44 Sands China employees complete diploma program at UM

The second batch of the Sands China team members graduated yesterday from the one-year diploma program in business management at the University of Macau (UM).

Forty-four team members for the 2015-2016 academic year participated in the program that features coursework tailor-made for Sands China team members – an initiative of the Sands China Academy.

The academy provides a platform through which Sands China can focus on team member training and development and the professional development of locals, including associates, such as staff hired by Sands China’s partner retailers.

Antonio Ramirez, Sands China’s senior vice president of human resources, touted the importance of investing in its team members.  The gaming operator covered 55 percent of the course fees for the diploma participants. “It offers a firm foundation for our local team members to develop their talents further, and provides them with an opportunity to advance their business knowledge,” he said. “By gaining knowledge and a broader set of skills in the program, they are investing in their own career enhancement and future development.”

The company further supported team members’ attendance in the initiative by asking affected departments to arrange rosters according to team members’ class schedules.

Ronnie Leong, one of the participating team members who works in the Human Resources Training and Development department, told the Times that the program was a helpful opportunity for the employees, adding that he was particularly fond of the program’s business psychology module.

“Through this program, I’ve gained a lot of knowledge in the area of management, and have also developed a broad set of skills, such as communication skills, mental toughness and English language proficiency,” he said.

“This program has helped us become more productive at work, and has improved our interpersonal skills. It’s helping us communicate more effectively with our colleagues and friends,” Leong added.

Initiated by the company and in cooperation with UM’s Centre for Continuing Education, the exclusive Corporate-University Partnership Program was developed to give Sands China’s local team members an opportunity to earn a diploma in business management.

According to the casino operator, the one-year diploma program contributes to the push for non-gaming diversification in the territory, citing its commitment to developing the careers of locals. LV