The Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) organized a two-day exhibition (3 November) at the Leal Senado Square, to mark the celebration of the World Statistics Day and the Official Statistics Day of Macao. The opening ceremony was officiated by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr. Francis Tam; President of the Monetary Authority of Macao, Mr. Anselmo Teng; Director of DSEC, Ms. Vanessa Kong; and Deputy Directors of DSEC, Mr. Paul Ieong and Ms. Ana Cheng.
Director of DSEC, Ms. Vanessa Kong told reporters that the United Nations has designated 20 October 2010 (20.10.2010) as World Statistics Day to celebrate the many achievements of official statistics and to strengthen public understanding of official statistics. Being a member of the Statistical Information System of Macao, DSEC is responsible for the compilation of high quality and timely official statistics. Official statistics have been playing a more important role to the society and the government, for which the Population Census, undertaken every ten-year, is the most popular statistical operation to the residents of Macao. On the occasion that the 2011 Population Census will be conducted in Macao next year, the exhibition will also showcase information on the past population censuses (2001 Population Census and 2006 By-Census), which will enable the public to understand better about the demographic characteristics and changes of their residence districts, as well as raising their awareness of the upcoming 2011 Population Census.
Talking about the population census, Ms. Kong also expressed that the recently concluded Pilot Survey of the 2011 Population Census has achieved the results as expected; the experience will be essential to the improvement in questionnaire layout, data collection procedures, computer programmes, etc. At the same time, she praised the hard work of the Survey staff and extended her gratitude to the cooperation of the households of the Northern District, as well as the associations for their support to the Pilot Survey. Lastly, she called for the participation and support of the whole community to cooperate with the 15th Population Census and the 5th Housing Census that will be conducted from 12-26 August 2011.
In view of the development of the knowledge-based society, DSEC takes advantage of this event to launch a new service – “SMS Enquiry”. Users can simply send their inquiries via text message to 6300 6001 and will receive the required data from DSEC via SMS; meanwhile, a Service Post is set up during the exhibition to attend inquiries regarding the SMS Enquiry service and content of the exhibition. Mascot of official statistics “Ivo” and “Carla” who symbolize statistical objectivity and confidentiality will appear at the event. Members of the public are most welcome to visit the exhibition and try the new SMS Enquiry service. Besides, DSEC will tour an exhibition of the cartoon strips to secondary schools to promote Official Statistics and the 2011 Population Census.
