2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018

10th March, 2023

The Architects Association of Macau invited again Professor Stephen Siu Yu Lau, joined with Professor Zhenjiang Shen, the director of the Department of Environmental Planning, School of Environmental Science, Graduate School of Kanazawa University, Japan, and doctoral supervisor, to conduct a workshop seminar with the theme “Low Carbon Design + Urban Renewal Case Studies”. Two speakers shared international, Japan, China, Hong Kong and other regional cases, explored low-carbon planning concepts, methods and technologies suitable for local development, and proposed low-carbon planning strategies and design solutions suitable for urban renewal in China, in order to realize urban regeneration and sustainable development.

12th April, 2023

The Architects Association of Macau invited Mr. Wayne, Chong Wai Iu, Design Engineer at Hilti (HK) Limited, to conduct the seminar “Passive Firestop System”. Through the discussion on fire cases and their factors, the presenter introduced relevant design for new Macau fire codes and standards, firestop systems for various applications, the test standard and the acceptance criteria for fire blockage system.

2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018

1st December, 2022

As one of the activities of the “2022 World Architecture Day Celebration Series”, the Architects Association of Macau invited two senior architects of Macau: Arch. Johnathan Wong, Director of the P&T Group and Arch. Mimi Cheung, Director of the A Design Architecture Limited, to conduct the seminar “Explore the Design Direction of High-rise Residential Buildings in Macau & 2001-2020 Evolution of Macau Residential Buildings”. Through 20 years of experience in residential design in Macau, the speakers used real cases of 11 completed residential buildings, including private, social, and economic housing, to demonstrate the evolution of residential design in Macau, and also shared their design experiences with the audiences.

6th October, 2022

Announced in 2020, China aims to reach Peak Emissions before 2030 and Carbon Neutrality by 2060. Zero-energy buildings (ZEB) has emerged as an architectural and engineering integrated solution for meeting the long-term carbon-neutrality goal of the nations. The Architects Association of Macau invited Professor Stephen Siu Yu Lau, Design Research Director at LWK & Partners (HK) Limited, to conduct the seminar “Achieving Carbon Zero By Architecture - In The Eyes Of An Architect”. Prof. Lau is a supervisor for the programs of Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture of the Macau University of Science and Technology. He is an honorary professor at the University of Hong Kong, Tongji University, Southeast University, Southwest Jiaotong University and visiting professor at Shenzhen University. The seminar discusses the interrelationship between carbon, planning and architecture by focusing on the design and operation of zero-energy buildings. The Presenter have brought in exemplary cases to reflect on the “carbon” challenges for architectural design, and building-in-use by means of real-life experience.

10th September, 2022

In conjunction with the opening ceremony of the “2022 World Architecture Day Celebration Series” at the Fortress Corridor Exhibition Gallery, the Architects Association of Macau organized the seminar “The Development and Construction of the Monte Fort and Surrounding Urban Areas”, inviting Architect André Lui to be the speaker. The Monte Fort that used to be the “Acropolis” of Macau, and its nearby Jesuit facilities, including St. Paul’s Seminary, the Church of the Mother of God (St. Paul’s Ruins), and Pátio do Espinho, this former city fringe area has grown with the city. It has developed into an important cultural tourism core area in Macau today. This CPD included explanations and inspections, allowing architects to understand the development history of the area, as well as some important architectural design projects (including the renovation of historical sites), its culture and value.

31st August, 2022

The Architects Association of Macau invited Dr. Sharif Shams Imon, Academic Coordinator of the Cultural and Heritage Management Programme at the Macao Institute for Tourism Studies, to conduct the seminar “Introduction to Cultural Heritage Management”. The seminar focused on the fundamental questions such as how to decide what is cultural heritage and how to take care of the heritage. By presenting the recently published UNESCO document on professional competence for cultural heritage professionals, discussed how architects can leverage and supplement their professional knowledge to make meaningful contributions to cultural heritage conservation. Examples of international and regional best practices were presented as a part of the discussion.

28th July, 2022

The Architects Association of Macau invited Mr. Freddie Hai,

Director of Rocco Design Architects Associates Ltd, to conduct the seminar “The New Landmark in Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Palace Museum Architecture”. The recently opened Hong Kong Palace Museum is an important art and cultural facility situated in the West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong. Based around a contemporary interpretation of classic Chinese visual and spatial aesthetics, the museum design builds on a concept of linked courtyards translated into a vertical series of atriums that draw the visitor upwards. Locating adjacent to the Art Park and facing Victoria Harbour, the Hong Kong Palace Museum provides a distinctive cultural bookend to the District at its western end. The lecture discussed on the design development of the Museum and the ideas behind the various spatial concepts.

8th June, 2022

The seminar “Working Partners – Architect & Quantity Surveyor (QS)” jointly organized by the Architects Association of Macau and Turner & Townsend (Macau) Limited, introducing the duties and roles of QS. Further, by means of some case studies (including HK and locally in Macau) elaborated the works that QS carried out and showed the close working relationship between Architect and QS, in order to achieve the ultimate common goal of what client’s need – the project as desired under the best value. The seminar was conducted by Kam Lam, Director of T&T and Selina Wong, Senior Quantity Surveyor at T&T.

26th May, 2022

The course “Law and Architectural Professional Practice - Advance Course on Contract” jointly organized again by the Architects Association of Macau, BN Lawyers and University of Saint Joseph, was held at USJ. It is the advance course of the one last year. This time, Bruno Nunes, the conductor of the course, explained the content related to the “contract” in depth. The course was also composed of four sessions: The Most Common Contracts Architects’ Encounter; Key Clauses, Negotiation and Execution (Part 1) & (Part 2); Contract Disputes. It was held on four consecutive Thursdays (May 26 – June 16).

12th May, 2022

AAM organized the Webinar “THE CONTINUUM OF LEARNING IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE - A Roadmap of an Architectural Journey from Small Scale Residential Projects to an Airport Super Terminal”, inviting Australian Architect Theresa Pan, Project Director at Pascall + Watson, to be the speaker. The Webinar followed key stages of development in professional practice. It aims to highlight the lessons in which professional skills are learned, developed, refined, and assimilated. Vignetted into a range of projects in Australia and the UK provide insight into the skills developed over each stage of professional practice.

31st March, 2022

“AAM X DST Workshop” - Regarding the Macau SAR Law no.8/2021 “Law on the Activity of Establishments in the Hotel Industry” and the related Administrative Regulation no.44/2021 “Enforcement Rules of Law on the Activity of Establishments in the Hotel Industry”, which have come to effect on January 1, 2022, the Architects Association of Macau (AAM), with the support from the Tourist Bureau, organized this briefing session of the related law and regulation, so members of related industry could have a more in-depth understanding of the relevant regulations or rules.

2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018

9th December, 2021

The Construction Industry Development Concern Group and Macau Urban Renewal Limited jointly organized exchange activities of “Macao New Neighbourhood Project – Soft Base Treatment Process and Assembly Process”. The interested persons from the industry were organized to visit the MNN project site in the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone, studying on site, soft base process and preform process, furthermore, enhancing the understanding of the implementation of construction projects in the Mainland. AAM President of Board Christine Choi, Vice-Presidents Paulo Cheang and Donna Wu, as well as a number of board directors and AAM members participated. The MNN project bid and constructed by MUR, is a comprehensive livelihood community integrating residential, education, medical and other functions. It provides Macao residents with one more option for purchasing high-quality property and creates convenient conditions for working and living in the Greater Bay Area.

26th November, 2021

In conjunction with the World Architecture Day celebration series, AAM held a seminar on “Connectivities - 17th International Architecture Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia” at the Oasis of the Galaxy Hotel. The seminar was given by Arch. Carlos Marreiros, President of AAM Fellows Council, and an exhibition team composed of four young local architects and urban planners, including Ho Ting Fong, Lao Man Si, Che Chi Hong and Chan Ka Tat. Through four works of different styles and expressions, they set up the exhibition project of the Macao China Pavilion of the Biennale. It deduced how Macao, a small city on the vast territory of China, with traces of the fusion of various cultures, to integrate various cultures and reflect it on the architectural and urban level; and, how Macao could continue and extend into the future, facing various challenges, including the smooth integration into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Their creative ideas and experiences were shared in the seminar.

25th November, 2021

The “Seminar on the Application and Prospect of Quantity Surveying in Macao” organized by the Construction Industry Development Concern Group (the Six Associations: AAM, AEM, AECEM, MABCD, MCA, APMCCM), was held at the Macao Science Centre. There were three topics in the seminar, namely “Introduction to the Application and Current Situation of Quantity Surveying in Macao’s Public Works, Engineering Procurement Application”, “Introduction to the Global Historical Development, Evolution and Role of Quantity Surveying in the Industry” and “Sharing on Handling Engineering Disputes”. Arch. Johnathan Wong, Vice-President AAM General Assembly, was one of the speakers in the seminar. In recent years, the construction industry in Macao has developed vigorously, and the Government has also invested heavily in public projects to meet the needs of the future development of Macao. Therefore, the Six Associations jointly organized the “Macao Quantity Surveying Technician Course 2021” to cultivate local quantity surveying technicians in order to meet the demand for talents in the public and private markets, help the industry improve the skills of the engineering quantity calculation model, better control the construction cost and handle the bidding procedures, contract agreements and other related tasks more efficiently. The entire course consisted of a series of lectures, 42 hours in total. The above seminar was part of and kicked off the course.

20th October, 2021

AAM and the Impromptu Projects jointly organized the seminar “Engagement Tactics: Art, Architecture and Urbanism in Public Spaces”, inviting Netherland Artist/ Designer Frank Havermans to be the speaker. In this seminar, a number of projects were selected and categorized them into four themes that potentially could relate to Macau and its urban conditions: heritage sites, borders and abandoned sites, infrastructures and Macau intervention at Impromptu Storefront, sharing Havermans’ experience on strategic site-specific interventions. His work derives from a combined fascination for architecture, urban dynamics, constructions, gravity and tangibility. His architectural innovations always provoke the use around them and can be considered as proposals for architectural and urban change.

4th September, 2021

The Macao Social Affairs Bureau, the Architects Association of Macao and the Youth Committee of Macao Contractors Association organized jointly “Barrier-Free Architectural Design Seminar” (AAM CPD 11/2021), to promote and to discuss in-depth on creating a barrier-free environment for Macao. Hon Wai, Director of Social Affairs Bureau; Yu Ka Wai, Head of Institutional Auxiliary Services Group, Rehabilitation Services Division; Ben Leong, AAM GA President; Christine Choi, AAM BD President; Lai Meng San, Director of MCA Youth Committee; Tai Hou Yuan, MCA Secretary; and Cheong Wai Hong, MCA Treasurer attended the event. Ho Kuok Meng, General Secretary of the Macao Association of Services for the Disabled; Leong Ka Chon, Coordinator of the Rehabilitation Centre for the Blind, Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Macau; Wong Pou San, Administrative Secretary of Macao Deaf Association; and Dr. Joseph Kuan, Hong Kong Rehabilitation Advisory Committee Member were invited to be the speakers. The seminar was held through online (zoom meeting) with instant sign language translation. Being disabled of handicap, visually impaired and hearing impaired, Ho, Leong and Wong, from the perspective of the disabled, explained the basic needs of the people with disabilities for road traffic and public facilities when traveling alone, then put forward the matters needing attention in Macao’s barrier-free construction. Dr. Kuan shared the barrier-free facilities in Japan, Hong Kong and other places, as well as provided some professional opinions on barrier-free architectural design.

3rd September, 2021

Marco Imperadori, Professor of Politecnico di Milano, conducted a Webinar: “Art and Science: Architecture and Design Between City and Nature” (AAM CPD 10/2021). The seminar deals with the topic of thinking about contemporary architectural design, and the usage of new technologies and materials, strong conceptualization, towards the balance between architecture and the city, as well as architecture and nature.

3rd July, 2021

Organized by Albergue SCM and co-organized by the Architects Association of Macao, the Seminar “Architectural Design in a Historic Environment” (AAM CPD 7/2021) conducted by Andre Lui, Architect and PhD in Design, took place at Albergue SCM. The seminar introduced the architectural and city development of Macao since the 16th century, as well as the characteristics and cultural value of Chinese and Western-style historical buildings. Dr. Lui shared his own experiences and insights through case studies of historical building adaption, in Macao and internationally, exploring the architectural design and strategy in the historic environment.

1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd July, 2021

The course “Law and Architectural Professional Practice” (AAM CPD 6/2021) jointly organized by the Architects Association of Macao, BN Lawyers and University of Saint Joseph, was held at USJ on every Thursday in July, with the aims to provide legal knowledge to the architectural professional practice. Bruno Nunes, the conductor of the course, is a registered lawyer in the Macao Lawyers Association and in the Portuguese Bar Association, an adjunct professor of USJ, an advisory council member of Macao Municipal Affairs Bureau. The course was composed of four sessions, 9 hours in total. Session 1 – Setting Up Shop and Managing Your Business - covered types of companies and incorporation, taxation, employees, intellectual property/ copyright; Session 2 – Contracts - introduced practical ways of discharging their obligations as a superintendent to a design/ construction contract; Session 3 – Public Contracts - introduced practical ways to submit proposals, execute public works agreements and deal with Termination for Convenience; Session 4 - Liability and Risk in Construction Projects - pointed out the commonly encountered issues affecting architects’ risk, practical ways of manage expectations and dealing with professional indemnity claims.

20th January, 2021

The revitalization of historical buildings is crucial with great significance; not only does it retain architectures that are on the brink of disappearing, but also provides an opportunity for the people to connect the past and the present through its new purpose. AAM invited Arch. Lam Kai Wun from Division for Research and Planning of Cultural Affairs Bureau, to conduct a Webinar: “Revitalization of Historical Buildings - Some Ideas and Practices in Architectural Design”, to discuss various topics such as involving tradition and innovation, essence and space, respect and adjustment by introducing several ideas in the revitalization of historical buildings. Four projects that have been successfully implemented were presented as case studies, to further access the feasibility and implementation of the ideas.

22nd October, 2020

Accompanied by the celebration of “World Architecture Day”, the AAM Webinar 7/2020 - “Adaptive Reuse and Architectural Spatialization on Heritage Architecture: Fusion in Architecture – A Case Study by Lasvit and OV-A Architects” took place. Mr. Maxim Velcovský, the art director of Lasvit; and Arch. Štepán Valouch, the co-founder of OV-A Architects; were invited to be the speakers, delivering the lectures through internet and interacting with the guests and AAM members at the venue. The seminar was divided into two parts. The historic significance, innovative techniques and applications of hand-crafted bohemian glass in Czech was presented by Velcovský, followed by a case study of the Lasvit Headquarters: adaptive reuse and architectural spatialization in synthesizing a tradition of culture and the fabric of architecture presented by Arch. Valouch.

11th June, 2020

To understand how technology can help us to adapt to the new normal and how architects should adapt to these new technologies and workflows, AAM organized a series of 2 webinars related to Building Information Modelling (BIM). Webinar 1 - Adaptation to BIM Ecosystem for Architects, conducted by Mr. Kelvin Tam, AIAB Vice Chairman, BIM Manager, on June 11. Webinar 2 - Introduction to Remote BIM Collaboration for the AEC Industry, conducted by Ms. Carol Poon, AIAB Committee, Technical Manager of Autodesk, on June 18.

18th June, 2020

To understand how technology can help us to adapt to the new normal and how architects should adapt to these new technologies and workflows, AAM organized a series of 2 webinars related to Building Information Modelling (BIM). Webinar 1 - Adaptation to BIM Ecosystem for Architects, conducted by Mr. Kelvin Tam, AIAB Vice Chairman, BIM Manager, on June 11. Webinar 2 - Introduction to Remote BIM Collaboration for the AEC Industry, conducted by Ms. Carol Poon, AIAB Committee, Technical Manager of Autodesk, on June 18.

5th August, 2020

“New infrastructure” refers to the construction of new infrastructure. From the perspective of smart city or future city planning and construction, new infrastructure has come into being and will change the content and methods of urban planning and construction. AAM invited Prof. Wang Peng, professor-level senior urban planner, Director of the Smart City Laboratory of Beijing Big Data Research Institute, to conduct a Webinar: “New Infrastructure and Smart City”, that would analyze the essence of smart cities and the connotation of new infrastructure, and help designers better understand the integration point of ICT technology and urban development.

12th August, 2020

AAM invited Urbanist/ Architect Jason Hilgefort, who got the master degree of architecture at the University of British Columbia, to give Webinar 4 - From Formal Urbanism to Informed Spatial Practice. Hilgefort used his projects in the Greater Bay Area to share the way his practice Land+Civilization Compositions continues to leverage design thinking within standard notions of development and seek to generate new potentials for spatial practice.

2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018

2nd August 2019

The 7th AAM CPD of 2019 on the topic “Sustainable Design and Material for Building Construction” was held at AAM premises, conducted by Mr. Ricky Tsang and Mr. Tsim Chai-nam.In the first part of the seminar, Mr. Ricky Tsang, Founder, Chairman and CEO of CaSO (HK) Engineering Co. Ltd., talked about the AUGREEN Block Wall System Sustainable Development Cycle, application & its contributions in BEAM PLUS & LEED, introducing the related products the high quality and light-weight gypsum blocks and light-weight plaster.Building quality is critical in today property market since most of building in Hong Kong and Macao was suffered from strong typhoon in the past few years. Mr. Tsim Chai-nam, Chairman of Hong Kong Professional Building Inspection Academy, has been conducted building inspection for over 20 years. With his solid experience, he shared in the second part of the seminar, how building material selection and building design impact the workmanship.

29th March 2019

The 3rd AAM CPD of 2019 on the topic “An Introduction to BEAM Plus Framework – a Green Building Assessment Tool and its Suitability to Building Environment in Macao” took place at AAM premises, conducted by Ir. Ho Chi-shing, the CEO of BEAM Society Limited. The talk aims to raise the awareness of professionals about the latest development on green building movement and related assessment tools. The talk covered the overview on BEAM Plus Assessment tools, its procedures and its achievement in Hong Kong.

4th May 2019

AAM and HKIA co-organized joint a CPD on “Case Study of Revitalization of Historical Architectural Project: Hong Kong Tai Kwun (Historical building complex including the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison)” in the morning. This visit consisted of three successful revitalization projects and was guided by Mr. Edman Choy, Associate of Herzog & de Meuron. In the afternoon, another joint CPD on “Case Study of Successful Pre-fabricated Building and Green Building: CITAC, MiC Display Centre & Zero Carbon Building” was organized by the two associations. This visit consisted of three new projects which had got the achievements on different aspects and was guided by Yuen Hang Yee, Ken Chow, Athena Chan & Vivian Choi, representative of Construction Industry Council. These two visits were the 4th and 5th AAM CPD of 2019.

19th January 2019

Organized jointly by Architects Association of Macao (AAM) and The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA), and co-organized by China Green Building Council (Macao), Association of Engineers of Macao (AEM) and Macao Society of Civil and Structural Engineers (MSCSE), the “New Trend in the Development of Green Architecture” Forum was held in Macao Science Centre Conference Room. It was a pleasure to be able to invite Arch. Edward Shen, Chairman of World Association of Chinese Architects (WACA); Arch. Joel Chan, Director of P&T Group, President of the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design; Ms. Samantha K Allen, Director of Market Development of International WELL Building Institute; Arch. Leung Man-kit, Managing Director of Ronald Lu & Partners (Hong Kong) Ltd.; Architect Philip Chen, Executive Director of Wong Tung architects, HK; and Ir. Ho Chi-shing, the CEO of BEAM Society Limited, six experts and scholars from Hong Kong, to serve as speakers for the forum. As of the forum topic, the six speakers each delivered speeches for “The Role and Value of Architecture & Architects in the New Era of Economic Growth & Sustainable Development”, “From Energy Efficiency to Modular Integrated Construction – The Road towards a Livable and Sustainable World Class City”, “The Next Wave of Sustainability: An Introduction to the WELL Building Standard”, “Visioning the New Green”, “TI Tower” and “BEAM Plus Latest Movement”. The officiating guests included Arch. Ben Leong, President of AAM General Assembly; Arch. Johnathan Wong, President of AAM Board of Directors; Arch. Yvonne Ieong, the representative of HKIA, Mr. Pan Sio, the Curator of Macao Science Centre; Eng. Leong Iam Chong, President of Macao Contractors Association; and Mr. Cheok Chong In, President of China Green Building Council (Macao). On the afternoon of the same day, the organizer of the forum also organized the academic visiting activity “Revitalization of Heritage Buildings in Macao”. This visit consisted of three successful revitalization projects: the Na Tcha Exhibition Room, the Exhibition Room of Master Lu Ban’s Woodcraft Works and the Patane Night Watch House, and was guided by Architect Lui Chak Keong and the project architect of Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) of Macao Mr. Chan Chi Lek, sharing their experience on the revitalization of heritage buildings. The two activities mentioned above were the 1st and 2nd AAM CPD of 2019.

2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018

13th December 2018

The 8th AAM CPD of 2018 on the topic “Introduction to Architectural Material: Application and Characteristic of Cement Board Drywall and Ceiling System” was held at AAM premises, conducted by Mr. Kerim Omer Caglar and Mr. Daniel, Tong Ching Kuen. In the first part of the lecture, it was reviewed that the drywall system history and its impacts on modern construction, discussing the problem and limitation of drywall & ceiling system when apply in humid and wet areas, and then introduced AQUAPANEL - a new technology apply for drywall & ceiling system. In the second part - demonstration, it was shown that the performance of different boards by testing its physical properties and characters, as well as demonstrated how quick and easy of the installation of typical drywall systems.

15th November, 2018

The 7th AAM CPD of 2018 on the topic “Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Urban Development – Challenges in the Historic City of Macao” was held at AAM premises, with our member Ar. Maria José de Freitas as the speaker. The lecture examines the importance of protecting and preserving our tangible and intangible heritages and tests their contribution for a sustainable urban development where they can help to reinforce different parameters, such as: economy, education, culture, environment, ethics, engineering, architecture, enjoyment and life. With rapid development of cities, the quality of life and the level of urban modernization are compelled to increase. Moreover, the universal values of historic city centres need to be respected to ensure that their authenticity and integrity will not be undermined. For effective use and protection of heritage buildings that compose the historic centres, the process of conferring new functions and the implementation of adaptive re-use projects are some of the steps which can undoubtedly shape the city with cultural tourism spots and leisure places, thereby also meeting the requirements of a contemporary society. Looking forward into the future, it is necessary awakening public interest in the conservation and requalification of cultural heritage, so that together we can preserve the legacy that belongs to all citizens of the world.

18th October, 2018

Accompanied by the dinner of “World Architecture Day”, the 6th AAM CPD of 2018 - “Concept Architectural Design through International Architecture Exhibitions” took place. During the first part of the seminar, Ar. Jimmy Wardhana, representing his team, shared the experience of executing the Macao Exhibition “City Magnified: The Re-discovering of a Diminishing Urban Identity” at “Shenzhen and Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture 2017”. Targeting to raise the attention of people to the significance and the sustainable of Macao’s traditional Pátios with vivid lives of neighborhood, he explained in detail the whole process of doing the exhibition which included conception, collecting materials, interview, manufacture and installation of the exhibition, even the day tour for the community and younger generation. Next, the team composed of Manuel Lam, Ieong Chong Tat, Vong Ka Ian and Chu Hou San shared their experience of executing the Macao Exhibition “Unintended Architecture” at “The 16th Venice Architecture Biennale of Architecture”, explaining how to transform playing cards as the core element to create the exhibition. For the last part of the seminar, AAM BD President Ar. Johnathan Wong and Vice-President Ar. Donna Wu were invited to join the dialogue with speakers about the feedback of the exhibitions.

7th September, 2018

For the 5th AAM CPD of 2018 “Quality Assurance and Quality Control of Architectural Construction Works”, AAM organized the members to visit the Macau Laboratory of Civil Engineering and have the lesson there with the presentations by President Dr. Ao Peng Kong and the chief engineers of departments. With knowledge of works and facilities of LECM, the participants understood more about the standard applied in construction works and relating systems of quality control in Macao.