10th Anniversary of Local Supplier Support Programme

With over 20 years of roots in Macao, Sands China has always treated local suppliers as close partners, demonstrating the company’s philosophy of supporting the development of local SME suppliers and fostering their prosperity by providing a high-level, effective platform for them to grow. Sands China’s Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme was created in partnership with the Macao Chamber of Commerce in 2015 to increase procurement opportunities for Macao’s SMEs, making it the first such programme launched by an integrated resort operator in Macao. It targets three types of local businesses: local, small, and micro suppliers, “Made in Macao” companies and Macao young entrepreneurs. In line with government policies, the programme propels Sands China’s longstanding efforts to support the growth and development of local SME suppliers. While cooperating with the Macao SAR government’s policy of supporting small, medium and micro enterprises, it also demonstrates the company’s long-term commitment to supporting the development of local suppliers. To date, the company has been cooperating with thousands of SMEs and they have grown together with Sands China.

Grant Chum, chief executive officer and executive director of Sands China Ltd., said: “We are honoured to witness our Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme celebrating its 10-year milestone. Sands China has proactively launched various initiatives to support local SMEs and we have consistently adjusted our strategies in response to the latest market changes and demands, putting innovative ideas into practice to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. We would like to express our gratitude to the Macao SAR government for its longstanding policy guidance, to the Macao Chamber of Commerce for being our key partner and a crucial bridge between us and local commerce, and to all local SMEs for their active participation and support throughout the years – as we all share the impactful achievements of Macao’s development.”

Hoi Lok Man, vice president of the board of directors of the Macao Chamber of Commerce, said: “SMEs are the economic foundation of Macao. The flourishing development of Macao’s local SMEs is one of the city’s ‘golden accesses’ to economic prosperity. Co-launched with Sands China in 2015, the Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme is a testament to our philosophy of supporting the growth and development of local SMEs, making progress together to achieve our mutual goal. Our support to local SMEs mirrors the adage to ‘teach a man to fish’ and is a microcosm of the solidarity of Macao’s business sectors – demonstrating their collaborative spirit of ‘growth, success, and shared prosperity.’ Our partnership with Sands China has significantly surpassed commercial procurement, in turn becoming an accelerator for Macao’s moderate economic diversification.”

SME Open Day

(2015 to present)

First integrated resort operator to organise SME Open Day

Facilitates face-to-face conversations for potential suppliers to learn about procurement opportunities in various Sands China departments

News feature stories on SMEs

(2016 to present)

• Cooperation with local media to interview Sands China’s SME suppliers and publish more than 140 inspirational stories to showcase the suppliers’ unremitting spirit of self-improvement

Sands Procurement Academy

(2017 to present)

• Assists Macao’s small and medium-sized enterprises to enhance their competitiveness and move towards international standards

• 16 intakes to date

• Has provided more than 550 Macao SMEs with over 8,600 hours of training in total

The Macao Showcase

(June 7-9, 2023)

• Sands China’s first large-scale event in an overseas market after the pandemic

• Facilitated procurement opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to enter the international market

Expedited Payment Programme for Local SMEs

(2017, 2021)

Provision of MOP 200 million after Typhoon Hato and MOP 350 million during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide advance payments and accelerated payments to SME suppliers in need to ease their cash flow pressures and operational burdens

Sands Shopping Carnival

(2020 to present)

• Held annually for five years and counting, it provides a large-scale free exhibition and sales platform for Macao’s SMEs and Sands retailers, creating a synergy effect through the exhibition and sales of international retail brands and local SMEs at the same venue

• More than 540,000 visitors and around 2,800 booths in total to date

Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens

(2024 to present)

• Provides financial assistance to local entrepreneurs to launch new businesses at Rua das Estalagens

• Six businesses have already begun activating the community economy, following the programme’s results announcement in July 2024

Macao Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon

(Nov. 11-15, 2024)

• In order to provide a platform for Macao’s tech industry to “Go global and attract foreign investment,” 17 Macao tech enterprises certified by DSEDT’s Technology Enterprise Certification Program were invited to Lisbon for the tour

• They attended the annual Web Summit technology conference in Lisbon and visited innovative companies to gain an in-depth understanding of the latest information and development trends in the technology industry

Leading Macao SMEs to go global: Min Da Construction & Engineering Company Limited

Min Da Construction & Engineering Company Limited first participated in a Sands China project in 2006. Over the past 20 years, Min Da has participated in many large-scale projects for Sands China, such as the construction and renovation of hotel rooms, and the interior decor of ballrooms and casinos, and has grown together with Sands China. Thanks to its collaboration with Sands China, Min Da has successfully broadened its horizons, learned about the latest industry technologies and knowledge from abroad, and utilised Sands’ network to explore overseas business opportunities. In 2008, Min Da expanded its business to Singapore. After Typhoon Hato, Min Da participated in the post-disaster recovery and community restoration work in Lai Chi Vun organised by Sands China, providing immediate support to residents whose homes were severely damaged, jointly demonstrating the power of the community and corporate care.