Integrated resort operator Sands China celebrated the 10th Anniversary of its “Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme” yesterday at The Londoner Macao in Cotai, during which 40 long-term business partners were awarded with certificates while the “2025 Sands Supplier Excellence Awards” also saw seven winners recognised.
The ceremony also saw the unveiling of the 10th anniversary booklet featuring the programme’s success stories.
The programme was co-launched with the Macao Chamber of Commerce in 2015 and targets small and micro suppliers, “Made in Macau” companies and Macau young entrepreneurs, seeking to support the local government’s small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) policies while enhancing Sands China’s dedication to the development of local businesses.
During his speech, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Sands China Grant Chum Kwan Lock pointed out that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Macau’s economy and account for more than 90 percent of local enterprises. Chum also highlighted that Sands China’s cumulative procurement has reached 119.4 billion patacas, of which local procurement accounts for 83 percent, while the integrated resort operator has partnered with 4,700 local enterprises.
“Behind these figures are countless stories of collaboration and shared endeavour with local businesses”, Chum said, with yesterday’s event being a way for the company to express their respect and appreciation.
Moreover, Chum highlighted that they introduced the F.I.T programme in 2017 under the support programme, being “the industry’s first one-stop support programme combining funding, promotion and training”. He added that the F.I.T programme’s Sands Procurement Academy has held 18 sessions with participation from over 660 local enterprises.
F.I.T. provides financial support, invitational matching, and training and development, according to the marketing –interactive website yesterday.
Macao Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors President Frederico Ma Chi Ngai said in his speech that the past decade has had fruitful achievements, highlighting that last year’s total procurement reached 15.2 billion patacas, with local procurement accounting for 84 percent and SMEs contributing over one third of the total.
He added: “Through a series of innovative support measures, including large-scale exhibition platforms, professional training, and technical guidance, we have built a comprehensive support system to help SMEs enhance their capabilities. Together, we have faced market changes and challenges side by side, forming a cooperative ecosystem of complementary strengths and mutual benefit”.
Guests and representatives pose with Sands China’s long-term business partners yesterday at The Londoner Macao in Cotai. – Photos Rui Pastorin
Guests and representatives pose with the prize recipients included in the 2025 Sands Supplier Excellence Awards.
