“Melco Star Macau Youth Talent Competition” nurtures local entertainment and creative talent

With its strong commitment to fostering creative and cultural development in Macau, Melco Resorts & Entertainment is dedicated to nurturing and mentoring talent in the fields of entertainment and creativity. Melco and the National Conditions Education (Macau) Association successfully co-organized the “Melco Star Macau Youth Talent Competition” for the third year recently under the theme “China in Childhood”. 

In alignment with Melco’s “Splendors of China” program, the competition aims to instill national pride and patriotism through education of Chinese culture from an early age.

This year’s competition attracted the active participation of nearly 1,300 youths from more than 60 schools and art institutions across Macau. Out of over 190 programs, 50 performances and 525 performers were shortlisted for the finals, which was hosted at City of Dreams earlier this month.

The exciting series of performances in the competition, including Chinese classical dance, folk dance, folk musical instruments, as well as intangible cultural heritage performances such as lion dance, Nanyin music, and diabolo, showcased the excellence of traditional Chinese culture.

The young finalists of “Melco Star Macau Youth Talent Competition” had the unique opportunity to showcase their performances to a distinguished the panel of judges comprising world-renowned maestros from the fields of arts and entertainment. 

This invaluable experience and exposure for the young participants reflects Melco’s dedication to supporting local youths in developing their talent in the arts and creative industries.

The esteemed panel of judges included Mr. Shanqi, renowned Chinese musician and producer; Professor Xu Qing, former associate professor of the People’s Liberation Army Art College; Mr. Vincent Lu Jia, Macao Orchestra Principal Cello; Ms. Hu Chengfeng, former judge of elite projects of China National Arts Fund; the creative direction team of “House of Dancing Water” from Peparini Studios; and Mr. Kriman Benbella, Founder & Creative Director of “The Planet Entertainment”.

Guests of honor who attended the competition’s award ceremony included Mr. Wang Huijie, Chief of the Division of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Ms. Liang Qiaozhi, Deputy Director of the Department of Information and Public Diplomacy of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR; Mr. Lao Ngai Leong, Head of the Macao delegation to the National People’s Congress; Ms. Cheong Man Fai, Head of the Department of Youth of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of Macao SAR Government; Ms. Chan Shuk Mei, Head of Division of Performing Arts of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macao SAR Government; Mr. Sam Io Cheong, Deputy Director and Secretary General of The Chinese Educators Association of Macau; Principal Cheung Wai Ling, Vice President of Macau Catholic Schools Association. 

They were joined by the co-organizer: Mr. Jack Wang, President, National Conditions Education Association (Macau) and Melco management including: Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman & CEO; Mr. Tim Kelly, Property President of City of Dreams Macau; Mr. Kevin Benning, Senior Vice President and Property General Manager of Studio City and Dr. Raymond Lo, Senior Vice President, Head of Global Marketing and General Manager of Altira Macau and Mocha Clubs.

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman & CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, said, “This year’s nearly 200 performances of the talented young contestants from over 60 schools and art institutions in Macau have been both impressive and awe-inspiring. We are honored to have an esteemed panel of world-renowned maestros from the arts and entertainment industries serving as judges for this year’s event. Their expertise has added immense value to the competition, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to them for their contributions. I also thank Mr. Jack Wong and the National Conditions Education (Macau) Association, our valued partner and co-organizer for this event, for their incredible support in bringing ‘Melco Star’ to life.

“As a provider of the most diversified non-gaming offerings in Macau, Melco is committed to supporting and cultivating young talent in the creative fields. We believe that investing in the next generation will bring tremendous benefits not only to Macau but also to the Greater Bay Area, while contributing to the overall development of China.”

Mr. Jack Wang, President of National Conditions Education Association (Macau), said, “Special thanks to Melco and its Chairman Lawrence Ho for their strong support for the past three editions of this event. We hope that it helps young people in Macau enhance their sense of national belonging, identity and cultural confidence by understanding the profoundness of China’s excellent traditional culture, whilst nurturing a new generation with a sense of home and country.”

Launched in 2019, the previous two editions of the “Melco Star Macau Youth Talent Competition” have gained widespread praise and attention from the community, with 2,360 Macau youths from 88 schools and art institutions participating, presenting almost 300 traditional Chinese cultural and artistic performances.