Group photo
Prof. Angus Chu
Prof. Fung Kwan
Ka In Chan, Acting Head of the Employment Department at DSAL
Vai Ian Wong, Head of the Skills Training Division of the Vocational Training Department at DSAL
Keng Ieng Mak, Supervisor of the Human Resources and Economic Research Unit under the Research and Information Technology Department at DSAL
Scholars and representatives from DSAL explor topics such as the development of Macao’s labor market, talent cultivation, and policy implementation
“Workshop on Current Status of Macao’s Labor Market and Overview of Labour Affairs Bureau’s Work”
The Department of Economics of the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) at the University of Macau (UM) recently hosted a seminar titled “Workshop on Current Status of Macao’s Labor Market and Overview of Labour Affairs Bureau’s Work.” Representatives from the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) were invited to engage in a dialogue with scholars, exploring topics such as the development of Macao’s labor market, talent cultivation, and policy implementation.
During the workshop, Prof. Fung Kwan, Assistant Professor of Economics at UM’s FSS and a member of the Macao Economy Team at the Asia-Pacific Academy of Economics and Management (APAEM), highlighted the labor market as a pivotal research area for the Department of Economics. He noted that recent departmental research has centered heavily on Macao’s economy and labor dynamics. Prof. Kwan emphasized that exchanging views with government agencies enables scholars to better comprehend the structure of the local labor market, employment service frameworks, and the operational mechanics of related systems. Furthermore, he suggested that integrating these practical insights into course design creates more internship and research opportunities for students, thereby cultivating talent that aligns with local development needs.
Subsequently, Ka In Chan, Acting Head of the Employment Department at DSAL, outlined the overall employment landscape for Macao residents and the Bureau’s multi-channel approach to promoting employment services. These initiatives include job matching events, support schemes, career counseling, and the management of information platforms. Vai Ian Wong, Head of the Skills Training Division of the Vocational Training Department, detailed the strategic planning behind vocational training, covering pre-employment and on-the-job training, comprehensive training platforms, and skills competitions to provide diverse learning pathways. Additionally, Keng Ieng Mak, Supervisor of the Human Resources and Economic Research Unit under the Research and Information Technology Department, discussed the development of Macao’s minimum wage system and the factors influencing its adjustment.
During the exchange session, scholars and DSAL representatives engaged in robust discussions regarding youth talent development, employment support for graduates, and supply-and-demand matching within the labor market. They also explored avenues for bridging academic research with policy practice. Both parties concurred that continuous communication deepens the understanding of the local labor market, providing valuable references for both academic inquiry and practical application.
Notable attendees also included Sau Heong Lam, Head of the Non-resident Workers Employment Department of DSAL; Prof. Angus Chu, Head of the Department of Economics and APAEM Macao Economy Team Leader at UM; as well as scholars from UM’s Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Business Administration, and the Centre for Macau Studies.
Source: Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences
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