MACA Copyright Funfair 2014

    (Macao, Dec. 13, 2014) – The annual event MACA Copyright Funfair, hosted at Praça da Amizade on 13th December 2014, aims to raise the public awareness of music copyright by promoting how intellectual property associates with every day’s life and how to property report piracy to relevant authorities.

MACA Copyright Funfair 2014 is organized by the Macao Association of Composers, Authors & Publishers (MACA) and co-organized by Macao Public Prosecutions Office, Department of Legal Affairs Services (DSAJ), Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ) and the Macao Deaf Association, with sponsorship from Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau (ICM). Other supporting organizations include CLASS Entertainment and Production, 100 Plus Music Ltd, SP Entertainment and Like Entertainment & Productions Co. Ltd.

Guests in attendance are LEE Hoi Sun, Chief of the Personnel and Financial Department of the Office of the Public Prosecutor General of Macao SAR, CHEANG Kai Meng, Head of Division of Recreation and Sports of Department of Cultural Activities and Recreation, WONG Keng Chao, Secretary-General of the Committee of Cultural Industries, WONG Wai, Chief Customs Officer of the Macao Customs, LAM Keong Chon, Senior Officer of DSAJ, KAN In Peng, Director of the Substitute Centre of DSEJ, CHAN Iong Sang, Deputy Director of the Macao Junior Police Committee, LAU Sut Man, Director of the Macao Deaf Association, and UNG Kuoc Iang, Chairman of MACA.

UNG Kuoc Iang stated in his opening speech that the respect to music copyright is one of the means to protect music creators and to encourage them to continue to create. Only by having a copyright protection system on a par with international standards in place will the local music industry be able to make further development. The purpose of MACA Copyright Funfair 2014 is not only to improve the public awareness of copyright protection, but also to emphasize the importance to obtain the Creators’ approval prior to any public performance. Good news is that MACA have entered into Music Performance License Agreement with Melco Crown Entertainment Limited in May 2014 and with Sands China Limited in Oct 2014, which reflects local supports from commercial enterprises to the cultural and creative industry. It is hoped that the public will gradually understand the significance of obtaining a music license.

Ung Kuoc Iang also emphasized that copyright protection is crucial for civil development. All music works should be protected so that music creators can enjoy creating and sharing their works with the public. To increase the public awareness of copyright and to encourage local music talents, MACA have been organizing various talks, seminars, song writers quests, music festivals and so on through the years. With continuous supports from Direcção dos Serviços de Economia (DSE), Instituto Cultural (ICM), Macao Customs Services, etc., MACA will endeavour to protect the rights of local and overseas composers and authors and to encourage the development of music talents in the industry.

During the Funfair, the performance of local music creators and singers has become one of the highlights. In addition to the game booths, information panels are set up to share relevant legal knowledge on copyright.

To obtain more information on music copyright or to obtain a music license, please log onto www.maca.org.mo or call 2888 2380.

 Officiating guest group photo