MACA Discusses IP Management during Visit to DSE

    (Macao, Sep. 30, 2015)The Macau Association of Composers, Authors & Publishers (MACA) Chairman UNG Kuoc Iang, along with the International Confederation of Authors and Composers Societies (CISAC) Asia-Pascific Regional Director Benjamin NG, visits the Macau Economic Services (DSE) on 30th September 2015. The delegates meet with the Head of the Intellectual Property Department CHEANG Hio Man and Senior Officer VONG Sok Wai to exchange views on local music copyright management.

       Benjamin NG explains that CISAC’s headquarter is located at Paris in France, and MACA was founded with the Confederation’s continuous support. Through CISAC, overseas musical societies have empowered MACA to represent their members in Macau. As a result, MACA has a worldwide music repertory which covers five continents. NG also introduces how collective management organizations (CMO) operate internationally, and emphasizes that under the professional rules set forth by CISAC, the development of MACA is satisfactory. NG also suggests both parties invite professionals and experts from neighbouring regions to deliver lectures about music public performance licence to local citizens. UNG confirms that more education works on music copyright are to be carried out, especially to clarify the difference between the private and public use of music. Three charity albums published by MACA are also presented to CHEANG. In addition, Licensing Officer Terry LEE also gives a brief introduction on the operation of MACA and consultation service MACA offers.

      In the meeting, CHEANG Hio Man welcomes delegates from CISAC and MACA and gives affirmation to the works done by MACA. CHEANG recommends MACA host events to instil music copyright knowledge in an interesting way, and to visit various chambers of commerce to bridge MACA with some small and medium-sized enterprise so that SME can also understand the significance of music usage in the different industries. If the public awareness on music copyright protection is raised, the cultural and creative industry can foster its sustainable development.

CISAC Benjamin NG (2nd right), MACA UNG Kuok Iang (3rd right), Terry LEE (2nd left) and Fiona CHOI (1st right) received by CHEANG Hio Man (3nd left) and VONG Sok Wai (1st left).