The annual Macao Young Musicians Competition is organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government with the aim of advancing the musical arts in the territory and enhancing the training and performance abilities of young local musicians. For well over two decades, the Macao Young Musicians Competition has given thousands of young people the opportunity to gain precious stage experience, and thus has played a vital role in the improvement of the musical skills of Macao’s youth.  As last year’s competition featured the categories of piano and harp, this year the focus will be on the categories of Chinese and Western instruments and vocal music. In each category, along with First, Second and Third prizes, the Organiser will continue to award the “Cultural Affairs Bureau Prize”; and this year, the number of the “Talented Prizes” has been increased to ten, in order to provide subsidies to a greater number of talented local youngsters so that they may further their musical training in Macao or abroad. Finally, a new prize for “Best Ensemble Performance” has been added in order to encourage more young musicians to compete in teams.