The local court has officially declared Macau Asia Satellite Television (MAST) bankrupt, providing creditors a 60-day window to submit their claims for repayment following the announcement.
The Court of First Instance’s decision was disclosed in the Official Gazette yesterday, with the ruling made July 16.
Established June 2001, the television station also broadcasts in Hong Kong, mainland China and Taiwan. Labor disputes arose in Taipei in 2018, where about 30 employees were not paid as promised, leading to similar conflicts in Macau the following year.
Despite facing financial challenges, the station received a 15-year license extension from then-Chief Executive Chui Sai On. At its peak, MAST had up to 150 employees.
The broadcaster heavily relied on government funding to sustain its programs, primarily focused on promoting Macau, receiving an annual grant of MOP8 million in 2019 and 2020.
From 2015 to 2020, MAST reportedly received over MOP38 million in public funds.
The labor disputes have prompted the Labour Affairs Bureau to revoke all non-resident labor quotas for the broadcaster.
