Part of company's ongoing Community
Revitalisation Series
MACAO, July 25,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sands China Ltd. disclosed the
results of its Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua
das Estalagens, part of the company's ongoing Community
Revitalisation Series, at a results announcement ceremony at
The Londoner® Macao
Thursday.
The programme's goal is to fund innovative entrepreneurial
proposals from Macao residents
interested in starting businesses on Rua das Estalagens – thereby
reviving the economy in the neighbourhood and assisting in
revitalising the historic street and unleashing its past
vibrancy.
The project received 128 applications, with 120 meeting the
eligibility requirements, covering categories such as dining,
takeout, retail, cultural and creative industries, and performance.
The programme involves communication with people from all walks of
life, including the government, business community, and NGOs,
resulting in cross-sector and cross-departmental cooperation.
Three rounds of rigorous evaluations were conducted by a group
of judges over four days. The selection process considered factors
such as innovation, feasibility, uniqueness, attractiveness, and
sustainable business models. Seven business plans were then
selected to receive subsidies from Sands China, in support of the
Macao SAR government's revitalisation strategy. Disbursed in four
stages, the awarded subsidies are up to twice the enterprises'
initial capital investment, capped at MOP 1 million, in order to
encourage their sustainable development.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice
chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: "We received an overwhelming
response and support from all walks of life after the announcement
of the project. Judges from various professions carefully selected
seven exceptional projects to establish their businesses at Rua das
Estalagens. We hope that this group of aspiring and creative local
residents will use the energy and enthusiasm of youth to bring a
new atmosphere to the neighbourhood. This project belongs to the
people of Macao, and it brings
together the power of government, business, and the community, and
holds hope for the future. Every step that we take shoulders the
important mission of revitalising the old district. With common
beliefs and goals, combined with practical actions, we are working
together to reactivate the vitality of Rua das Estalagens and
mobilise the economic energy in the neighbourhood in pursuit of
sustainable development."
Programme applicants needed to have a minimum of MOP 300,000 in
capital to embark on the entrepreneurial journey based on their own
ability and ideas, and establish their businesses on Rua das
Estalagens.
After Sands China announced the programme at an April 8 press conference, the company held seven
related activities, including seminars, an open day, and
entrepreneurship training courses on marketing writing and
pitching. The activities attracted more than 600 participants over
the 72-day period leading up to the final review date. After the
selected projects successfully settle in the neighbourhood, Sands
China plans to launch the second phase of the project based on the
actual situation of the neighbourhood and store operations.
Cheang Kai Meng, acting president
of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR (IC), said: "With
the launch of the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua
das Estalagens, Sands China has made great efforts in showcasing
the uniqueness of the historic street while attracting Macao residents to start their businesses in a
bid to rejuvenate the neighbourhood. The programme is a testament
to the company's unwavering commitment to revitalising Macao's old district and boosting the city's
economic diversification – in line with the Macao SAR
government development strategy. The programme also truly reflects
Sands China's dedication in addressing the actual situation of the
street by fostering cooperation between all sectors of society, in
which we can also see the boundless potential of Macao itself and its own industries. The
Cultural Affairs Bureau will continue our effort in enhancing the
environmental conditions by optimising the supporting facilities in
the districts that need to be revitalised – with an aim of creating
a diversified and sustainable future."
Fred Ma Chi Ngai, president of
the Board of Directors of the Macao Chamber of Commerce, said: "The
Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens aims
to encourage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Macao to establish themselves in Rua das
Estalagens. In addition to providing a platform for innovative
entrepreneurs, the initiative helps revitalise Macao's historic district. The programme not
only enhances the entrepreneurial skills of participants but also
boosts their visibility. Throughout this process, Sands China
actively collaborates with governmental bodies, businesses, and
other stakeholders to pool resources while rendering comprehensive,
professional support to the entrepreneurial teams that opt to
settle here. The company is committed to combining investments
with community revitalisation efforts, effectively contributing to
community revitalisation, economic growth, and support for
SMEs."
The awardees of the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme
for Rua das Estalagens are:
|
Distinctive
Project
|
Business
Concept
|
|
Café Fantart
|
A local creative cafe
specialising in puff pastries and various baked
goods alongside main courses. The founding team hopes to make
an innovative breakthrough on the culture of egg tarts rooted
in
Hong Kong and Macao.
|
|
Little Port
|
A Portuguese
specialties and souvenirs retail shop with the
ambition to establish an impactful Portuguese specialties brand
and transform the structure of the traditional souvenir
market.
|
|
OLÁLÁ
|
A Macanese snacks
takeaway shop seeking to establish an
innovative and iconic Macanese light-meal brand. Combining
Chinese and Western ingredients to make Pastéis de Bacalhau
(fried salted cod fritters) and successfully producing various
signature products, tourists are able to learn about the
Macanese
culture.
|
|
Catfee Macau
|
A pet souvenir store
with the theme of cats and Macao that
combines the charity concept of rescuing stray cats with
artistic
display, offering a special café experience and promoting the
"adopt, don't shop" mentality. Customers can also enjoy the
view
of Rua das Estalagens from the rooftop, bringing a unique
culinary
experience.
|
|
Travessa
Gelato
|
Introducing a new
Italian ice cream shop to the street, their team
members studied gelato making in Italy and obtained
certifications, and bring fresh combinations of flavours to
surprise
and satisfy customers.
|
|
PanPan
|
The name comes from the
Portuguese word "pão," which means
bread. A bakery that presents a fusion of Japanese and French
classic baking techniques through a series of high-quality
sourdough bakery products, the founder is Le Cordon Bleu
accredited.
|
|
Voyage Thai
Kitchen
|
Founded in 2013, Voyage
Thai Kitchen has become one of
Macau's signature brands. The Thai restaurant will develop
specialty catering based on more affordable pricing and adopt
some nostalgic elements, offering a catering space that
integrates
leisure, music, local culture, and sharing sessions, all under
one
roof.
|
In addition to the Macao SAR government encouraging
businesses to settle on Rua das Estalagens, Future Bright Holdings
took the initiative to open the Yeng Kee Snoopy Store on the
street, which has become a photo-worthy attraction after just one
month since its opening. For this reason, Sands China presented a
special Leading Role-model Enterprise for Community
Revitalisation award to Future Bright Holdings in
recognition of introducing various business elements to the
neighbourhood and setting a role model for other potential
entrepreneurs.
Representatives of project partners at Thursday's ceremony were
Ao Ieong U, secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao
SAR; Fred Ma Chi Ngai; Sun Yaohua,
director of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office
of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Cheang Kai Meng; Tai Kin
Ip, director of the Economic and Technological Development
Bureau of the Macao SAR (DSEDT); José Maria
da Fonseca Tavares, chairman of the Administration Committee
on Municipal Affairs of the Municipal Affairs Bureau of the Macao
SAR; Cheong Kin Hong, president of
the Administrative Committee of the Cultural Development Fund of
the Macao SAR; Jennifer Si Tou, head
of the Tourism Product and Events Department of the Macao
Government Tourism Office (MGTO); Ip Sio Kai, president of the
Macau Association of Banks; Bernie Leong Wa Kun, chairman of the
Executive Committee of Companhia de Electricidade de Macau – CEM, S.A.; Nacky Kuan Sio Peng,
executive director of Macao Water Supply Company Limited; Gao Ming,
chairman of ICBC Macau; Chen Xiao
Bo, general manager of the Inclusive Financial Department of
BOC Macau; Tou Kei San, executive
director of Banco Nacional Ultramarino S.A.; Lok Hei, president of
Macau Artist Society; Leong Hong Sai, vice president of the General
Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau (UGAMM); Dr.
Wong; and Grant Chum, chief
executive officer and executive director of Sands China Ltd.
Additionally, Dr. Wong and Chum presented certificates of
appreciation at the ceremony to representatives of project partners
and a panel of judges from the banking sector, IC, MGTO, DSEDT,
Macao Chamber of Commerce, and
UGAMM, extending sincere thanks to them.
Rooted in Macao for more than
two decades, Sands China upholds the business philosophy of growing
with SMEs. The company introduced its pioneering F.I.T.
programme in 2017, which offers Financial Support, Invitational
Matching, and Training and Development to local SME suppliers,
targeted at three types of local businesses: local small and micro
suppliers; "Made in Macao"
companies; and Macao young
entrepreneurs. In 2023, Sands China established the Sands
Resorts Incubation Centre under the umbrella of the F.I.T.
programme, dedicated to discovering and supporting local innovative
enterprises with development potential. The Entrepreneurship
Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens is an extension of
those two successful programmes.
The Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das
Estalagens is part of Sands China's revitalisation efforts in
cooperation with the Macao SAR government, which include the
revitalisation and optimisation plan of the areas around the Iec
Long Firecracker Factory, the Taipa Houses, Pátio da Eterna
Felicidade, Rua das Estalagens, and Macao Cultural Centre
Square.
Since September 2023, when the
government entrusted integrated resort operators with promoting
community revitalisation, Sands China has launched various
projects, including the first interactive A.I. photo booth in
Macao, festive celebrations and
animal-themed installations, large-scale marching band
performances, string ensemble concerts, a large-scale bouquet art
installation, and parent-child workshops.
###
About Sands China Ltd.
Sands China Ltd. (Sands China or the Company) is incorporated in
the Cayman Islands with limited
liability and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited
(HKEx: 1928). Sands China is the largest operator of
integrated resorts in Macao. The
Company's integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The
Venetian® Macao, The Plaza® Macao,
The Parisian Macao and The Londoner® Macao. The
Company also owns and operates Sands® Macao on the
Macao peninsula. The Company's
portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business
attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting
and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping
malls; world-class entertainment at the Cotai Arena, The Londoner
Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, the Londoner
Theatre and the Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet
ferry service between Hong Kong
and Macao. The Company's Cotai
Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao's transformation into a world centre of
tourism and leisure. Sands China
is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands
Corp. (NYSE: LVS).
For more information, please visit www.sandschina.com.
Media contacts:
Corporate Communications, Venetian Macau Limited
Mabel Wu
Tel: +853 8118 2268
Email: mabel.wu@sands.com.mo
Jesse Chiang
Tel: +853 8118 2054
Email: jesse.chiang@sands.com.mo
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SOURCE Sands China Ltd.
