Prioritizing local SME procurement

Part 4: Supporting local SMEs for mutual prosperity  

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 a company rooted in Macau for nearly 20 years, Sands China is committed to supporting the growth of local SMEs, whom we view as our strategic partners. With thousands of SME partnerships over the years, we believe that we should prosper together, hand-in-hand, to build a better future for Macau. Our vision is in line with the Macau government’s policy of supporting the sustainable development of local business and SMEs.

Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Program

In 2015, we became the first integrated resort operator in Macau to co-launch a Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Program with the Macao Chamber of Commerce (MCC). It focuses on three categories of local businesses: small and micro companies, “Made-in-Macau” companies, and Macau young entrepreneurs. This aligns with the Macau government’s initiative to “buy local” and demonstrates our commitment to supporting local enterprises as part of our corporate social responsibility efforts. 

Fred Ma, President of MCC, said: “Sands China has always been our close partner, committed to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility. They’ve spared no effort in supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, and their contribution to the Macau business community is very obvious.”

Since its launch, the program has introduced a variety of SME-support initiatives that include open days, invitational matching sessions, SME roadshows at the company’s back-of-house areas, and the Sands Procurement Academy, among others.   

F.I.T. program

Under Sands China’s Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Program, we launched our F.I.T. program in 2017, tailor-made for local Macau SME suppliers to offer Financial Support, Invitational Matching, and Training and Development. 

Sands Procurement Academy

Under the program’s Training and Development pillar, the Sands Procurement Academy seeks to continually increase and strengthen procurement between Sands China and local SME suppliers by enhancing their capabilities. Co-organized with the Macao Chamber of Commerce and the Macau Productivity and Technology Centre (CPTTM), it is a first-of-its-kind industry training program customized for local small, medium and micro suppliers.

Participating suppliers learn through tailor-made practical training modules presented by lecturers with diverse areas of expertise, covering topics ranging from logistics management to procurement process. Suppliers who graduate benefit from preferential procurement opportunities with Sands China under otherwise equal circumstances.

The extremely successful and in-demand academy has delivered over 6,300 training hours since its 2017 launch. Over 400 local SME suppliers have enrolled and over 380 have graduated. The program welcomed its 11th cohort of suppliers this year, and graduates of the academy have consistently given positive feedback about the ways the program has benefited their businesses. 

In the seven years since the Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Program launched, the proportion of local enterprises in Sands China’s total procurement spend increased from 77% to 91% and the ratio of procurement spend from SME suppliers increased from 14% to 20%.

Victoria Kuan, Director General of CPTTM, said: “Sands China’s training enables SMEs to adopt effective methods to solve quality and other related problems and helps them lay the foundation for further improving their management systems and obtaining international certification. This helps SMEs progress, but it also allows them to become valuable partners with Sands China, creating a win-win situation.”

Expedited Payment Program for Local SMEs

Upholding the business philosophy of supporting local SMEs, Sands China relaunched its popular Expedited Payment Program for Local SMEs – something it had first introduced following the aftermath of Typhoon Hato back in 2017. It was reintroduced in 2021 as a pandemic relief effort, and involved MOP 350 million in assistance, after having provided MOP 200 million in assistance in 2017. Through this program, we aim to ease our partners’ cash flow pressures and help support the stable and healthy development of local SMEs.

Sands Shopping Carnival

In 2021, we proudly hosted the Sands Shopping Carnival, the largest shopping event of its kind in Macau, for the second consecutive year, and this year’s event is coming up soon in September. The popular event puts into practice Sands China’s commitment to support local SMEs and Sands retailers by providing them with a free business platform amid the difficulties of the pandemic – meanwhile providing a weekend summer hotspot for Macau’s residents and visitors. The annual event has attracted a total of more than 210,000 local shoppers and tourists, giving the economy a strong boost to help revive the community during the pandemic.

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.

Be sure to check back in Monday when we examine what The Venetian Macao has been doing to help it excel in the area of corporate social responsibility.

Si Tou Chin Pang

“During our 18 years of cooperation with Sands China, our relationship has grown closer. Since 2004, we’ve been providing 24/7 transportation and trucking services, and we are thankful to Sands China for providing such precious cooperation opportunities for local SMEs, enabling us to become bigger and stronger.” 

General Manager, Chi Kei Fo Van

Ivan Ao Ieong

“During the epidemic, Sands China was even more attentive to its support for local SMEs, like a ‘timely rain.’ They took the initiative to care about the financial problems of SMEs, and launched their Expedited Payment Program to solve the urgent needs of SMEs. It was a strong show of backing of local businesses.” 

Managing Director, On Kei Frozen Meat Food

Victor Ieong

“Through our cooperation with Sands China, our company has learned about the requirements for working with international corporations, and our business volume and scale have continued to increase. We even expanded to Singapore this year. I’m very grateful to Sands China for providing opportunities for SMEs and allowing local enterprises to expand further.” 

General Manager, VastCom Technology Limited

Luis Miguel Silva

“Strict quality control is the key to long-term cooperation with Sands China, and through more than 10 years of working together, we have cultivated efficient organizational skills on our team. I believe that Sands China provides opportunities for local SMEs, allowing them room for development and effectively promoting their growth.”

Owner, Serene Garden