SJM Resorts Ltd, the Macau operations unit of Hong Kong-listed casino firm SJM Holdings Ltd, has officially launched the SJM “Forge My Own Journey” Development Programme, with a group of 64 students. The programme was developed in partnership with the Macao University of Tourism (UTM), according to an August 19 press release.
The programme “integrates academic study with practical work experience, aimed at nurturing a new generation of professionals to support Macau’s growth as a world centre of tourism and leisure,” stated the casino firm.
The announcement cited Daisy Ho Chiu Fung, SJM Resorts’ managing director, as saying in a video message: “SJM is proud to provide robust support for students on their developmental journey. We offer a professional work environment complemented by dedicated mentorship.”
She added: “Through our paid internships in various departments, including hotel operations, food and beverage, and marketing, students can effectively translate their academic knowledge into a practical context.”
Ms Ho said that would help in “shaping their career aspirations and cultivating their growth into industry experts with a global perspective and a high level of professionalism”.
Fanny Vong Chuk Kwan, rector of UTM, said the programme “blends four years of academic study with practical work experience”.
“Its goal is to cultivate specialised talent in tourism, leisure, and hotel management within Macau,” Ms Vong added. “This collaboration is highly significant and represents a key effort by the UTM to enhance industry-education integration and foster collaborative talent development.”
According to the update, upon graduation, students will be awarded a bachelor’s degree in Hotel or Tourism Management from UTM, “with the four-year tuition fee sponsored by SJM”.
“Graduates have the option to pursue careers with SJM,” it added.
The casino firm said more than 150 students from 26 local secondary schools applied, with 64 candidates “selected through a detailed evaluation process”.
