Macau to Host ITTF Men's and Women's World Cup This April
Macau/ Vibe/ Sports

Macau to Host ITTF Men's and Women's World Cup in April 2024

Macau to Host ITTF Mens and Womens World Cup This April Photo by Facebook/International Table Tennis Federation

The games are on! The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is set to bring the competition to Macau this April, as the city will be hosting its 2024 Men's and Women's World Cup.

In an announcement, ITTF revealed that this year’s Men's and Women's World Cup will take place at the Galaxy Arena from April 15 to 21, in partnership with the Sports Bureau, Galaxy Entertainment Group, and World Table Tennis Management Group Limited (WTMG).

The tournament will see 48 elite players from across the globe competing for the championship title. This includes reigning World U19 champions, with the aim of bringing young athletes’ talents forward to the global stage.

Aside from the most-coveted championship title, the players will also be vying for the US$1 million prize money through a series of breathtaking matches.

In efforts to make innovations with the games, the competition will also have new playing systems in place, including a round-robin tournament and a modified snake grouping system.

In a separate statement, Macau’s Sports Bureau said that the announcement demonstrates ITTF’s trust in the region’s ability to host major international table tennis events.

More details about the ITTF Men's and Women's World Cup will be unveiled soon. In the meantime, you can visit ITTF’s website or follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for more updates.

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This Week's Events In Macau View more

This Week's Events In Macau

Macau/ Vibe/ Happenings

Cai Guo-Qiang’s Solo Exhibition of Cai's AI Model in Macau

Untitled design 2024 12 03 T113824 752 Photo by Courtesy of MGM

Here’s something you can’t miss! MGM and world-renowned artist Cai Guo-Qiang have teamed up to debut a groundbreaking solo exhibition! Featuring Cai’s special AI creation, cAI™ at the historic Navy Yard No.1 in Macau’s Barra district, this exhibition promises to connect the younger generation to future insights and perspectives.

Running until June 1, 2025, the exhibition, "cAI™: Soul Scan," invites locals and visitors to explore the intersection of technology, creativity, and spirituality. Cai’s AI model, cAI™, takes center stage, presenting 20 stunning new works crafted specifically for Macau under Cai’s guidance.

Visitors can immerse themselves in a truly interactive journey. Start with an AI-generated self-introduction from cAI™, then marvel at its debut “painting exhibition,” inspired by Cai’s signature gunpowder art. Feeling creative? Design your own digital fireworks with the “fireworks master cAI™!” Wrap up your visit in the Divination Room, where cAI™’s robotic arms deliver an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

After the interaction with the robotic arms of the “diviner cAI™”, it will generate a fortune-telling slip.
Courtesy of MGM

The exhibit also draws inspiration from Macau’s 400-year-old Mazu traditions, as well as Cai’s hometown of Quanzhou, blending cultural history with cutting-edge technology. Nestled near the UNESCO-listed A-Ma Temple, Navy Yard No.1 transforms into a welcoming creative hub, inviting the community to co-create and connect with art.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, an art lover, or just curious, this exhibition offers something truly unique.

For more information, visit MGM on their website, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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Macau/ Vibe/ Happenings

Zhang Yimou’s Residency “MACAU 2049” To Premiere Dec. 15

Untitled design 2024 10 29 T120952 481 Photo by Instagram/ mgm.mo

After a 7 year wait, MGM’s brand-new residency, Macau 2049, is set to premiere on Dec. 15 at the MGM Theatre.

This highly anticipated production is directed by the acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, known for his legendary wuxia films such as Hero, and Curse of the Golden Flower, and Raise the Red Lantern.

Collaborating with MGM’s chairperson and executive director Ms. Pansy Ho, this show marks Zhang's first residency show in the Greater Bay Area.

2049 Zhang Yimou
Facebook/ MGM

Macau 2049 promises to be a spectacular blend of artistry and cutting-edge technology. Zhang has teamed up with an exceptional group of creatives, including multi-disciplinary musician Wu Tong as Music Director, Sang Jijia from the Hong Kong City Contemporary Dance Company as Chief Choreographer, and British video director Dominic Faraway, who has worked with major pop icons. Notably, Bernard Prentice will bring his expertise in underwater photography to the project.

In 2049, Macau’s unique semi-autonomous status, granted after its handover from Portugal, will conclude. This milestone year will be pivotal for the residency show, serving as a catalyst to enhance the city’s cultural and entertainment industries.

Viewers can expect to see remote-controlled robotic arms, AI-generated visuals, and bionic dirigible performances. Involving a Hollywood-level production crew of 582 people and 237 days of preparation totaling 2,838 hours of intricate craftsmanship, Macau 2049 is set to redefine the perception of Chinese cultural heritage.

Get ready, because tickets for the show go on sale on Nov. 2, 2024 at 11:19 AM.

For more information, visit MGM on their website, or follow them on Instagram, or Facebook.

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Macau/ Vibe/ Sports

It’s Time! Ultimate Fighting Championship Returns to Macau After 10 Years

Its Time UFC to Make Its Return to Macau After 10 Years Photo by Facebook/UFC

Prepare for epic action as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is returning to Macau with a fight night event this November!

To be held on Nov. 23 at the city’s largest and most advanced indoor venue, the 16,000-seater Galaxy Arena, UFC Fight Night in Macau will see mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters from around the world battling it out for the championship.

Speaking about the announcement, Kevin Chang, UFC's senior vice president and head of Asia, said in a press release, "We are ecstatic to be back at this incredible destination city. We are proud to partner with Galaxy Macau and can't wait to put on an electrifying show at the state-of-the-art Galaxy Arena to the delight of fans across the region.”

The UFC is making its comeback in the city after 10 years, following its last event in Macau in August 2014. This also marks the championships’ return to Greater China, with fight night events previously held in Shanghai, Beijing, Macau, and Shenzhen.

As of this writing, more details, including fighter lineups, are yet to be unveiled. In the meantime, you can get updates and early access to tickets by signing up via UFC's website.

For more information, follow UFC on Facebook, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter).

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Macau/ Vibe/ Pop Culture

Macao International Queer Film Festival Gears Up for Return This March

Macao International Queer Film Festival Poster Photo by YouTube/Macao International Queer Film Festival

Following its successful launch in February last year, the Macao International Queer Film Festival (MIQFF) is making a comeback for its second edition this month.

Themed “Love is the Answer,” the festival will screen 14 feature films and five short films that showcase the diverse nature of the queer community. These films will be shown from March 22 to April 6 at the Emperor Cinema in Lisboeta Macau.

One of the films to be featured in the festival is the award-winning queer film “Housekeeping for Beginners,” which bagged the Silver Q-Hugo award at the 2023 Chicago International Film Festival and the Queer Lion recognition at the 2023 Venice Film Festival.

Other films to be screened include American production “Mutt,” Japanese film “Kubi,” English independent film “Femme,” Taiwan’s “Murmur of Youth,” and “Blue Gate Crossing,” among others.

Tickets to these films are available via Emperor Cinema’s website. To learn more about the festival, you can visit MIQFF’s website or follow its Facebook and Instagram pages.

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Macau/ Vibe/ Sports

John Catlin Defeats David Puig in a Play-off at International Series Macau

John Caitlin Golf Photo by Instagram/John Caitlin

American golfer John Catlin made a triumphant comeback and secured victory at the International Series Macau presented by Wynn, after a dramatic two-hole playoff against David Puig at the Macau Golf and Country Club.

He started the final day with a two-stroke lead and looked poised for a comfortable win after extending his lead to five shots at one point. However, a late surge from Puig, who birdied 12, eagled 13, and birdied 15 and 16, forced Catlin into a playoff.

Filled with tension and excitement, Catlin missed a birdie putt on the final hole of regulation play but managed to stay in the game during the playoff. Puig appeared to have the advantage on the first playoff hole, but Catlin's determination kept him in the game.

With perseverance, Catlin made history by shooting an impressive 11-under-par 59, becoming the first player to break 60 on the Asian Tour. He continued to show his tenacity, ultimately emerging victorious after getting up and down for a birdie on the 18th hole.

According to him winning the top spot was “really, really special” for him since he fought hard all week. “Still hasn't quite sunk in, and that was one heck of a battle,” he stated.

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Macau/ Vibe/ Pop Culture

IC to Inaugurate Macao International Shorts Film Festival in March

Macao International Shorts Film Festival Opens This March Photo by Website/Macau SAR Government

In efforts to promote Macao’s local film and TV production industry, the Cultural Affairs Bureau, also known as the Instituto Cultural (IC), is launching the first edition of the “Macao International Shorts Film Festival.”

To run from March 23-30, the film festival will feature various screening activities, lectures, workshops, and an award ceremony that will honour the best of Macao’s short film industry. It will be held in cooperation with Galaxy Entertainment Group, one of Asia’s leading hotel and casino operators.

The festival will run in four segments: “Macao Shorts,” “New Voices from Horizon,” “Director In Focus,” and “Special Screenings.” Each segment will have corresponding awards, such as the “Best Short Film,” “Best Director Award,” and "Macao Unit Award,” among others.

For “Macao Shorts,” 10 shortlisted local films will be screened, including “A Beautiful Journey: Documentary of Na Tcha Customs and Beliefs” by U Chi Wan, “The Melancholy of Gods” by Lei Cheok Mei, and “Before the Flight” by Chan Teng Teng.

Meanwhile, “New Voices from Horizon” will feature about 20 films from young filmmakers from various parts of the world. In “Director in Focus,” a selected roster of work from talented directors will be showcased, including renowned Japanese director Shunji Iwai.

Lastly, the non-competitive section “Special Screenings” will exhibit some of the most innovative, artistic, and socially relevant film productions in and out of Macao.

Tickets to the festival will be available starting March 10 via Macau Ticket’s website.

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