Research goals, and key issues & problems to be addressed

The services studied and implemented (to prototype status) by this Joint Research Laboratory in Information Systems have several benefits for the Macau community:

­       The general public is provided with new services, such as a system for displaying the time of arrival of public transport (initially at the ferry port, but applicable elsewhere), access to government services via the Internet (and generally better access to the Internet), E-Health services, new entertainment services, etc. 

­       The Macau community strengthens its tourism industry, by making the region more attractive and more open (eg. through the support of multiple languages, the guidance and recommendations given by the Location-Based Services in shopping areas and cultural environments (eg. museums), the publicising of Macauan cultural events. These features will also encourage the preservation of older Macauan sites and buildings.
The PDA version of the map of Macau will be enhanced with interactive features (“you are here”) and the content will be made more adaptive (the level of detail can change according to the device used, or the speed of movement). 

­       Macau citizens are given greater protection through the recognition of people who should not be allowed to enter the country, or a particular building. 

­       Ideas and opportunities are provided for the start-up of SMEs, building products or software related to these new services. 

­       Macau’s top researchers are given access to interesting opportunities for further research work that can lead to higher qualifications, without having to leave the region. 

Overall, this collaboration will enhance the living standards of the Macau citizens, promote the tourism industry and bring new growth to the economy.