The Macao Foundation has finalized the name for the Macao Science Center, which is to be designed by world famous Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei.

The Macao Foundation today (14 August) held a press conference announcing that the total budget for the Center would be around 600 to 700 million patacas. The Macao Foundation also revealed details about the structure of the Macao Science Center during the press conference.

The President of the Macao Foundation, Victor Ng, said that several issues had been approval by the Trust Committee. He said that the Macao Foundation was responsible for the cost of the design and for the construction of the Center, although the SAR Government would be the proprietor. Mr. Ng added that a private company would be responsible for the management of the Center.

"During preparations for the Macao Science Center, the Macao Foundation will gather opinions from academics and the local community,"said Mr. Ng. "Hopefully this will help build a Center which will benefit all of the residents of Macao."

This multi-functional Science Center primarily will be used for educational purposes, but will also serve as a convention center and a tourist attraction. The Center will accommodate physics laboratories, an exhibition hall, a multi-media studio, a science ground for youngsters, an astronomical hall and a multi-purpose conference room.