17th September, 2024
Candidate for the sixth Chief Executive of Macao SAR, former President of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr. SAM Hou Fai, accompanied by his agent Mr. LEI Wun Kong, director of the campaign office Mr. IP Sio Kai and others, met with eight groups in the Macao construction and real estate sector, including the Six Associations of Macao Construction Industry Development Concern Group, at the Macao Construction and Real Estate Chamber Building, to listen to opinions. On behalf of AAM, Fellow Members Council President Carlos MARREIROS, GA President Ben LEONG, BD President Christine CHOI, Supervisory Board Vice-President Paulo CHEANG, BD Vice-Presidents Donna WU and Manuel LAI, BD Directors Gor SI and Ives MA attended.
11th August, 2024
AAM participated positively to vote in the Election of Members of the Chief Executive Election Committee of Macao SAR 2024.
10th August, 2024
The jury panel which was composed of 7 people, namely: Choi Ieng Va, Department Head from Public Works Bureau; Chan Chi Lek, architect, representative of Cultural Affairs Bureau; Benny Chan, President of Hong Kong Institute of Architects; Chum Pak Tak, MABCD BD President; Zheng Jian Yi, Associate Professor of Faculty of Humanities and Arts of Macao University of Science and Technology; Filipe Afonso, Program Coordinator for the Bachelor of Architectural Studies of University of Saint Joseph; and Donna WU, AAM BD Vice-President, carried out the review session to select the projects of “Macao Architecture Awards 2024”.
In view of the weakening of the relationship between “Macao Architecture Awards” and the “ARCASIA Awards for Architecture”, the regulations of “Macao Architecture Awards 2024” have removed the requirement that architecture must be completed at least two years, to attract more works to participate. The jury adopted a rigorous attitude and selected two Gold Award works and three Excellence Award works, among the twelve entries received.
28th - 29th June, 2024
As the Architects Association of Macao organized members to conduct a two-day in-depth study trip in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The main purpose of the trip is to speed up the setting up of a cooperation platform with relevant government agencies and institutions, so that Macao architects can have a clearer and more specific understanding of the development opportunities and directions in GBA, as well as a deeper understanding of major landmark building projects in GBA.
The program of the study trip included visits to the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Guangdong Province and the Shenzhen Survey and Design Industry Association for exchanges and meetings, as well as an inspection of a number of famous architectures in Shenzhen. The members of the study group included GA President Ben Leong, BD President Christine Choi, BD Vice-Presidents Donna WU and Manuel LAI, BD Directors Mimi Cheung, Jimmy Wardhana, Ryan Lai, Vincent Hong, Nick Chan, Bruce Wong and Ives MA, Fellow Members Bruno Soares and Irena Ó, and etc.
11th May, 2024
The Architects Association of Macao was invited to attend the review meeting of the Guangdong Association of Construction Technology and Standardization Standard - “Guidelines for Architect Responsibility System” (Draft for Review) held in Guangzhou. On behalf of AAM, GA President Ar. Ben LEONG and BD President Ar. Christine CHOI attended the meeting.
The “Guidelines” is co-edited by the Shenzhen Association of Registered Architects and the Guangdong Association of Registered Architects, and invites participation from relevant government departments in Shenzhen, relevant architectural design companies in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, the Architects Association of Macao, etc.
A review expert group composed of 7 masters and experts of the industry from the Mainland, together with the Guangdong Provincial Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Shenzhen Futian District Bureau of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, 2 editor-in-chief units, and 17 participating units, a total of 50 people attended this “Guidelines” review meeting. The “Guidelines for Architect Responsibility System” (Draft for Review) was unanimously adopted.
The “Guidelines” is in line with the actual situation of Guangdong Province, has guiding significance in promoting the high-quality development of construction in Guangdong, and provide technical support and operational basis for the promotion of the architect responsibility system there. It systematically clarifies the responsibilities, rights, rewards and service scope of the architect responsibility system, proposing reference standards for charging fees.
9th May 2024
AAM organized a group of directors, supervisors and members, led by GA President Ben Leong, BD President Christine Choi and Supervisory Board Vice-President Paulo Cheang, to visit “Exhibition about the Education of National Security” at Macao Forum, to have a clearer understanding of the overall national security concept and strengthen awareness of national security. We believe that national security is the most important cornerstone of national development, the most fundamental guarantee of people’s well-being, and the prerequisite for Macao’s prosperity and stability. Maintaining national security is everyone’s responsibility and responsibility. More than 20 members including BD Vice-Presidents Jay HO, Donna WU and Manuel Lai, Board Directors Jimmy Wardhana, Mimi Cheung, Gor SI, Nick Chan, Kevin Tong and Ives MA attended.
7th May 2024
The Macao Construction Industry Development Concern Group (the Six Associations: AAM, AEM, AECEM, MABCD, MCA and APMCCM) hosted the Ceremony of Awarding the Practice Recommendation of “Macao Quantity Surveying Technicians 2023” and Dinner Party at Macao Tower. We were honored to invite Raimundo Arrais do Rosário, Secretary for Transport and Public Works, to attend, and LAM Wai Hou, Director of Public Works Bureau, to present practice recommendations to qualified trainees. The other distinguished guests representing the government departments under Secretary for Transport and Public Works that night also included: LAI Weng Leong, Director of Lands and Urban Construction Bureau; TAM Vai Man, Director of Environmental Protection Bureau; PUN Wa Kin, Director of Civil Aviation Authority; LAU Wai Meng, Director of Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau; IAM Lei Leng, Director of Housing Bureau; Vicente Luís Gracias, Director of Cartography and Cadastre Bureau; Leong Weng Kun, Director of Meteorological and Geophysics Bureau; Chiang Ngoc Vai, Acting Director of Transport Bureau; Tong Iok Peng, Deputy Director of Marine and Water Bureau; and HO Cheong Kei, President of Board of Administration of Macao Light Rapid Transit Corporation, Limited.
24th - 28th April, 2024
The Macao Construction Industry Development Concern Group (the Six Associations: AAM, AEM, AECEM, MABCD, MCA, APMCCM), organized “Guizhou Inspection and Exchange Delegation of Macao Construction Industry”, to visit the Guizhou Provincial Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office and large-scale construction projects to learn about the latest developments and construction technology achievements of the country. Being led Mr. MOK Chi Wai, MABCD BD President, the delegation was composed by more than 30 people, including an inviting guest from Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macao; AAM BD Vice-President Ar. Donna WU, BD Directors Ar. Gor SI and Ar. Bruce WONG, and Director of Supervisory Board Ar. Karen Tou, participated.
During the five-day trip, the delegation visited the Guizhou Geological Museum, Guizhou Provincial Museum, Liyang Aviation Town, Baling River Bridge and Museum, Pingtang Bridge, FAST Science Popularization and Education Base, etc., and benefited a lot. Due to the complex terrain in Guizhou, the “bridge-to-tunnel ratio” of road construction is very high, making it extremely difficult. With continuous technological advancement and years of hard work, super bridges have been built one after another, connecting Guizhou to development “highways” and greatly improving people’s livelihood. The relevant advanced bridge construction technology can serve as a reference for Macao. In addition, through visits to large-scale construction projects such as the “Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope”, the members of delegation can learn about the latest development of the science and technology of the country and broaden their horizons.
16th March 2024
At the invitation of Lek Hang Group, a group of 18 people from the Architects Association of Macao went to the LHG headquarters office for a courtesy visit. Mr. SIO Cong Meng, the chairman of the LHG, personally received and presented to the AAM’s colleagues the project of Hotel Central that is about to resume operations.
Hotel Central, located on Almeida Rebeiro Aveneu, was built in 1928. After two expansions, it was once the tallest building in Macao. It was the flagship of the Macao gambling industry and one of the most luxurious hotels at that time, receiving many celebrities and VIPs. It was also a famous place for festive banquets of local people. Times have changed, and with the shift in the focus of Macao’s commercial and gambling industries, the hotel has gradually declined since the 1980s. Mr. SIO, who was born and raised in the core urban area of Almeida Rebeiro Aveneu, is deeply concerned about the revitalization and development of the area that is also the Historic Centre of Macao. He purchased Hotel Central and was determined to restore the hotel to its former glory, undertaking structural restoration, reinforcement and interior renovation works that lasted over three years.
Combined with the on-site visit to Hotel Central, Mr. SIO shared his experience in the renovation project. In particular, he pointed out how to find ways to supplement the pile foundation for the hotel while ensuring structural stability, restore the material and appearance of the original facade, and even use new materials to reproduce the stair handrails with artistic features. Through the interior decoration that reflects the hotel’s past glory days, and the catering that provides Macao’s traditional nostalgic dishes, it is run as a boutique hotel to attract guests. In addition, a historical display gallery will be set up to allow citizens and tourists to understand the development of the hotel and the Historic Centre of Macao.
The participants of the visit included: AAM Fellow Members Council President Ar. Carlos Marreiros, GA President Ar. Ben Leong, BD President Ar. Christine Choi, BD Vice-Presidents Ar. Jay HO, Ar. Donna WU, Ar. Nuno Soares and Ar. Manuel Lai, and so on. AAM expressed appreciation to Mr. SIO for promoting the revitalization and development of the Historic Centre of Macao and revitalization projects including Hotel Central.
9th March, 2024
The Architects Association of Macau held an open day for members at its Headquarters at Avenida do Coronel Mesquita No.2F, Macau. The activities included lectures, photography exhibition, visits and exchanges. More than 40 members, friends and students from architecture faculties participated, making the event lively.
The event was kicked off by the welcome speech of Arch. Christine Choi, President of AAM Board of Directors. Then, BD Vice-President Arch. Nuno Soares introduced the exhibition “AAM Headquarters – Av. do Coronel Mesquita 2F: A Sentimental Photographic Journey” and led the attendees on a guided tour of the venue. The photos were taken by Arch. Francisco Ricarte, who was commissioned by AAM, to capture the beauty of the venue through the lens. (Read More)
28th February, 2024
On behalf of the Architects Association of Macau, President of the Supervisory Board Arch. Eddie Wong; President of General Assembly Arch. Ben Leong; President of the Board of Directors Arch. Christine Choi; and BD Vice-Presidents Arch. Donna Wu paid a courtesy visit to the Macau Holy House of Mercy and were warmly received by President Mr. António José de Freitas and others from its Board of Trustees.
24th February, 2024
A delegation from the Architectural Society China composed of President Xiu Long; Secretary-General Li
Cundong; Deputy Secretary-General Wang Xiaojing; Wu Pujuan, Deputy Director of International Affairs Department; Chen Ribiao, President of Shenzhen Exploration & Design Association; and Zhang Shuochen, Deputy Director of International Communication Department of Committee for Beijing’s Bid to Host the World Congress of Architects 2029, visited Macau. AAM President of General Assembly Arch. Ben Leong; President of the Supervisory Board Arch. Eddie Wong; President of Fellow Members Council and GA Vice-President Arch. Carlos Marreiros; President of the Board of Directors Arch. Christine Choi; BD Vice-Presidents Arch. Donna Wu and Arch. Nuno Soares; Board Directors Arch. Jimmy Wardhana, Arch. Zheng Jianyi and Arch. Bruce Wong received them warmly.
First, the host and guest held a meeting, with the attendance of Arch. Rui Leão, Secretary-General of the International Union of Architects, at AAM Headquarters. Arch. Ben Leong delivered the welcome speech. Then Arch. Christine Choi and Arch. Rui Leão introduced the AAM 2024/2025 work plan and the UIA work prospects respectively. Two main issues, i.e. the election of ARCASIA Chairman and the preparation for the 2029 World Congress of Architects, were discussed and exchanged opinions on the meeting. AAM will fully support ASC in nominating representative to run for the chairmanship of the ARCASIA Chairman and Beijing’s bid to host the World Congress of Architects 2029.
At noon on the same day, AAM hosted a lunch in honor of the ASC delegation. In the afternoon, AAM accompanied the delegation to visit Rua da Felicidade, São Lazaro area and other historical districts. Coinciding with the Lantern Festival, the delegation also participated in the “Celebration Chinese New Year of Dragon & Lantern Festival” and visited the exhibitions of arts held at Albergue SCM.
The delegation deeply felt that their visit to Macau was fruitful.
9th January, 2024
Representatives of the Macau Construction Industry Development Concern Group (the Six Associations) visited the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone and were received by Director Cheong Kok Kei, Deputy Director Li Zhiping and department heads. Representatives of the six associations included: GA President Ben Leong and BD President Christine Choi from AAM; BD President Mok Chi Wai and BD Vice-President Vong Kock Kei from MABCD; President Eddie Joe Wu and BD President Edison Lai from AEM; BD Vice-President Fernando Tse from AECEM; BD Vice-President Harry Lai from MCA; Vice-President Long U Hong and Secretary-General Pun Chi Keong from APMCCM; and others.
The UPC Bureau explained to the Six Associations about the management measures for the registration of Hong Kong and Macau professionals and companies in the field of construction and related engineering consultant in Hengqing, consulting the opinions of the Macau industry on the formulation of legal content. The Macau industry concerned about how to develop in Hengqin, the relevant regulations, opening-up measures and arrangements in the construction field, and the bidding process.
11th - 26th January, 2024
In order to prepare for the relocation work, a batch of printed materials, magazines, books and other materials collected over the years were sorted out. Considering that the relevant materials and information can reflect the development status of Macau and neighboring regions over the years, and will be of interest or value to the public or relevant researchers, AAM opened to the public for selection by their interests.
At the same time, in order to support the architectural design professional courses in Macau higher education, assist the career development of secondary school students, and cultivate local talents, AAM donated to the University of St. Joseph, Macau University of Science and Technology and Generations International School a batch of books, magazines and other print materials, including professional architectural design books and periodicals in Macau and neighboring regions, as well as a series of architectural magazines published by AAM for more than 20 years.