Corporate Bits | MGM Cotai marks first CNY at property

MGM Cotai has held a Lion Dance Blessing Ceremony to celebrate its first Chinese New Year, kicking off with a traditional lion eye-dotting ritual and lion dance, followed by the lighting of firecrackers. 

The Ceremony was officiated by Grant Bowie, CEO and executive director of MGM China, with MGM’s management team. 

Nine lions dressed in vivid costumes marched into the Lion Lobby Entrance for the traditional eye-dotting ritual, which signifies the awakening of the lion’s spirit.

The ritual was immediately followed by a lion dance performance which culminated in the lighting of firecrackers, and started a lion dance parade to the accompaniment of cymbals, drums and gongs, sending well wishes of good fortune to every corner of the new resort.

In a press statement, MGM invited the public to experience its festive culinary delights, including dining concepts led by four acclaimed chefs – Mauro Colagreco, Mitsuharu Tsumura, Graham Elliot and Janice Wong.

SJM pledges to promote ‘localization’

SJM hosted its traditional Lunar New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at the Grand Ballroom of Grand Lisboa last week, in the presence of officials including Chief Executive Chui Sai On.

The SJM Dragon and Lion Dance, officiated by Chui, was held after the dinner at the Grand Lisboa welcoming the Year of the Dog with Macau’s residents and visitors. 

Angela Leong, managing director and chief administrative officer of SJM pledged that it would continue to prioritize locals in terms of employment.

“SJM has approximately 19,000 employees, of whom only 6.7 percent are non-residents.  This percentage is comparatively the lowest among the casino operators,” said Leong.

“We will continue to promote localization at SJM, and provide more employment and upward mobility opportunities to local residents.”

Ambrose So, chairman of the Board of Directors of SJM, said that the Year of the Dog signifies a prosperous year.

“We have every confidence that the Dog will accompany us into a new era of prosperity,” he said.