Sands China, IFTM to strengthen collabs between academia and industry

 Sands China Ltd. and the Macao Institute for Tourism Studies (IFTM) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) yesterday with the aim of “strengthening collaboration between academia and the integrated resort industry.”

The goal is also to help develop local MICE talent and the sustainable development of the city’s MICE economy through exchange between academics and professional industry practitioners. 

The symposium is the first initiative of the Sands MICE Academy, a new sub-academy of the Sands China Academy.

“We are committed to expanding, improving and optimizing the scale and quality of our convention centers and related amenities. This includes the proposed development of a new MICE facility of approximately 18,000 square meters in the coming decade,” Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China Ltd revealed yesterday.

Meanwhile, the MOU proposes new co-operations including in the areas of internships, research, industry-education exchanges, and training and development.   

As the first project following the establishment of the MOU, Sands China and IFTM co-organized a symposium on conventions and exhibitions yesterday, where representatives shared ideas about the status quo and future development of the MICE industry.

The representatives include those from government offices and associations including Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), and the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), among others.

Expanding Sands China Academy

The company is inaugurating six new sub-academies of Sands China Academy, bringing the total number to eight. According to the gaming operator, Sands China is offering these platforms as a “way for industry experts to share their experience and knowledge with Sands China team members and with industry practitioners in the Greater Bay Area to foster their growth in various areas.” Staff Reporter