coastal waters design biennial opens jurisdiction welcomed The 10th Design jose Lawmakers and the CE agree: Biennial exhibition showcases mourinho the coastal waters under award-winning designs by sacked by local jurisdiction will help the artists from the “cross-straits” chelsea diversification efforts region P6 P8 P27

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“ THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’ ”

WORLD BRIEFS ap photo ap photo US huge arms sale for Russia-US Russia is ready to improve ties with the US and work with whomever is elected its next president, draws China’s ire President Vladimir Putin said P15 yesterday. He said his talks with Secretary John Kerry earlier this week showed that Washington is ready to “move toward settling the issues that can only be settled through joint efforts.” More on p21 ap photo

United Nations Finance ministers from the 15 Security Council nations will adopt a plan today aimed at disrupting outside revenue that the Islamic State extremist group gets from oil and antiquities sales, ransom payments and other criminal activities. The proposed Security Council resolution, sponsored by the United States and Russia, elevates IS to the same level as al-Qaida, reflecting its growing threat and split from the terror network behind the 9/11 attacks. HOLIDAY TIMES Macau Daily Times will not be published on Monday. The Times will be back on the stands ap photo on December 22. However the MDT website will be updated with breaking news during the recess period. We wish our readers, advertisers and friends the best of times. Laos The US calls for Laos to immediately resolve the case of prominent activist whose abduction three years ago sent a “chilling message” to civil society. The State Department statement comes as the top US envoy for East Asia prepares to travel to communist-governed Laos. The activist, Sombath Somphone (pictured), was abducted from a police checkpoint in Tax increase for vehicle Vientiane on Dec. 15, 2012. P4 More on backpage purchases approved INSIDE 18.12.2015 fri

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UM wins 11 awards o celebrate the tenth anni- Heritage Tversary of the city’s historic for outstanding center inscription on the World research Heritage List, the Cultural Af- fairs Bureau (IC) and the To Tai Patane Night Watch House University of Macau (UM) scholars took Mio Patane Mercy and Charity home 11 awards from the ceremony for Association have co-organized opens today after renovation the “Fourth Outstanding Achievement the restoration of the Patane Ni- Awards for Macao Research in ght Watch House to showcase Humanities and Social Sciences,” which an exhibition of Macau’s night took place on Monday. Submissions watch culture. were made to either the monograph The night watchmen in ancient category or the paper category. This China reported the time and re- year, a total of 293 submissions were minded citizens to take precau- received (94 monographs and 199 tions against fire and theft. The papers) and 56 of these were rewarded. community service gradually The 11 awards secured by UM scholars vanished during the moderniza- include four first-class awards – two tion phase of the city. from each of the categories. The award- The Patane Night Watch is the winning works by UM scholars include only surviving group in the SAR The Patane Night Watch House opens today Thematic exhibition hall at the venue: “Macau’s Night Watch Houses” “Commercial Arbitration between China today adhering to the night wat- and the Portuguese-Speaking World” ch practices of the past. along with the reproduction of actual exhibits and multimedia, the cultural resources in the dis- by Fernando Dias Simões, and “Essays In order to revitalize the Pata- unique features, such as a large the renovated architecture re- trict, but also provide more lei- on the History of Macau in the Ming ne Night Watch House, the Cul- retaining stone and a fresco insi- minds residents of an occupa- sure spaces for residents, the IC Dynasty” by Tang Kaijian. The event was tural Affairs Bureau undertook a de the house. tion that was once highly ener- says. co-organized by the Macau Foundation, The exhibition space at the getic and valued. The premise, located at No. 52- the Guangdong Social Sciences construction survey, a mapping newly renovated Patane Night The project seeks to preserve 54, Rua da Palmeira, officially Association, and the Social Sciences in of the building, along with struc- China Press. tural recovery and façade reno- Watch House is divided into two Macau’s folk and historical cul- opens to the public today. It is vation efforts to “restore the old themed halls, namely “Macau’s ture, and carry forward the tra- open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., in- [building] to its old form.” Night Watch Houses” and “Ima- ditional values of mutual assis- cluding on public holidays, but unsure The original layout of the ni- ge of Night Watchmen.” Ac- tance within the neighborhood. not on Mondays. Admission is if Madonna set to ght watch house was reinstated companied by historical photos, Its opening will not only enrich free. Staff reporter perform Education tronomical Photography Collection pub- lished by the Macau Astronomical Society. ap photo The remaining photographs are provided Science Center presents new dome show by the Planetarium of the Macau Science Center. n celebration of the Macau Science Cen- bine to create and govern everything in the There is also a projection area, a number A wave of confusion recently rocked Iter’s sixth anniversary, the Exhibition universe of workshops and a portable dome theatre, Singapore’s Madonna fans after the Center will re-open its doors to the public In addition, the Astronomical Photogra- which will allow visitors to experience the pop queen’s website indicated that an tomorrow. phy Exhibition – co-organized by the Ma- mystery of the starry sky from multiple an- unconfirmed show was to be held in Visitors can enjoy free admission to the cao Astronomical Society and the Macao gles. the city-state, according to the Straits Exhibition Center over the weekend. The Science Center – will be held in “Gallery 2” A children’s Christmas workshop titled Times. Previously, Singapore had not Planetarium will also feature a new ultra-hi- of the Exhibition Centre from today until “Little Tinkers: LED Christmas Tree” and been included in the artist’s tour, which gh definition dome show titled “Musica: Why March, 2016. a new demonstration called “Acoustic Wor- includes Macau. But, according to the is the Universe Beautiful?” and will offer free The organizers hope to raise public inte- ld” are now available at “Exhibition Gallery news agency, Madonna’s website stated admission to the first 30 local audiences for rest in learning about astronomy, to share 5”. The Dino Coloring Contest is now open that the 57-year-old singer would hold a each dome show on the same days. their experience in astronomical photogra- for entries. All local primary school studen- concert at Singapore’s National Stadium “Musica: Why is the Universe Beautiful?” phy, and to promote the importance of con- ts are welcome to submit entries. venue on February 28. IMC Live, the is a full dome show that intends to feed the serving our dark starry skies. Last month, the Science Center suffered concert promoter encouraging Madonna audience’s artistic senses. It teaches what The exhibition showcases more than 100 “substantial” damage after a fire broke out to perform in Singapore, told the Straits every scientist, musician, and artist knows examples of astronomical photography, 85 in the building’s upper levels. The incident Times that they had no comment to make intuitively: how the physics of sound and of which come from previous photographic has resulted in a temporary closure of the about the gig. As of press time, The Times color, and the physical laws of nature com- displays and have been printed in the As- some of the center’s facilities. could not locate the Singapore concert on Madonna’s webpage, indicating that the posting may have been removed. Music PJ agent arrested in Macau orchestra holds twin comedy concerts for children connection to hoax he Macau Orchestra pre- received animal masks as part reau, which oversees the or- The Judiciary Police (PJ) has arrested Tsented two performances of the experience. chestra, the children’s parents one of its own agents and another suspect of the comedy concert, “Jour- “Journey into the World of commended the new educa- after the pair allegedly swindled RMB1.55 ney into the World of Music Music” combines diverse ele- tional approach and felt that million from over 200 mainlanders by – The Lost Elephant,” at the ments such as mime and magic the activities could potentially offering fake job opportunities.The male suspect, who joined the security force Macau Tower Auditorium on tricks to create an appealing broaden children’s artistic in 1999, organized the scheme with December 6. show for children. This year, perspectives. his girlfriend. It was said that, starting More than 100 sudents from the bilingual interpretation – The Macau Orchestra will vi- in May, the duo began offering jobs Escola Caritas de Macau and in Chinese and English – ad- sit a number of charitable or- to mainland Chinese citizens. The job the Concordia School of Spe- ded an element of linguistic ganizations and aged care cen- seekers were asked to pay RMB5,000 in cial Education, along with education to the performance. tres in January 2016, and will American artist Dan Kamin combines return for jobs earning as much as up to their parents, were invited to According to a statement host a New Year Concert for mime, fairytales and classical music in his performance RMB10,000 per month. watch the concerts. Children from the Cultural Affairs Bu- seniors and minority groups.

www.macaudailytimes.com.mo Director and Editor-in-Chief_Paulo Coutinho [email protected] A Macau Times Publications Ltd Publication Managing Editor_Paulo Barbosa [email protected] MDT’s Website has logged over Contributing Editors_Eric Sautedé, Leanda Lee, Severo Portela Administrator and Chief Executive Officer China & foreign editor_Vanessa Moore [email protected] Kowie Geldenhuys [email protected] 94 million page views Design Editor_João Jorge Magalhães [email protected] | Newsroom and Contributors_ Secretary Juliana Cheang [email protected] since January 1st, 2012 up to today. Albano Martins, Annabel Jackson, Aries Un, Emilie Tran, Grace Yu, Irene Sam, Jacky I.F. Cheong, Jenny Lao-Phillips, Address Av. da Praia Grande, 599, Edif. Comercial Rodrigues, 12 Floor C, João Palla Martins, Joseph Cheung, Juliet Risdon, Renato Marques, Richard Whitfield, Robert Carroll ( MACAU SAR Telephones: +853 287 160 81/2 Fax: +853 287 160 84 correspondent), Rodrigo de Matos (cartoonist), Ruan Du Toit Bester, Sandra Norte (designer), Viviana Seguí | Associate Advertisement [email protected] Thank You! Contributors_JML Property, MacauHR, MdME Lawyers, PokerStars | News agencies_ Associated Press, Bloomberg, For subscription and general issues: Lusa News Agency, MacauHub, MacauNews, Xinhua | Secretary_Yang Dongxiao [email protected] [email protected] | Printed at Welfare Printing Ltd Like us? facebook.com/mdtimes send newsworthy information and press releases to: [email protected] website: www.macaudailytimes.com.mo fri 18.12.2015

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AL plenary on the lawmakers agenda

GOV’T RENTS Kou Hoi In, Cheang Chi Keong and Chui Sai Peng have Vehicles set to become urged the authorities to devote land resources to building a facility large enough to hold public departments. more expensive Following the authorities’ revelation last month that the public administration was to spend up to MOP1 billion on ren- Aries Un harm to those small busi- ness owners. tal costs next year, the lawmakers urged the government to “regain its control

he Legislative As- bloomberg During the three-hour dis- over the massive rental costs” and prio- sembly (AL) unani- cussion another lawmaker, ritize, by way of a list, the departments mously passed a bill Lei Cheng I, voiced his dou- in need of their own places. They noted yesterday afternoon bts that the authorities’ low- that other business operators’ rent di- Tproposing an increase in ta- tax policy for green automo- lemmas have now spread to the govern- xation for vehicle purchases. biles would offset the new ment, and that businesses believed the The act also ends the tax tax adjustment. initiative could resolve their own pro- exemption for automobiles “Such a tax-discount policy blems by more resources being released purchased for tourism-rela- to the rest of society. ted purposes. As part of the authorities’ PEARL HORIZON Vong Hin Fai, commitment to curb the Tong Io Cheng, Si Ka Lon and Ma Chi soaring number of vehicles The number Seng have called on the government in the territory, the bill, Residential buildings on the island of Taipa are seen from a vehicle of cars to revise the regulation governing land which was passed through a crossing the Sai Van Bridge use, in order to safeguard the Pearl Ho- special procedure that com- running on rizon flat owners’ rights. They insisted bines the final and first rea- been revoked “was origi- Zheng Anting, while highli- that there were flaws in the existing law dings, was expected to slow nally introduced to foster ghting that casinos’ shuttle roads will that led to the controversial episode. In the average annual increase the initial phase of Macau’s buses carry a daily passen- their spoken enquiries, the lawmaker in car numbers from 5.54 budding tourism industry.” ger volume one fifth of that probably not also related the pre-sale buyers’ interes- percent to 4 percent. The authorities’ move has carried by public transport. fall. ts to those of the general public, which, Motorcycle buyers will be been drawing concerns and Another contentious part they claimed, would be compromised levied a tax ranging from opposition from the indus- of the proposed revision to Zheng Anting if the incident was not settled. Earlier, 24 percent to 50 percent, try since their intentions the tax law is a 15-day period Gabriel Tong, a lawmaker and scholar up from the current range surfaced earlier this year. before the law comes into from the University of Macau’s law of 10 percent to 30 percent. Lawmakers again indicated effect during which reques- for environmentally friendly department who was assigned by the Meanwhile, private car pur- that the policy would just ts for tax exemption are still cars, especially using a ben- authorities to offer legal assistance to chases will be subject to a leave small and medium- allowed. chmark that defines the type the proprietors, sobbed in an interview tax ranging from 40 to 90 sized operators with bigger Currently, casinos and tra- of those vehicles at a much while speaking of the episode. percent, up from the current challenges to their business, vel agencies have to file a lower standard than the nei- range of 30 to 55 percent. while causing no intimida- request to the financial au- ghboring regions, seems like DIVERSIFICATION Lau Veng Seng Furthermore, under the tion to their bigger counter- thorities if they wish their you want to increase the tax has expressed doubts over the gover- amendment the tourism parts. vehicles to be exempt from on one hand and yet let peo- nment’s efforts to promote economic sector will liable for tax “The large companies taxation, while also requi- ple import cars under such diversification in the region, given that upon the purchase of tou- would still continue to buy ring a green light from the a low standard,” she critici- a majority of university graduates go for rist coaches. The Secretary buses to support their busi- Macau Government Tourist zed. higher paying jobs than those available for Economy and Finance, ness; the number of cars on Office (MGTO). Lei’s benchmark refers in the cultural and creative industry, Lionel Leong, said that the the roads will probably not The office’s head, Maria de to the European emission the MICE sector and Chinese medici- tax exemption that has now go down,” said lawmaker Senna Fernandes, who was standards. Vehicles with also in attendance yester- emissions up to Euro 4 level ne. He suggested that the authorities day, said that generally only are viewed as green cars in should connect the higher education half of the received requests the region. institutions with enterprises in order to huge drop in car sales expected would obtain her approval. The authorities said that introduce relevant practical work into Around 40 applications are the studies and discussion the curriculum. He believed that the The sales of new vehicles may slump by 30 percent year- being processed at the mo- about raising the threshold hands-on experience helped to better on-year, according to the president of the Macau Motor Traders ment. She also claimed that were still ongoing and that prepare those students entering those Association. Patrick Tse told Business Daily that some small the new policy would not they will announce the rele- industries after school, having already companies that trade vehicles in Macau are expected to close. cause long-term financial vant policies early next year. attained some expertise.

pulation for its services,” IAS Prevention and Treatment of ExCo | Administrative revamp will add new services and spe- Gambling Addiction. cific projects to its list of com- The reorganization of seve- petencies and responsibilities. ral bureaus also includes the Legal Affairs Bureau and IAS The restructuring would also already announced merger of change the bureau’s jurisdic- the institute that manages the given more tasks and workers tion to include competencies juvenile detention center with regarding social reintegration, the Macau Prison (EPM) under which were until now under the a single new bureau named the Renato Marques quarters, ExCo spokesperson be able to “issue opinions and purview of DSAJ. Correctional Services Bureau Leong Heng Teng clarified that make proposals on matters Part of the reorganization of (DSC). This new bureau will he Executive Council the previously announced res- relating to the centralization the IAS relates to its depart- have administrative autonomy, T(ExCo) has concluded a re- tructuring is intended to “better of legislative coordination.” It ments, with the major change and is created to “ensure the or- view of the administrative re- rearrange the functions within will also be able “to study and being to the old Department ganization and management of gulations that will change the the framework of the Public monitor the definition and im- for Prevention and Treatment the prison service, and the en- Legal Affairs Bureau (DSAJ)’s Service and to improve the ma- plementation of the legislative of Drug Dependence. That de- forcement of educational mea- operations. DSAJ will be res- nagement system of legal policy plan, as well as make proposals partment is now responsible sures among young internees.” ponsible for the tasks that are of the Macau Special Adminis- for its improvement.” for “gambling addiction”, and The new DSC will now employ now undertaken by the Law trative Region (MSAR).” Another of the restructuring changes its name to the De- a staff of 756 people, of which Reform and International Law The merging of DSAJ and DS- projects presented yesterday partment for Prevention and 617 are to be prison guards. Bureau (DSRJDI), which will RJDI means new capabilities by the ExCo involved the So- Treatment of Drug and Gam- In accordance with other res- cease to exist. for the Law Reform Consulta- cial Welfare Bureau (IAS). bling Dependencies. This chan- tructuring, this new organiza- In a press conference held tive Committee (CCRJ). From The ExCo said that, “due to a ge triggers the creation of a new tion takes effect on January 1, yesterday at government head- January 1, 2016, the CCRJ will growing demand from the po- division named the Division for 2016. fri 18.12.2015 th Anniversary

專題 Special Feature 5

Studio City’s epicenter of magic inspires non-gaming careers for local talents in creative and Entertainment production or the first time in Macau, the debut of I’m responsible for the motorcycle perfor- Fthe ‘House of Magic’ has brought a world- mance at the beginning of the Mega Magic class magic spectacular to Studio City. A ma- show”, he explained. A recent graduate from gic-based theatrical production tailor made the Faculty of Law, KK gave up his legal ca- for Asia by master magician Franz Harary, reer to take his first steps on the magic stage the innovative show offers a new home for with Franz Harary. The show was “exclusi- magic right here in the city. vely designed for our five Macau local As with Studio City’s other non-gaming at- technicians to participate”, he added. tractions, the ‘House of Magic’ has created Likewise for Billy, a stage technician respon- numerous new career opportunities for Ma- sible for controlling Mega Magic’s huge ma- cau locals. Behind the scenes of the show is gic machines, he “never thought Macau a talented group of locals, including 13 stage would have a resident magic show”. crew/performers in the Mega Magic show “I’m so excited this is my first full-time job”, who, until they got their new roles at the the fresh International Tourism graduate ‘House of Magic’, had never even set foot on said. “This is my dream job since I was young. stage before. I’ve been performing as a local magician for One of these local stage technicians, KK, many years, and I’m looking forward to mee- described his new role as a “dream job”. “I’m ting more world-class magicians and partici- a stage technician for Mega Magic now and pating with them at Studio City.”

Macau locals participate in the magic show ith the aim of supporting the s Macau’s first multi-theater hosting and lair theaters reveals celebrated magicians well as Portugal’s Luis De Matos, recipient local community, after Studio Ci- Aa resident magic show, the ‘House of performing acts of astonishment. The journey of the ”Illusionist of the Decade” award ty’sW grand opening, Melco Crown En- Magic’ is a one-of-a-kind attraction housing culminates in the mega magic theater where from the International Magicians’ Society, tertainment invited local disadvanta- leading international magic acts. Designed, Franz Harary stages his electrifying new show will be showcasing their skills; from Decem- ged groups on a familiarization tour of curated and hosted by acclaimed illusionist specially created for the ‘House of Magic’. ber through February 2016; the new resort to experience the novel Franz Harary, the theater is set to become the • A ‘House of Magic’ package for two offers attractions and entertainment offerin- premier performance venue for magicians in Additional offerings one night’s stay at Star tower and a magi- gs first-hand. Moreover, from October the Asian region. Franz Harary himself is re- cal dining experience at Magic 28 to December 6, the company also cognized for conducting magic performances for a magical journey at for HKD2,398; donated 300 free tickets each day, and on an ambitious scale, and some of his most Studio City include: • The Studio City “Experience It All” En- 400 on weekends, over 300 associa- famous feats include the disappearance of tertainment Pass offers an entertainment tions, with over 10,000 people, have wit- the sphinx in Cairo, India’s Taj Mahal and • Also inside the complex is Shanghai Magic, experience for thrill-seekers with a ride on nessed this amazing and magic collec- NASA’s space shuttle at the Kennedy Space a magically-themed gourmet restaurant the spectacular Golden Reel, a super-hero tion curated personally by Franz and the Center. featuring Shanghainese cuisine; adventure on the Batman Dark Flight 4D starry line-up of world renowned magi- With Harary at the helm, the ‘House of Ma- • The ‘House of Magi’c offers a 90-minute live flight simulation and access to mind-ben- cians so that those who otherwise wou- gic’ takes the audience on a journey through experience showcasing a continuous rota- ding magic at ‘The House of Magic’ all for ld not have been able to could see the three distinct theaters for the price of one. The tion of internationally celebrated magicians. HKD550. world-renowned illusionist perform at spectacle commences in the illusion labora- American magician Danny Cole, twice voted the House of Magic show. Both these tory where viewers are greeted with close up stage magician of the year by the Academy For further information on Studio City, initiatives underline Melco’s ongoing magic and a mind-spinning illusion. Then a of Magical Arts, the Las Vegas based hus- please visit: www.studiocity-macau.com commitment to the local community. trip through the grand hall into the majestic band and wife duo Kyle Knight & Mistie, as or call 8868 6767.

All magicians Luis de Matos Asian pop-star Show Lo 18.12.2015 fri

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Chief Executive Lawmakers link Demarcation of coastal zone new arrangement significant for diversified growth to diversification awmakers Sio Chi Wai and Ho Ion LSang have appealed to the government to draft map demarcating added that it will lay a solid make use of the marine management rights Athe MSAR’s revised foundation for Macau to granted by to realize the MSAR goal of maritime and land zones improve the well-being of long-term prosperity through economic diver- reflects the central govern- its local population. sification. ment’s support for Macau, The change will facilita- A day after the region was notified of the according to Chui Sai On. te cooperation between much sought-after autonomy over its surroun- Xinhua news agency re- Macau and neighboring ding waters, several lawmakers raised the topic ported that the chief exe- regions in the develop- at yesterday’s Legislative Assembly meeting. cutive spoke highly of the ment of a marine eco- Sio called upon the government to advance draft map that was passed nomy, Chui mentioned the development of the relevant regulations by China’s State Council in the statement. He also for governing activities in the waters. He sug- on Wednesday, which de- noted that the MSAR is gested that the government extend its tourism marcated the coastal wa- willing to provide more efforts to the city’s rim, taking reference from ters that will be under local assistance to promote other international cities. The lawmaker also jurisdiction. The CE noted help improve Macau’s rule peration between Macau in-depth exchanges and said that it was a high time to map out a blue- that the introduction of of law, as well as benefiting and neighboring regions cooperation between print in response to the demand for land use, this policy, which was first the region’s full and accu- of Guangdong and Hong Macau and the main- working from a macroscopic perspective. announced by the Chinese rate implementation of the Kong. At the same time, he land. MDT/Agencies Another lawmaker believed that the govern- president Xi Jinping when “one country, two systems” ment would now be able to deal with the floo- he visited Macau one year principle and the Basic ding at the Inner Harbor and the Duck Channel ago, is of great significance Law of the Macau SAR. maritime patrol expanded areas, which has long plagued residents there. in helping Macau diversify This will also expand the Ho also believed that, under the five-year its local economy. space for Macau’s develo- The Secretary for of the Cartography and development plan earlier announced by the According to the draft, an pment, and accelerate the Security, Wong Sio Chak, Cadaster Bureau, Cheong government, authorities would be obligated area of 85 square kilome- appropriate diversification who is also the interim di- Sio Kei, the demarcation of to exploit the 85 square kilometers of mari- ters of sea to the east and and sustainable develop- rector general of the Macau Macau’s maritime and land ne area, in which gaming-related facilities are south of Macau will be ma- ment of the local economy, Customs Service, said that zones will ease environmen- prohibited. naged by the MSAR. The Chui said in a written state- the local authorities plan to tal management near the “To grasp such an opportunity bestowed by the buildings at border control ment on Wednesday. acquire several patrol boats Duck Channel (Canal dos central government, the government has to push are also included within Demarcation of Ma- and expand the maritime Patos), a waterway between for greater economic diversification, stronger ef- patrol team to 190 people. Macau and the neighboring Macau’s administration. cau’s customary waters forts targeting citizens’ livelihood and the develo- According to the director city of Zhuhai. Chui said the move will is expected to boost coo- pment of non-gaming elements,” he said. AU ad fri 18.12.2015

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Potential late penalties for Wynn Palace contractor

nother delay in the hit some complications in ins- tion deadline, Leighton must Aconstruction of the Wynn tallation,” said Steve Wynn. also meet several other cons- Palace could lead the casino re- The notification prompted truction benchmarks over the

sort’s contractor accruing sig- archive photo Wynn to revise the completion course of this and next month, nificant financial penalties. date to June 25. The delay cou- or they will risk paying penal- Last month, Leighton, the ld prove disastrous for contrac- ties. contractor signed to develop tor Leighton, which has finan- According to the Las Vegas the Macau project, indicated cial incentives to meet various Sun, Wynn said that a failure to to Wynn that they would be deadlines. complete the first five floors by unable to meet the original The company has already re- Christmas Eve will result in a March 25 deadline for com- linquished a bonus of USD38 penalty of USD200,000 per day, pletion. million for the timely comple- while a failure to complete the “They told us, ‘We’re not going tion of the resort on March 25, first ten floors a month later will to make the 25th [of March],’ the Las Vegas Sun reported. incur an additional penalty of the because they [Leighton] have Now, aside from the comple- same amount. Staff reporter

he 10th Macau De- Arts Tsign Biennial opened yesterday at the Special Exhibition Gallery of the Design Biennial showcases award-winning cross-straits designs Handover Gifts Museum of Macau. The exhibition sector in Macau. July 25 by an internatio- tion and the Macau Gover- velopment. They hope that showcases award-winning Various awards were nal judging panel consis- nment Tourism Office. the exhibition can elevate designs by artists from the presented to artists at the ting of experts from Chi- This year’s edition has the awareness and image “cross-straits” region en- opening event on Wed- na, Hong Kong, Taiwan, attracted 2,202 entries by of the design industry, and compassing China, Macau, nesday, and these works Japan, Germany and Por- 694 participants from the make it more appealing Hong Kong and Taiwan, as will be showcased in the tugal. cross-straits region, Japan to the all members of the well as artists from Japan Handover Gifts Museum The Macau Design Bien- and Malaysia, according to community. and Malaysia. until February 18, 2016. nial is co-organized by exhibition organizers. The exhibition opens Founded by the Macau In addition, some of the the Civic and Municipal According to organizers, today and will last until Designers Association, the award-winning works will Affairs Bureau of Macau, the biennial’s stated purpo- February 18, 2016. It is event has been held sin- be collated and displayed the Macao Museum of Art, se is to enhance the public’s open between 10 a.m. and ce 1994 and is now in its by the Macau Museum of the Cultural Affairs Bureau understanding of the com- 7 p.m. with no admittance 10th edition. It serves as Art on a permanent basis. and the Macau Designers plex relationship between on Monday. Admission to the only competition for The final selection for the Association. It is suppor- creative design in corporate the Macau Design Biennial professionals in the design exhibition was decided on ted by the Macau Founda- branding and industrial de- is free. ad fri 18.12.2015

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10 business 分析

Real Estate Matters Common misconceptions about renting a property in Macau (Part 5 of 6)

Juliet Risdon is a Director of JML Property and a property investor. Having established the company in 1994, JML Property offers Investment Property & Homes. It specializes in managing properties for owners and investors, and providing attractive and comfortable homes for tenants.

www.JMLProperty.com Juliet Risdon [email protected]

When you consider the rental pro- apartment in the same condition payments, and must therefore subsi- cess usually involves at least two that it was handed over with an dize the mortgage every month. different languages (sometimes allowance for reasonable wear and Many such owners are individuals, three), its not surprising that mi- tear. but they may have borrowed mo- sunderstandings are commonplace. The owner is responsible for the in- ney from family members and put This list of common misconceptions frastructure of the apartment such themselves in long term debt in may look innocent enough, but the as the shell of the apartment itself, order to ‘get a foot on the property difference in expectation is usually the plumbing system, the provision ladder’. the source of major rental conflicts, of power etc. In other words, provi- Whilst it may be difficult to feel sor- and one that could be easily avoided ding reasonable and safe conditions ry for landlords, it is wise to recog- with a little more clarity up front. for habitation. nize the need for both parties in the Carrying on from last week, we con- relationship. Without an owner who tinue with some of the most com- 22-I will rent an apartment for is willing to risk investing money in mon misconceptions……. 3 months only a property in which they don’t live, Yes, it is possible, but unlikely. of course there would also be no 20-I can use the security depo- There is usually great difficulty at- tenant. sit to pay the last 2 months rent tached to renting an apartment for I’m only here for a short time, so I No. Deposits may not be used to co- less than 6 months. Most owners wont buy anywhere. ver rents. consider it too much trouble, and If you are buying with the long term A deposit is for the fixtures, fittin- many agents refuse to handle such in mind, it’s still a good time to buy gs and furnishings of the property. short leases. in Macau. Macau Law is very specific about However, it is possible to rent for As more new Casinos and resorts this. shorter periods using a Corporate take shape on Cotai, the demand for The moment that a rent is unpaid Rental program. housing will increase as the popula- for 30 days, the landlord is entitled Under the program, the rental agree- tion grows. to the amount of rent owed plus an ment is signed under the company Property of a ‘livable’ quality is in additional penalty equal to 100% of name, and the agreement provides short supply, and basic economics tell the rent. the tenant with more flexibility than us that prices will continue to rise. In other words, if you don’t pay rent a traditional long-term lease. However, rising prices cannot con- for the last 2 months, you will owe tinue indefinitely, and we are cur- 4 months rent. If this goes into the 23-The owner has lots of mo- rently experiencing a slowdown courts and remains unpaid, a per- ney. They are being greedy of course. But we have to live so- son returning to Macau risks being asking for a higher rent mewhere, and it makes good finan- detained at immigration. You will already be aware that pro- cial sense to own the property we perty prices are high in Macau, and live in. 21-The owner is responsib- in most cases owners have had find Apart from anything else, we are at le for looking after my rental large chunks of cash to purchase least in control of our living arran- apartment ? properties. gements, and not looking for a new The tenant is responsible for the sa- Even with interest rates at a current place to live every 2 years. fekeeping and care of the contents low, the vast majority of owners do of the apartment, and returning the not receive enough rent to cover loan (to continue next week) fri 18.12.2015

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分析 business 13

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CSG assigned A+ rating for foreign currency issuance

itch Ratings, a US- Hong Kong and Macau, and Subsidiary Linkage” Fbased financial ratin- having recently installed methodology. According gs agency, has assigned a new electricity grid to to the same methodo- China Southern Power power the port and theme logy, CSG’s ratings take Grid Company (CSG) park in Hengqin. into consideration Fi- a “Long-Term Foreign China Southern Power tch’s overall rating of Currency Issuer Default China as a country (A+/ Rating (IDR)” of “A+” Stable). and a senior unsecured CSG is The state-backed com- rating of “A+,” according pany is considered a cru- to Reuters. a major cial component in the Meanwhile, CSG’s Hong central government’s Kong subsidiary was as- electricity strategy of stabilizing signed a Long-Term Fo- supplier to geographical energy de- reign Currency IDR of mand-supply imbalances “A” and a senior unsecu- both HK and across the country. It also red rating of “A.” aligns with China’s goal The state-owned power Macau to promote cleaner forms grid operator controls a of energy in the future. monopoly in the southern Grid International (Hong The agency’s rating five provinces of China Kong) Co. (CSGI HK) therefore takes into con- – Guangdong, Guangxi, has received significant sideration the strategic Yunnan, Guizhou and support from its parent importance of the com- Hainan – providing a company, including the pany to China, and the fi- power grid network to provision of guarantees nancial support available around 230 million resi- for the company’s debt. to the company, in asses- dents. CSGI HK was ranked a sing the appeal of China CSG is also a major elec- grade lower than CSG in Southern Power Grid’s tricity supplier to both line with Fitch’s “Parent investment. Staff reporter

corporate bits ten awards to sands retailers cam donates to ‘walk for a million’ The Macau International Airport Company (CAM) has issued a press release announcing its MOP100,000 contribution to the 32nd edition of the “Walk For A Million,” which took place on Sunday. The company also formed a team of over 140 staff members from CAM and its sub- Sands Shoppes hosted the inaugural Sands sidiaries, which participated in the day’s events. Retail Awards ceremony on Tuesday to recog- CAM says that its team undertook tasks such nize retailers that have demonstrated service as looking for a suitable gathering spot, prepa- excellence throughout 2015. Awards were pre- ring banner materials, and arranging breakfast sented for “Best Store Performance” across for participants. The “Walk For A Million,” which nine categories, including High Street Fashion, is organized by the Macau Daily Readers Cha- Luxury Fashion, and Food & Beverage. Ten win- rity Fund, is the largest annual charity event in ners were selected across the nine categories, Macau. It seeks to provide funding for various based on their sales’ performance, overall shop family and child welfare services. presentation, and customer service. “By introdu- cing these awards, we are showing our retailers that their efforts to provide our guests and cus- tomers with the highest level of service possible [are] greatly appreciated,” said David Sylvester, executive vice-president of global retail at Las Vegas Sands. 18.12.2015 fri

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14 CHINA 中國

Elaine Kurtenbach, Tokyo

he Federal Reserve’s rate hike was welco- US rate hike ends wait, but not med in Asia as a sign of strength in the U.S., Tone of the region’s biggest ex- port markets. But it could com- uncertainty for China, Asia plicate Chinese efforts to avoid a sharper economic slowdown and keep the yuan steady. the rate hike. The U.S. central bank yester- However, given the long lead day (Macau time) raised the Fe- ap photo time for the Fed decision, In- deral Funds Rate by a quarter dia is well prepared to absorb percentage point, the first such the policy shift, said Sreeram increase in nearly a decade. The Chaulia, dean at Jindal School decision ended a long period of uncertainty about when the Fed would begin winding down the easy money deployed to help The Fed hike heal the economic damage of the 2008 financial crisis. could hinder Financial markets had am- ple time to adjust, yet the long China’s efforts stretch of near-zero interest rates makes the policy change to keep growth “unprecedented,” said econo- in the world’s mist Masamichi Adachi of JP- Morgan in Tokyo. No. 2 economy “Beyond the market perspecti- ve, in the real economy, there are from falling so many uncertainties,” he said, citing China’s slowdown, the below 6.5 slump in oil prices, high levels percent of corporate debt in developing economies and other factors. Economists don’t expect a of International Affairs. rerun of the turmoil seen during “It’s not going to be an exodus the 2013 “taper tantrum,” when Stocks posted broad gains in Hong Kong and globally after the Fed ended protracted uncertainty by raising interest rates for of money from the system. We the Fed’s decision to phase out the first time in nearly a decade have cushioned it,” he said. its asset purchases caused Trea- Reserve Bank of India Gov. surys yields to soar as investors hold off on extra stimulus for group. Outflows increased even befo- Raghuram Rajan said the cen- dumped bonds. the economy, which has yet to Chinese growth has slowed re the Fed’s meeting this week. tral bank would supply liquidity Asian stocks rose yesterday gain much traction nearly three steadily over the past five years Analysts estimate November’s as needed. and some currencies weakened years after the BOJ launched as the ruling party tried to steer capital outflow at $100 billion “We are prepared for any moderately against the U.S. its own barrage of quantitative the economy to a more sustai- to $115 billion, up sharply from eventuality,” he told reporters dollar. Investors welcomed the easing. nable expansion based on do- October’s $37 billion. last week in Kolkata. Fed’s signal that interest rate The Fed hike could hinder mestic consumption instead “Normalization of U.S. mone- Countries in Southeast Asia increases will be gradual. China’s efforts to keep growth of trade and investment. The tary policy should definitely be will also be monitoring move- Within Asia, Japan may have in the world’s No. 2 economy slowdown has rippled around seen as a headwind for Chinese ments in capital. the most to gain from the Fed’s from falling below 6.5 percent. the world, affecting economies attempts to ease monetary con- The biggest concern for coun- shift, since higher U.S. inte- That is the level needed to such as Australia, Brazil and ditions,” said Logan Wright, di- tries such as Indonesia and rest rates are likely to push the achieve the government’s goal South Korea. rector of China market research Thailand would be the potential dollar up against the yen, hel- of doubling the Chinese eco- If Beijing cuts interest rates to for Rhodium Group. impact on their currencies. ping Japan’s exports. nomy’s size by 2020 from its support growth that could acce- But the Chinese central bank But most countries in the re- That would also raise costs 2010 level. lerate outflows of money, requi- has other tools it can use, inclu- gion have enough policy leeway for consumers and companies “It’s really China that’s the key ring Beijing to spend more of ding encouraging lending by re- to cope with currency gyrations that depend heavily on imports, to this story. The moderation of its foreign currency reserves to ducing the reserves commercial or capital outflows, Moody’s supporting efforts by Japan’s Chinese growth has had quite keep the yuan relatively steady banks are required to hold. said in a recent report. central bank to stoke inflation a negative impact on many ex- against the U.S. dollar. In India, the rupee has been “The region is better prepared and reinvigorate the Japanese porters, including commodity “How long can they keep doing under downward pressure, sli- than it was, say, during the ta- economy. exporters such as Indonesia,” that?” said Biswas of IHS. “It’s ding just over 5 percent against per tantrum of 2013,” said its The Bank of Japan began its said Rajiv Biswas, Asia-Paci- going to be a very difficult year the dollar in 2015, and experts author, Alaistair Chan. “The big last policy meeting for 2015 fic chief economist for the IHS for China, assuming the Fed say there may be some capital question for 2016 is the effects on Thursday. It is expected to Economics & Country Risk continues to raise rates.” outflows as markets adjust to of China’s slowdown.” AP

China Southern Airlines orders 110 Boeing jets worth USD10b

hina’s biggest airli- planes have a list price of in China, for 737 aircra- try will need 6,330 new Cne said yesterday it’s $81.2 million while the ft. The company also said airplanes worth an esti- buying more than a hun- ap photo Max series aircraft sells at the time that it landed mated $950 billion over dred Boeing 737 jets in a for $96.1 million. orders for 300 jets from the next two decades. deal worth about USD10 However, airlines usually Chinese companies. The International Air billion that comes just negotiate discounts on Boeing is battling with Transport Association, months after the U.S. such deals and the airline Airbus to win market sha- an airline industry group, plane maker announced said it’s paying a “signifi- re in China, which is fore- said last month that Chi- plans to build a Chinese cantly lower” price. cast to become the wor- na would overtake the finishing plant for the air- The order comes near- ld’s biggest market for air United States as the wor- craft type. ly three months after travel and passenger air- ld’s top passenger market China Southern Airli- Boeing Co. signed a deal planes thanks to booming by 2029. nes is buying 30 Boeing with state-owned Com- demand from China’s ri- State-owned China Sou- 737 Next Generation jets a statement to the Hong buying 30 of Boeing’s 737 mercial Aircraft Corpora- sing middle class. thern is the country’s big- and 50 737 Max aircra- Kong stock exchange. Its Max jets. tion of China to build its The Chicago-based com- gest airline by passengers ft, the company said in Airlines unit is The Next Generation first final assembly plant pany forecasts the coun- and fleet size. AP fri 18.12.2015

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中國 CHINA 15

advertorial Beijing threatens sanctions against firms in Taiwan arms sale

-building in the South China Sea and alleged cybertheft. ap photo The administration notified Congress that the proposed arms package includes two decommissioned U.S. Navy frigates, anti-tank missiles, amphibious assault vehicles and Stinger surface-to-air missiles. There’s also support for Taiwan’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and a weapons system to defend Matthew Pennington & against anti-ship missiles. Christopher Bodeen, Washington Congress has 30 days to re- view the sale, but it’s unlikely he Obama adminis- to raise objections. There’s Ttration announced a been mounting bipartisan USD1.83 billion arms sale to concern that Taiwan is ina- Taiwan, drawing an imme- dequately armed to defend diate rebuke and threats of itself against an increasingly retaliation from ’s rival powerful . Beijing. U.S. lawmakers welcomed The arms package is the the announcement. There first offered by the U.S. to were calls from both parties the self-governing island in for more frequent arms sales four years. Even before its to Taiwan. announcement, Beijing, whi- New York Rep. Eliot Engel, ch regards Taiwan as part of the top-ranking Democrat its territory, demanded it be on the House Foreign Affairs scrapped to avoid harming Committee, said the sale relations across the Taiwan would contribute to peace Strait and between China and stability across the strait. and the U.S. “I wish we would see them on That was followed by a for- a regular basis,” he said. mal diplomatic protest, al- The committee’s Republi- though at a lower level than can chairman, California in previous such instances. Rep. Ed Royce, said the ad- “China resolutely opposes ministration had “needles- the sale of weapons to Taiwan sly dragged out” the appro- by the U.S.,” Vice Foreign val process, and that other Minister Zheng Zeguang said Taiwanese requests “have in a meeting with Washing- still not seen the light of day.” ton’s second-highest ranking Sen. John McCain, Republi- diplomat in Beijing. can chairman of the Senate “In order to safeguard the Armed Services Committee, nation’s interests, the Chi- said the U.S. should avoid nese side has decided to take extended periods during necessary measures, inclu- which “fear of upsetting the ding the imposition of sanc- U.S.-China relationship may tions against companies par- harm Taiwan’s defense capa- ticipating in the arms sale to bilities.” Taiwan,” Zheng said, accor- Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry ding to a statement posted on cheered the announcement the ministry’s website. as a sign of healthy ties be- Such sanctions have been tween Taipei and Washin- threatened in the past, al- gton and rejected claims it though there’s no evidence would harm relations with they’ve had any meaningful Beijing. effect. American and Euro- The sale will “help maintain pean Union companies are peace and stability across the banned from selling military Taiwan Strait and increase technology to China, and our confidence as we enga- Chinese companies have ge in dialogue and improves extensive links with major relations across the Taiwan overseas firms that often Strait,” the ministry said in a have weapon-making divi- statement. sions. “It also highlights the fact A U.S. Embassy spokes- that U.S.-Taiwan relations man, speaking on routine are indeed at their best ever,” condition of anonymity, de- the statement said. clined to comment on the However, a pro-Taiwan meeting, saying, “we don’t business group in the U.S. get into the content of our di- lamented the amount of time plomatic discussions.” taken to process the sale and The U.S. maintained there’s questioned whether it was no need for it to hurt the rela- adequate in the face of Chi- tionship, which has also been na’s rapid military advance- strained by China’s island ments. AP 18.12.2015 fri

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16 ASIA-PACIFIC 亞太版

Japan South Korea US ambassador Kennedy Seoul court acquits Japanese reporter of defends Okinawa base plan defamation

.S. Ambassador to Japan Seoul court yesterday Caroline Kennedy defended acquitted a Japane- U ap photo A on Thursday a controversial pro- se reporter of defaming ap photo posal to relocate a U.S. Marine South Korea’s president Corps base on Okinawa in sou- by reporting that she was thern Japan as the best of many spending time with a man options considered. during a deadly ferry di- In a rare news conference in saster last year. Tokyo, she also expressed con- The ruling by the Seoul fidence that the U.S. Congress Central District Court would ratify the Trans-Pacific comes as President Park Partnership, a trade pact with 12 Geun-hye faces criticism nations, including Japan and the that she has clamped United States. down on journalists. The Tatsuya Kato “Trade agreements are never case has been seen as 18-month prison term, easy to pass, but they always do,” a test of free speech as have one week to appeal she said at the Japan National opponents say govern- the ruling. Press Club. “President Obama ment attacks on personal In a press conference, is absolutely committed to this and political liberties are Kato described the acqui- agreement ... so I have no doubt growing. ttal as a “due verdict” and that when this all comes together, Prosecutors last year said he hopes prosecutors that TPP will pass.” indicted Tatsuya Kato will not appeal. He said In Okinawa, the plan to move Henoko of Nago city, Okinawa prefecture where the Japanese government resumed a land reclamation construction work needed to relocate a U.S. air base of Japan’s conservative his story on Park’s whe- the Futenma air station to a Sankei Shimbun news- reabouts during the ferry less congested area has run into the people of Okinawa for their considered,” she said. paper over an article that disaster serves the public stiff opposition from residents support and is working hard to “I believe that we are at a tur- listed rumors that Park interest. and Okinawan officials who reduce the impact of the U.S. mi- ning point, and that the next few was absent for seven South Korea’s Foreign want it taken off their island litary bases on the island. years will be critical, and once hours during the disas- Ministry said earlier that completely. “People worked very hard, con- we’re able to move Futenma ... ter that killed more than it had asked the Justice Kennedy, who has been ambas- sidered many options and deve- that the situation will improve,” 300 people, mostly tee- Ministry to consider Ja- sador for about two years, said loped this plan that I think is the she said. “And we’re committed nagers. Prosecutors, who pan’s request for leniency the United States is grateful to best of any other plan that was to doing that.” AP previously requested an on Kato. AP ad fri 18.12.2015

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Tatsuya Kato 18.12.2015 fri

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Aijaz Hussain, Srinagar ap photo he cackle and cry of Kashmir’s annual bird migration has long been a welcome Truckus for those living in the Indian-controlled Himalayan territory. It signals the sum- mer’s end, the coming snows and the global importance of Kashmir’s environment for species arriving from as far as northern Europe and Japan. But these days, wildlife ex- perts say they have never seen so few birds — and so few spe- cies — feeding and breeding around the wetlands nestled between the region’s mountain peaks and plateaus. A combi- nation of climate change and haphazard urban development are to blame, scientists say. Colorful birds like the whoo- per swan, stiff-tailed duck and cotton teal have not been seen in the area in recent years. While there has been little scientific study to quan- tify the falling numbers, for- mer regional wildlife warden Mohammed Shafi Bacha says he counts only 18 species visi- ting today out of 28 that came three decades ago. Scientists routinely reject the state’s official count of birds as unreliable, but even those numbers show a downward trend: During the winter of 2009-10, authorities said more Migratory birds swim in wetlands in Hokersar, about 16 kilometers (10 miles) north of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir than 1 million birds visited Kashmir’s wetlands. Last year, they counted just over half that number. “The bird numbers have been Wetland loss, development put fluctuating over the years, but now there is a steady decline,” Bacha said. He called for an “urgent and massive effort to Kashmir bird migration at risk revive these wetland reserves for protecting the birds.” Scientists say unbridled cons- vast collection of connec- tal clear water after I dropped The decline in visits by migra- flocking back to a once-dried truction, piled up trash and the ted wetlands and waterways it while crossing a small woo- tory birds seeking refuge from up wetland brought back to life changing Himalayan climate known as much for its idyllic den bridge,” said businessman colder winter climates further by last year’s floods in saffron — where warmer temperatu- vistas and flower-filled mea- Showkat Dar, who grew up north should sound alarm bells -rich southern Pampore. res are melting snows more dows as for its decades-long near a vast swamp dense with for Kashmir’s future, environ- Recognizing the importance quickly and playing havoc with battle for independence that willow trees and squawking mentalists say. of Kashmir’s wetlands, India’s the seasons — are robbing the has killed 68,000 people. geese that has since become a “There’s a great danger ahead Supreme Court last year or- birds of their traditional wate- The violence has subsided in high-end marketplace in the if urban development is not dered authorities in both New ring holes and, in the case of recent years, with resistance Delhi and Srinagar to identify visiting mallard ducks, their now mostly expressed through and preserve these ecosystems nesting areas. street protests. But the moun- Scientists say unbridled in the region. Still, there have Scientists say the Earth’s at- tainous region is still crisscros- been no discussions about con- mosphere has already warmed sed with thousands of miles construction, piled up trash and servation and no action taken an average of 0.7 degrees Cel- (kilometers) of barbed wire since then. sius in the last century, thanks and patrolled by hundreds of the changing Himalayan climate “The last nail in the coffin has to the release of heat-trapping thousands of Indian troops. are robbing the birds of their been the changing climate and greenhouse gases like carbon The tense security situation land use patterns,” said Majid dioxide. But temperatures are has made addressing environ- traditional watering holes Farooq, an expert in tracking rising more quickly at high mental issues harder. environmental change by sa- altitudes like the Himalayas. Compounding the environ- tellite at the state-run Climate Kashmir itself has warmed mental challenge is a rapid main city of Srinagar. “That linked to wetland management Change Center in Srinagar. 1.3 degrees Celsius in the past change in how people are using coin must be still buried so- in Kashmir,” said Ritesh Ku- Meanwhile, 60-year-old pea- century. Local scientists say the land. New neighborhoods mewhere under these commer- mar, the head of Wetlands In- sant farmer Gulam Nabi re- seasons are shifting from their are popping up around cial buildings.” ternational in South Asia. The grets the declining number of usual patterns, and precipi- wetlands, with little regard The loss or degradation of birds, he said, were “greatly birds visiting near his home tation is more often falling as to maintaining water flow. many wetlands has also left the impacted.” at the Hokersar wetland each rain instead of snow. Swamps are frequently clogged region unable to absorb and The Hokersar wetland, for year. It’s been years since he’s “Loss of habitat and clima- by garbage. Water-logged rice channel floodwaters, leaving example, has shrunk from spotted a little cormorant or te change are major factors,” fields are quickly being conver- it increasingly exposed to floo- nearly 19 square kilometers black swan. wildlife department researcher ted into orchards. Deforesta- ding. Srinagar was inundated in 1969 to 12.8 square kilo- “Their presence has always Samina Amin said. tion is unleashing soils that are last year in disastrous floods meters today, according to a soothed my nerves,” he said. The birds have long been a filling in lakes. that caused $17 billion in los- study by Kashmir University’s “We’ve destroyed their homes, highlight for residents in the “I clearly remember a coin ses to infrastructure and ho- Department of Earth Sciences. and in turn they’ve abandoned famed Kashmir Valley — a swinging down into the crys- mes. Meanwhile, birds were already us.” AP 18.12.2015 fri

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分析 WORLD 21

Vladimir Isachenkov, Moscow Russia ussia is ready to improve ties with the United States and work with whomever Putin says Moscow’s ready to Ris elected its next president, President Vladimir Putin said yesterday. He said his talks with U.S. Secretary John Ker- improve ties with the US ry earlier this week showed that Washington is ready to “move toward settling the is- sues that can only be settled ap photo through joint efforts.” Addressing Russia’s strai- ned relations with some of its neighbors at his annual news conference, attended by hun- dreds of Russian and foreign journalists, Putin said he saw no possibility of overcoming the tensions with Turkey un- der its current leadership, and wanted to see the conflict in Ukraine settled as soon as possible. Putin said the Russian mi- litary operation in Syria will continue until a political pro- cess starts, but it is up to the Syrians to decide when to stop fighting and sit down for talks. “We aren’t going to be more Syrian than the Syrians themselves,” he added. He also offered assurances that the Russian economy was showing signs of stabi- lization despite plummeting oil prices, in fielding an array of questions from journalis- Russian President Vladimir Putin ts representing state-owned media organizations about unsure whether Russia needs ter a Turkish fighter jet shot While insisting that Russia Ukraine says are Russian whether the government was a permanent military base down a Russian bomber along has no regular troops in eas- soldiers for Ukrainian pilot coping with the challenges in Syria, since new Russian the Syrian border on Nov. 24, tern Ukraine, Putin acknow- Nadezhda Savchenko and and whether the country cou- weapons, such as sea- and Putin said he was stunned ledged that there have been other prisoners, Putin said ld afford waging a war. air-launched cruise missiles, that Ankara, instead of con- people “performing some mi- any exchange must be equal The economy is set to decli- give Moscow enough punch tacting Moscow to explain its litary tasks.” and details could be discus- ne by 3.8 percent this year, to strike an enemy from afar. actions, turned immediately Asked whether Moscow is sed with the Ukrainian au- and average income has dro- Putin said Moscow suppor- to NATO. ready to exchange two men thorities. AP pped this year for the first ts the U.S. draft of a U.N. With Ukraine, however, Pu- time since Putin was first Security Council resolution tin said Russia was interested elected in 2000. on Syria. He said Russia and in seeing the conflict settled as saudi-led coalition not seen as hostile Russian warplanes have the U.S. agree on the need to quickly as possible. He urged flown thousands of combat ensure the drafting of a new the Ukrainian government to President Vladimir Putin understand the purpose of creat- sorties in Syria since Mos- constitution for Syria and approve legislation on hol- says that Russia doesn’t see a new ing the new coalition, because cow began its air campaign create mechanisms of control ding elections in the eastern anti-terror coalition led by Saudi many of its members are part of on Sept. 30. Putin said the over future elections, in whi- regions, where Russia-backed Arabia as hostile to its interests, the U.S.-led coalition. campaign will continue until ch Syrians themselves will de- separatists have been fighting but he called for pooling global ef- At the same time, he adds that work begins on a political se- termine their leadership. government troops since April forts to fight against terrorism. Russia has cooperated with Saudi ttlement. Some of his harshest words 2014. More than 9,000 people Speaking at the news conference, Arabia despite their differences on The president said he was were reserved for Turkey. Af- have been killed. Putin said that he doesn’t quite the Syrian crisis.

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24 INFOTAINMENT 資訊/娛樂

TV canal macau cinema this day in history Friday cineteatro 13:00 TDM News (Repeat) 17 Dec - 30 Dec 13:30 News (RTPi) Delayed Broadcast 14:30 RTPi Live 18:10 Trail of Lies (Repeated) 19:00 TDM Talk Show (Repeated) 19:30 Soap Opera 20:30 Main News, Financial & Weather Report 21:15 News 21:45 Miscellaneous 22:10 Trail of Lies 23:00 TDM News 23:30 Feature Film star wars: the force awakens_ room 1 01:10 Main News, Financial & Weather Report (Repeated) (2D) 2.15, 4.45, 9.45 pm 02:00 RTPi Live (3D) 7.15 pm Director: J.J. Abrams Starring: Teresa Palmer, Luke Bracey, Édgar Ramírez Language: English (Cantonese) Saturday Duration: 135min 10:30 Boonie Bears - Sr.2 11:35 Young Adult point break_ room 2 12:00 Miscellaneous (17 Dec) (2D) 2.30, 4.30, 9.30 pm 13:00 TDM News (Repeat) (3D) 7.30 pm 13:30 News (RTPi) Delayed Broadcast Director: Ericson Core Starring: Teresa Palmer, Luke Bracey, Édgar 14:30 Soap Opera Ramírez 18:35 Contest Language: English (Cantonese) 19:20 Miscellaneous Duration: 113min Eric Heffer 19:50 Macau 360° (Repeated) Snoopy: the peanuts movie_ 20:30 Main News, Financial & Weather Report room2 (19-23 Dec) (2D) 2.30, 4.30 pm Publicity abour s union turn 20:59 (18-23 Dec) (3D) 7.30 pm 1989 L ’ U- 21:00 The chronicles of Wu Li – In St. Paul`s College Director: Steve Martino 22:25 Jazz Music Language: Cantonese (English and Cantonese) The Labour Party has abandoned its policy on trade Duration: 88min union closed shops in line with European legislation. 23:00 TDM News The decision is seen by many to be a move away 23:30 Tactical Unit - Human Nature from the party’s old-style socialism towards a more 01:00 Main News, Financial & Weather Report (Repeated) European-wide agenda. It ends the widespread policy of some employers who discriminate against employees who are not members of a union. Sunday Labour sources reveal it is hoped the new policy 07:55 Official Programmes will reduce government’s accusations that the party is dominated by trade unions. 08:30 RTPi Live Shadow employment secretary Tony Blair said the 10:30 Young Children move was crucial for a sustainable approach from the 11:00 Sunday Mass party to employment. 12:00 Miscelllaneous “We have got to bring our law into line with the rest of Europe,” he said. 13:00 TDM News (Repeat) “That is sensible in the run up to the single Euro- 13:30 News (RTPi) Delayed Broadcast Ip man 3_ pean market and also it allows us, which I think is 14:30 Zig Zag room 2 crucial, to try and get some stability in industrial re- (19-20 Dec) 9.30 pm lations to get a settlement in industrial law that lasts. 16:50 Young Adult (24-30 Dec) 5.45, 9.30 , 11.30 pm “That is the key thing for rebuilding our industrial 17:45 Documentary Serie Director: Wilson Yip Wai Shun base.” 18:45 Action Starring: , Lynn Xiong, Max Zhang But while many union leaders have reluctantly Language: Cantonese (English and Cantonese) 19:35 Comedy agreed to an end to the Labour policy it has met with Duration: 110min anger from MPs to the left of the party. 20:30 Main News, Financial & Weather Report Many are accusing the decision as being a “sell-out” 21:00 Contraponto Love the coopers_ of socialism and a further move away from traditional room 3 21:59 Publicity Labour policies. 2.30, 4.30, 7.30, 9.30 pm Labour MP Eric Heffer who is opposed to the policy, 22:00 Doctors In The War Zone Director: Jessie Nelson said: “It adds up to a very real retreat as far as our Starring: Aalan Arkin, John Goodman, Ed Helms, 23:00 TDM News principles are concerned. Diane Keaton 23:30 Non-Daily Portuguese News Language: Cantonese (English and Cantonese) “It is unnecessary because we can win the next election without giving away any of our principles.” 23:45 Miscellanous Duration: 105min The policy change has been welcomed by the go- Main News, Financial & Weather Report 00:45 Yo-Kai Watch The movie_ vernment and comes ahead of its new employment room 3 bill which will be published this week and will help (24-30 Dec) 2.15, 5.50 pm curb unofficial strikes. Director: Shigeharu Takahashi Employment secretary Norman Fowler said em- offbeat Language: Cantonese (English and Cantonese) ployees should be considered on merit and not on Duration: 91min their union affiliations.

Indian man dies after being sucked the little prince_ Courtesy BBC News into aircraft engine room 3 (19-20 Dec) (2D) 4.30 pm (23 Dec) (2D) 7.30 pm Airport and airline authorities in India have begun in- n context vestigating the death of a technician who was sucked (24-30 Dec) (2D) 2.00, 7.30, 9.30 pm I into an aircraft engine at an airport in Mumbai. Director: Mark Osborne Language: English (Cantonese) The trade unions were popularly perceived to be running the Air India chief Ashwani Lohani said the accident ha- Labour party - an image many were keen to shake off. Duration: 108min ppened when the plane was being moved from an air- Tony Blair was widely known as a moderniser and in his party port gate. A pilot misinterpreted a signal and switched leadership election statement in 1994 he said Labour must be reformed radically to win office. on the plane’s engine. macau tower The maintenance crew member standing nearby was As leader of the party he instigated the removal of Clause Four which marked an end to a traditional Labour commitment to sucked into the engine and killed instantly. 17 Dec - 6 Jan star wars: the force awakens_ nationalisation. The plane was full of passengers for a flight from This was followed in 1996 by the publication of “New Labour, Mumbai to the southeastern city of Hyderabad. 2.30, 4.45, 7.15, 9.30 pm Director: J.J. Abrams New Life for Britain,” offering a new-look Labour perspective Lohani says the aircraft was being pushed back from on government. Starring: Teresa Palmer, Luke Bracey, Édgar Ramírez the gate when the accident happened. Ini 1997 Labour returned to power with a landslide victory Language: English (Cantonese) He says it is under investigation. after 18 years in the political wilderness. Duration: 135min fri 18.12.2015 th Anniversary

資訊/娛樂 INFOTAINMENT 25

YOUR STARS The Born Loser by Chip Sansom Aries Taurus

Mar. 21-Apr. 19 April 20-May 20 Communication is important today Focus on today as much as possible — but keep it short and sweet. At — long-term thinking is best put off least one colleague or family member for a few more days. You may have starts to derail the conversation with an emergent problem to deal with, digressions and distractions, but you or maybe you just need to learn more can politely keep them on track. before making plans.

Gemini Cancer

May 21-Jun. 21 Jun. 22-Jul. 22 You are in motion today, which is You need to deal with a few extra just how you want it. Even your elements you hadn’t counted on down-time probably involves web when handling big projects today surfing or other forms of active — but you can do it! It may be time entertainment in which you seek to call in that favor from a friend or out new opportunities. colleague, though. SUDOKU Weather Leo Virgo Min Max Condition Jul. 23-Aug. 22 Aug. 23-Sept. 22 China You’re torn between two equally You can’t let your heart make Easy Easy+ appealing options — which is decisions today — it’s all about your a pretty good problem to have! head and the left-brain logic that Beijing 1 5 foggy/clear Unfortunately, one key player wants sometimes gets you in trouble. Right flurry/snow shower you to hurry up and make up your now, that’s your best bet for getting Harbin -10 -8 mind, so get on it. ahead, so go for it! 2 6 foggy/overcast Urumqi -2 cloudy/moderate snow Libra Scorpio -8 Xi’an 1 8 overcast/cloudy Sep.23-Oct. 22 Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 Lhasa -3 8 clear/cloudy You need to try new things today — You can’t stop thinking about 9 12 cloudy/drizzle even if you’d rather poke around in some weird little detail that the garden or just watch that same seems to be popping out from a 11 11 overcast/cloudy movie for the hundredth time. spreadsheet or presentation. It’s Kunming 6 13 clear Fortunately, your positive mental worth following up on, so make energy is on the job. sure that you look into it carefully. 9 10 drizzle Shanghai 12 10 heavy rain Sagittarius Capricorn 5 10 cloudy Medium Hard Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Dec. 22-Jan. 19 9 10 drizzle You are thinking hard about things, Today is all about communication, Taipei 20 19 heavy rain but you’re not really sure what you and even your quiet wisdom is much drizzle/cloudy need to do next. See if you can get in demand now. Make sure that 12 17 your people to offer up ideas, but you’re available for those who need Hong Kong 18 21 shower/cloudy don’t expect much depth to come you, and then check out what needs until time has passed. to happen next to make it all work.

Aquarius Pisces world

Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Feb.19-Mar. 20 Moscow 2 3 drizzle Something small but meaningful Your creative mind is much more Frankfurt 3 9 drizzle could spark a new romance today — active today, so you may need to find if you’re looking for one, that is! You a way to capture all the great ideas Paris 4 8 overcast/drizzle may find that a stray comment about that are coming your way. Your London 6 11 moderate rain/drizzle your favorite author or politician friends may be amused, but you leads to something big. know one of these is a winner! New York 4 10 cloudy/clear

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Down: 1- Bodybuilder’s pride; 2- Lows; 3- ___ Alto, CA; 4- Cork; 5- One who enjoys PSP 28 573 333 Macau Daily Times 28 716 081 inflicting pain; 6- Give it ___!; 7- Mislead; Customs 28 559 944 8- Delhi wrap; 9- Wait ___!; 10- Length Yesterday’s solution in feet; 11- On the up and up; 12- ... who lived in ___; 13- Lowly workers; 21- Coop S. J. Hospital 28 313 731 denizen; 22- Worship; 25- Tax experts: Abbr.; 26- Secular; 27- ___ Camera; 28- Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com Kiang Wu Hospital 28 371 333 Parent’s sister; 29- ER VIP; 31- Failure; 32- Grassland; 33- Psychic; 34- Movie theater; Commission Against 35- Some linemen; 37- Organization; 38- Can ___ now?; 41- Cure-all; 42- Food Corruption (CCAC) 28326 300 flavoring; 44- River of song; 45- Rat-a-___; 46- Shrimplike crustaceans; 47- Creepy; IACM 28 387 333 48- Nut of an oak; 49- Recording of acoustic signals; 50- Slope; 52- Wight, for Tourism 28 333 000 one; 53- Side; 54- ___ and terminer; 55- Hotbed; 59- Draft org.; Airport 59 888 88

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th Anniversary

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體育 SPORTS 27

Jose Mourinho sacked Suarez hat trick sends Barcelona ap photo into Club World Cup final

Jim Armstrong, Yokohama lic, a type of abdominal pain Jose Mourinho’s second spell as commonly attributed to ki- Chelsea manager ended yesterday, ap photo only seven months after he won uis Suarez made up for dney stones. His availability his third Premier League title with Lthe absence of Lionel Mes- for the final will “depend on the club. Although Chelsea is only si and Neymar, scoring a hat the outcome of further medi- one point above the relegation trick yesterday as Barcelona cal tests,” the club said in a zone, the 52-year-old coach had beat Guangzhou Evergrande statement. been defiantly insisting he was 3-0 to advance to the final of Neymar, who has been re- the right man to oversee the team covering from a groin injury, even as it collapsed on the field the Club World Cup. with a succession of humiliations. Suarez put Barcelona ahead remained on the bench. A 2-1 loss at Leicester on Monday just before halftime, ham- Guangzhou entered yester- was Chelsea’s ninth in 16 mering in a rebound off Ivan day’s semifinal match on a 28- games, the worst-ever start for a Rakitic’s long-range effort game unbeaten run stretching defending champion team in the that was parried by Guang- back to May, shortly before Premier League. “Both Jose and Luiz Felipe Scolari took charge. the board agreed results have not zhou goalkeeper Li Shuai. been good enough this season and The striker made it 2-0 five “We lost 3-0 to them but believe it is in the best interests minutes after the break when other big clubs have lost to of both parties to go our separate he controlled a pass from An- them by the same score so we ways,” Chelsea said in a statement. dres Iniesta off his chest and are no worse,” Scolari said. “The club wishes to make clear beat Li with a right-footed “We are a good team. We’ve Jose leaves us on good terms and volley. He put the result beyond improved a lot but we have will always remain a much-loved, not caught up with the big respected and significant figure at doubt with a penalty kick after Chelsea. His legacy at Stamford Huang Bowen took down Mu- clubs of the world.” Bridge and in England has long nir El Haddadi in the area. Guangzhou will face Japa- been guaranteed and he will “Suarez was spectacular,” nese champion Sanfrecce always be warmly welcomed back Hiroshima in the third-place Barcelona coach Luis Enrique FC Barcelona’s Luis Suarez celebrates after scoring a goal against to Stamford Bridge.” There was no game, also on Sunday. immediate announcement about said. “He is very talented in Guangzhou Evergrande difficult situations and knows Barcelona is bidding to win a replacement for Mourinho. “The the tournament for a record club’s focus is now on ensuring what to do in those situations. he stepped up.” Plate in the final on Sunday. our talented squad reaches its We had some injuries to deal Barcelona will face South Messi was diagnosed Thur- third time after titles in 2009 potential,” Chelsea said. with so we had to adjust and American champion River sday morning with renal co- and 2011. AP

ad THE Adelson confirms purchase Station18.12.2015Air quality 3 fri

th Anniversary BUZZ of Las Vegas newspaper Roadside 45-65 28 Moderate Sheldon Adelson, a Republican mega-donor nalism groups and politicians for the new owner and casino magnate, revealed in an editor’s to reveal himself. High note in yesterday’s edition of the Las Vegas Re- Adelson and his family bought the paper “as Density 45-65 view-Journal that he had bought the newspa- both a financial investment as well as anin- Residental per through an anonymous LLC, according to vestment in the future of the Las Vegas com- Moderate Talking Points Memo. munity,” the editor’s note said. They always Area opinion Adelson’s son-in-law, Patrick Dumont, who is claimed to announce their ownership but de- also a senior vice president at the 82-year-old’s layed it due to fact that the Venetian, one of Ambient 45-65 Las Vegas Sands Corp., set up the USD140 million the properties owned by the magnate, hosted Moderate source: dsmg source: Kapok buy, the Review-Journal reported. The secretive Tuesday’s Republican presidential debate, the Eric Sautedé nature of the deal had prompted calls from jour- note said. WORLD BRIEFS

The holistic imperative Japan US Ambassador ap photo to Japan Caroline Occasionally taking a few steps backwards in or- Kennedy defends a der to get a better and wider perspective on one’s own status and development sounds like an impera- controversial proposal tive, and better even when it is done with compara- to relocate a U.S. Marine tive spin. The PricewaterhouseCoopers’s study on Corps base on Okinawa “Building Better Cities” that was released mid-No- as the best of many vember at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation options considered. meetings in Manila perfectly illustrates this point. Using the now well-established methodology of its More on 16 “Cities of opportunity” reports that aim “to shine a light on urban success in […] cities by measuring USA Martin Shkreli, their livability, sustainability, and competitiveness”, the former hedge fund PwC has produced a holistic document that compa- manager under fire for res 28 cities across the APEC economies in order to provide guiding principles of best practices derived buying a pharmaceutical from actual experiences. Criteria and ranking are company and ratcheting relative - from best to worst of the 28 urban centers up the price of a life- on each of the 39 variables - and thus not normative: Female executives of Japanese companies gather to share their stories in Tokyo saving drug, is in the idea is not to shame anyone, but to let everybo- custody following a dy, at every level of responsibility, realize what works better. Inspirational lessons are sought out, and the securities probe. Calls whole study noticeably substantiates that “ponde- to an attorney that has ring” is needed if “acting” is to be successful. Court ruling is latest represented Shkreli I was originally attracted to the PwC study becau- in the past were not se of an op-ed regarding Hong Kong - Hong Kong is one of the 21 APEC economies whereas Macao is setback for Japan’s immediately returned. not, although our SAR has applied for membership - His arrest was confirmed in which the author was lamenting that out of the yesterday by FBI. A 28 cities considered, Hong Kong only ranked 11th furor over the staggering and therefore concluded that the branding of Hong working women price hike triggered Kong as “Asia’s World City” was nothing more than “an empty marketing shell.” multiple government investigations and APEC is particularly interesting for us as it brings Ken Moritsugu, Tokyo and elevate women to lea- it’s going to have to invol- together “political entities” with very different econo- dership roles in govern- ve men, women, children, pledges from politicians mic, social, cultural and political backgrounds. Con- Supreme Court de- ment and the private sec- businesses, academia. And to rein in soaring sequently, criteria that define the fundamentals of prescription drug prices. any city have to be diverse and broad if they are to Acision in Japan this tor. I think that this is certain- pay justice to all participants. Indicators were grou- week, widely viewed as a Japan remains far from ly something that’s in the ped together into five categories: Culture and Social setback for women’s rights reaching his goals. An an- long-term interest of Ja- Health, Connectivity, Health and Welfare, Sustaina- and a victory for conserva- nual gender gap report pan and the short-term ap photo bility, and Economics. tive family values, upheld released last month by interests of its families and Culture and Social Health included criteria such a 19th-century law that the World Economic Fo- workers.” as “tolerance and inclusion”, “cultural vibrancy”, “political environment” and “income equality”. Best requires married couples rum ranked Japan 101st Describing herself as the performers were , and Auckland. to adopt one surname for out of 145 countries. The first working mother to Connectivity, both physical and digital, encompas- legal purposes. The ruling United States was 28th serve as U.S. ambassador India Each winter sed, among others, “public transport systems”, “tra- underscores the persistent and European countries in Tokyo, she acknowled- sees the arrival of ffic congestions” and “broadband quality,” and the challenges for working such as Germany, France ged that gender equality re- tens of thousands lead was taken by Singapore, followed by Hong women in Japan, despite and Britain were even hi- mains an issue in America of migratory birds, Kong and Tokyo. Health and Welfare brought toge- gher. ther criteria such as “health system performance”, government rhetoric and too: “We have not solved stopping to breed and “controlling crime” and “housing.” Best performers some progress. U.S. Ambassador to Japan this problem. It is still too feed around Kashmir’s were Tokyo, Osaka and Toronto. Prime Minister Shinzo Caroline Kennedy addres- difficult to balance work many meandering Sustainability was concerned by criteria such as Abe has made “womeno- sed the issue at a news con- and family in the United waterways, wetlands “air pollution”, “natural disaster risk” or “public park ference yesterday, saying: mics” a centerpiece poli- States. But I think by sha- and lakes. But decades space.” Top performers were , Toronto “I think that this is going to ring our experiences, we all cy, pushing to overcome a of environmental and Seattle. Finally, for Economics, meaning “ease shortage of daycare spots take a sustained effort, and can do better.” AP of doing business”, “GDP per capita”, “foreign direct degradation along investment” but also “incidence of economic crime,” with changing climate Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo snatched the top patterns have led to a positions. Interestingly enough Hong Kong scored low for sharp decrease in the Culture and Social Health - with the Fragrant Har- times square by rodrigo number of birds and bor achieving its unique lowest ranking out of 28 for species. More on p19 “economic equality” - as well as Health & Welfare, and very low for Environmental Sustainability. I cou- UK The famous ld not help wonder how Macao would have fared, especially with Shanghai (13) and Beijing (14) in the department stores middle of the pack: closer to (15) or to and shopping streets Port Moresby (28)? With APEC, one has to measu- are beautifully lit re itself against Toronto, Vancouver and Singapore and decorated, but as the three overall top performers! Christmas isn’t exactly Eventually, the PwC study provides a set of recom- mendations for what it calls “city managers” and “city in the air in Britain, and national leaders”. where unexpectedly To the former, the message is clear: “build a brand”! mild temperatures are Thus, what matters is to clearly define ones’ own causing some daffodils identity and attractiveness, and this should “ring true to bloom and some for all stakeholders”: a city “must preserve its unique past while inspiring residents to imagine a rich futu- ice rinks to suspend re.” Could this be the meaning of a diversification operations. Forecasters through “creative industries” and a greater reliance say temperatures are on SMEs, yet grounded on the gambling industry expected to remain and a dynamized unique heritage? “exceptionally mild” in To the latter, the path is unequivocal: strike “a new urban-national partnership”! Could this be the mea- the run-up to Christmas. ning of an extension to Hengqin island as well as an The prediction is that the enlarged maritime perimeter together with a greater mercury will approach 16 integration with the Pearl River Delta? It could very degrees Celsius over the well be, if the partnership is genuine… weekend.