Prioritizing corporate social responsibility

Part 5: Caring for one another – Sands China stands together with the local community

For 15 years now, The Venetian Macao has been reaching ever-higher levels of excellence as a member of the Macau community. In this five-part series, Sands China gives us a closer look at what this leader in integrated resorts has been doing in the areas of talent development, economic diversification, tourism, local procurement, and corporate social responsibility.

As Macau’s first integrated tourism and leisure operator – rooted in Macau for nearly 20 years now – Sands China strives to give back through socially responsible actions. 

Despite the pandemic, we’ve remained committed to supporting the healthy development of society through our continued efforts in areas including community development, environmental sustainability and responsible gaming – guided by the Sands Cares corporate citizenship program.

Sands Cares Ambassadors 

Since 2005, Sands China team members have been volunteering in Macau during their off-duty hours. Sands China formalized these efforts in August 2009 by founding the Sands Cares Ambassador program. It has allowed Sands China to respond to the community’s needs through financial support, community service, material donations and charity work, meanwhile while giving team members steady opportunities to serve others and help create a harmonious society. 

Sands ECO360

Environmental sustainability is one of the cornerstones of Sands China’s operations. The Sands ECO360 global sustainability strategy strives to minimize our carbon footprint and the subsequent impact of business operations on the environment, thus improving energy saving and sustainable operations.  In June, Sands China Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding with the Macau Fair & Trade Association (MFTA) to promote mutual cooperation for Green MICE and in joint commitment to promote and strengthen the sustainable development of Macau’s MICE industry. 

Responsible gaming

Sands China became the first gaming operator in Macau to launch a self-exclusion program in 2004, and was a pioneer in including responsible gaming training in its company-wide team member orientation program. 

We established our comprehensive responsible gaming program in 2007, and have held nearly 120 responsible gaming training sessions and 430 sessions for new team members over the years, totaling more than 130,000 training hours to date.

Sands China fully supports Macau government’s COVID-19 control measures

In support of the city’s multiple rounds of mass testing of Macau residents and key groups June 19-August 2, Sands China volunteers assisted at several NAT stations, working a total of 24,000 shifts and more than 110,000 accumulated hours.

Sands China took the lead to offer Cotai Expo as a NAT station and has provided volunteer support throughout. Sand China volunteers have been providing relevant support such as maintaining order, registration, materials distribution and enquiry handling. They have also been on hand to help the elderly, the disabled, and people who need assistance at other NAT stations as well. 

Furthermore, 6,000 rooms at Sheraton Grand Macao and The Parisian Macao have been utilized as medical observation hotels.

We greatly appreciate the selfless efforts of the all the medical professionals, frontline workers and volunteers in Macau’s testing drives, and we hope the pandemic will soon end and life will resume as normal. 

In celebrating 15 years of The Venetian Macao, we look forward to continuing our tradition of providing excellence in all areas, from community support to entertainment, accommodation, shopping and more.

Volunteers:                       3,300+

Community Events:            550+

Service Hours:             175,000+

Community Partners:         520

Paul Pun

“Sands China is very hands-on in how raising funds for NGOs. They encourage their to volunteer, understand the needs of disadvantaged groups, and help society build an atmosphere of mutual support. Sands China’s volunteer team has long become a current of warmth in the Macau community.”

Secretary-general of Caritas Macau

Jennifer Chau

“We have cooperated with Sands China since our first year. They provide jobs for recovering mental health patients, helping them develop their abilities and participate in society. Sands China, by giving back to society, has effectively reduced discrimination against persons with disabilities in the Macau community and created an inclusive society.”

Director of the Fuhong Society of Macau

Hetzer Siu

“Sands China has been cooperating with MSO for over 15 years with regular donations, and its volunteers support various activities, like our Healthy Athletes Program – embodying the mission of inclusiveness with the disabled. We have built a deep friendship and I am grateful to Sands China for always building relationships with and caring for the community.”

National Director of Macau Special Olympics

Lee Kwok Hoo

“Sands China had the vision to incorporate international experience into local training. Sands China has invited professors from the United States to conduct responsible gaming training, and brought well-established responsible gaming training courses developed in the United States to its employees.”

Service Director of the Sheng Kung Hui Macau Social Services Coordination Office

Leong Sun Iok

“Sands China is very forward-looking in promoting responsible gaming, and they actively support local organizations. Since our establishment, we’ve cooperated with Sands China in training, promotion, and various activities promoting the sustainable development of Macau’s gaming industry.”

Chairman of Gaming Industry Employees Home