To celebrate the China Cultural Heritage Day and the International Archives Day, the Historical Archives under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government (CAB), present the exhibition "An Art of Precision - Shipbuilding in Macao: People, Craft and Society". The exhibition’s opening ceremony took place at 3pm on June 8^th 2013 at the Historical Archives, located at Tap Seac Square. Present at the ceremony was the CAB President, Mr. Ung Vai Meng, who presented senior members of the shipbuilding industry with souvenirs and certificates, and showed his gratitude for their contribution of precious items as well as their assistance in organising lectures and workshops.

Shipbuilding is a traditional industry with a time-honoured history in Macao. The operation and changes in Macao’s shipbuilding industry has a close relationship with Macao’s socioeconomic development, also witnessing the evolution of other industries between the 19^th and the 21^st centuries. At the same time, shipbuilding in Macao adopted traditions and customs of different industries and trades, thus having a profound cultural significance.

The exhibition will present over 100 items, ranging from records of oral interviews, documents, photographs and objects, such as shipbuilding tools from different periods, Lou Pan worship objects (patron of shipbuilders), stamps from the Shipyard Workers’ Association, contacts, plants and models of fishing boats and information about the School for the Shipyard Workers’ Children, among others. Themed on the people, craft and society of Macao's shipbuilding, the exhibition seeks to acquaint visitors with the historical background of the industry, its craft, interpersonal relations, worships and customs, practices and taboos, modes of operation and unique way of continuity. Lectures and workshops on the theme are also scheduled during the exhibition period to offer a further insight into Macao’s shipbuilding.

The exhibition runs until December 7^th, daily from 10am to 6pm, at the Historical Archives (closed on Mondays and public holidays). Admission is free. For enquiries, please visit www.archives.gov.mo or call 28592919, during office hours, for more details.