Corporate Bits | Galaxy chef and sommeliers win awards

(From Left to Right)Eugene Tan,Simon Tho,Kelvin So

Simon Tho, the chef and assistant VP of Asian Culinary, recently won the Star Chef of the Year 2014 award at the International Exchange Association of Renowned Chinese Cuisine in Shanghai. Meanwhile, chief sommelier Kelvin So and sommelier Eugene Tan were champion and 1st runner-up at the Ruinart Sommeliers Challenge Hong Kong 2015, respectively.
The International Exchange Association of Renowned Chinese Cuisine counts as its members chefs of Chinese cuisine, scholars and F&B operators – totaling more than 1,000 – from some 30 countries and regions. Each year, the association recognizes and awards members who have made exceptional contribution to the industry. On the back of winning the Best Dish award at Malaysia World Golden Chef Competition and the Group Excellence award at Yangzhou International Chinese Cooking Contest in 2013 and 2014, respectively, Simon Tho was awarded the Star Chef of the Year 2014 by the association for his accomplishments. Also invited to the podium were Martin Yan, chef and host of his award-winning cooking show Yan Can Cook, and Hugo Leung, celebrity chef and food critic.
In the meantime, facing off competition from some 20 contestants, chief sommelier Kelvin So and sommelier Eugene Tan were champion and 1st runner-up at the Ruinart Sommeliers Challenge Hong Kong 2015, respectively. Kelvin So will soon visit Champagne, where he will have the opportunity to meet with other master sommeliers.

Wynn Macau launches training program for local gaming employees

Wynn Macau yesterday announced a new ‘Hospitality Management Program’, designed to provide gaming employees with new career opportunities anticipated to arrive with the imminent opening of Wynn Palace. The Wynn Macau Learning & Advancement team will soon launch this new module of its progressive Leadership Acceleration Program.
Gaming professionals wishing to explore a management career in Hospitality may apply for the program which will support 40 successful applicants on a 12-month training and immersion program. After a rotational period of six months including skills training and leadership education, candidates will hone their skills with specialized training in their selected department. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will become Assistant Managers in non-gaming departments, for instance in Hotel, Food & Beverage Operations.
“We are proud that through our highly targeted and effective learning programs developed over the years, the number of local employees in management positions has almost tripled since 2006. Meanwhile the management team now comprises 82% local talents as opposed to 58% previously,” stated Zuleika Mok, Senior Vice President – Human Resources.