down there and the more established businesses."

Alfie said he hoped the new venture will make Rynos stand out from all the other burger joints along Alfreton Road. "Things have become more strained as everybody is doing exactly the same thing. We inherited a model of gourmet burgers and we've had to expand and do other things. We were exploring new ideas and Helena turned up.

"We have to be open minded and expand our options as there is so much competition. To our knowledge there are no Macanese restaurants here. We have quite a loyal customer base. We get more people in because of our attitude to people and we make it very friendly for them. We talk to people about the things we might be doing and there was quite a buzz for Macanese amongst the Chinese students."

READ NEXT:

Originally posted here:

Macau woman who 'fell in love' with Nottingham starts takeaway - Nottinghamshire Live

Over 3,000 members ofthe political, business, and academic circles from more than 60 countries andregions will show up for an international forum on infrastructure investment inMacau early next month.

The 14th edition of theInternational Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum scheduled totake place at The Venetian Macao from 1 June to 2 June aims to invigorate theglobal economic recovery with a focus on green and low-carbon developmenttrends.

Among the participantsare over 60 ministerial-level guests, enterprise representatives from 250 contractors,executives from international organisations and financial institutions, withthe number of registered attendees said to have doubled compared to theprevious year.

The forum consists of twomain themed forums, 10 parallel forums, and a number of special events, exploringtopics relevant to new energy, international cooperation, and smart railtransport.

In the meantime, anaccompanying exhibition will also take place, showcasing engineering machinery,energy equipment, and building materials.

Additionally, the eventis expected to feature the release of two reports on infrastructure developmentindexes for countries covered by the Belt and Road initiative and Portuguese-speakingcountries respectively.

The Ministry of Commercewill also organise the 9th China-LAC Infrastructure Cooperation Forum duringthe event to deepen cooperation between China and Latin America and promote infrastructureinterconnectivity between the two sides.

Since the InternationalInfrastructure Investment and Construction Forum was moved to Macau in 2012,the event has steadily gained momentum in terms of scale and internationalinfluence, the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute said.

As many as 19 projectagreements were signed at last years edition, with 210 business talks andeight parallel forums held.

Here is the original post:

Global leaders in infrastructure to gather for investment forum in ... - Macau Business

Local car rental companies are forecasting a growth of 10 per cent to 20 per cent in the business, thanks to the recognition agreement of driving licenses with mainland China, which came into force on Tuesday.

We are optimistic about this market and believe it will grow more than before. With the mutual recognition of driving licenses between mainland China and Macau, there should be more tourists from the [Chinese] mainland renting cars, said Rain Lin, manager of Burgeon Car Rental Service, in an interview with Lusa.

Mainland Chinese driving license holders have been able to drive in Macau since Tuesday. On the other hand, permanent residents of Macau, including those of foreign nationality, will also be able to drive across the border.

The recognition of driving licenses can directly benefit people traveling and visiting family members, stated the Chinese Ministry of Public Security in a statement on Monday.

The car rental business with drivers typically accounts for 20% of our business, and we expect it to grow by around the same percentage, added Lin.

Vang Iek Rent-A-Car Service, founded in 1935, expects an increase of up to 10%. Not many tourists from the Chinese mainland will arrive in Macau to drive, admitted Alan Peng, the company manager, to Lusa.

Despite understanding that the recognition of driving licenses can increase the customer base, both Burgeon Car and Vang Iek admit that they have not received any reservations to date.

However, if demand grows significantly, Burgeon has admitted the possibility of importing left-hand drive vehicles, similar to the interior of China where driving is done on the right. In Macau, you drive on the left.

According to data provided by the Public Security Police to Lusa, so far 67 people from the interior of China have received permission to drive in the special administrative region.

The neighboring city of Zhuhai offers 280 daily quotas, which, according to the online newspaper Guan Hai Rong, are sold out until Friday.

Originally posted here:

Car rental businesses upbeat as driving licence recognition takes ... - Macau Business

Macaus primary four students demonstrated steady reading performance in spite of Covid challenges, according to a Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) test conducted in 2021.

According to the Education and Youth Development Bureau, over 5,000 pupils from 58 local schools in Macau joined the PIRLS test two years ago, which was organised by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement.

Of the 32 countries or regions that participated in the study for two consecutive times, almost 70 percent experienced a decrease in scores due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on students learning worldwide.

However, Macaus test takers maintained their performance, scoring an average of 536 a level similar to the one obtained in 2016.

The score was higher than thePIRLS centerpoint of 500, which placed Macau somewhere between the 9th and the 15th positions, said the bureau.

The results confirmed that local students reading ability had been developing steadily overall, and their performance was comparable to their international peers, the bureau added.

Moreover, the study showed that socioeconomic status had the least influence on the achievements of local students, highlighting the effectiveness of the local education system in terms of educational equity and quality overall.

See the rest here:

Macau pupils show resilience in reading performance amid Covid ... - Macau Business