The SJM “Forge My Own Journey” Development Programme welcomed its second cohort of 61 new students as well as celebrated the achievements of the inaugural group during a launch and recognition ceremony earlier this week at Grand Lisboa Palace (GLP) in Cotai.
The programme by SJM Resorts in partnership with the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) was launched in 2025 with the support of the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) and the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ). It combines academic study with paid workplace training over four years, an SJM statement said on Monday.
In her speech, the statement quoted SJM Managing Director Daisy Ho Chiu Fung as highlighting: “The outstanding achievements of our inaugural cohort, including their success at the WorldSkills Macau Selection Competition and selection to represent Macau at the WorldSkills Competition, demonstrate the effectiveness of university-industry collaboration in nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals with strong expertise and global outlook.”
Achievements included participants from the inaugural cohort securing first, second and third places in the Hotel Reception category at the 48th WorldSkills Macau Selection Competition, with SJM becoming “the only integrated resort operator in Macau to have representatives selected for the Macau delegation to this year’s WorldSkills Competition”, according to the statement.
Outstanding students of the inaugural cohort were also recognised with awards during the ceremony, where 250 attendees were present, the statement said. The recent event also saw the inauguration of the first cohort’s student association committee and the handover of the student association flag.
Guests, representatives and participants of the SJM “Forge My Own Journey” Development Programme pose for a group photo during the “Second Cohort Launch Ceremony and Recognition Ceremony” at Grand Lisboa Palace (GLP) on Monday. – Photo: SJM Resorts
