Macau casino concessionaire Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd hosted an event in mid-October to celebrate the achievements of the graduates from the group’s “Foundation Acceleration Programme (FAP) – Culinary”, as well as to welcome a new batch of participants.
“The event also recognised colleagues for their contributions and commitment towards culinary excellence and sustainable culinary practices,” stated the casino firm in a written announcement.
Melco Resorts launched Culinary FAP in 2021, with support from the city’s Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) and the Macao University of Tourism (UTM).
The programme aims to nurture local culinary professionals via “structured on-the-job training, cross-functional exposure, and formal and informal education in collaboration with local government and universities,” stated the company.
Lawrence Ho Yau Lung, chairman and chief executive of Melco Resorts, said in prepared remarks that the company was “excited” to continue developing its “one-of-a-kind Culinary FAP in collaboration with DSAL and UTM”.
He added: “This programme reflects our commitment to supporting Macau government’s economic diversification goals by integrating it as part of Melco’s ‘Whole Person Development’ initiatives, with the aim of nurturing local culinary talent and providing enhanced and diverse career opportunities.”
Since the launch of Culinary FAP, 52 individuals have graduated from the programme, “representing 90 percent of all participants, with over 60 percent of graduates receiving promotions in their new roles,” noted Melco Resorts.
In the October event, the company marked the graduation of a further 10 employees from the programme, and welcomed a new cohort of 16 enrolees.
The company said it “continues to work closely with DSAL on various efforts to support local talent development in non-gaming areas, offering residents diverse training opportunities” within Melco Resorts’ properties in Macau.
“Such talent diversification initiatives enables the company to nurture non-gaming and creative talent, further supporting the Macau government’s calls for economic diversification,” added Melco Resorts.
