GGRAsia – GEG continues Macau training scheme for Japan uni students

GEG continues Macau training scheme for Japan uni students

Aug 15, 2019 Newsdesk Japan, Latest News, Macau, Top of the deck

Macau-based casino operator Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd – also known as GEG – announced on Wednesday it would be hosting a second edition of a scheme to bring to Macau groups of Japanese university students, for them to learn more about integrated resort management.

The scheme – dubbed “GEG Japan-Macau Integrated Resort Management Mentorship Pilot Scheme” – was launched last year. It is jointly organised by Galaxy Entertainment and Galaxy Entertainment Group Foundation.

Participants in this year’s programme include university students and scholars from three Japanese universities, and representatives from Japanese hospitality firm Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co Ltd.

The programme will start on August 26 and will run for three weeks. Participants will attend lectures provided by scholars from University of Macau, and “a diverse study of integrated resort operations” to take place at the Galaxy Macau casino resort (pictured in a file photo), Galaxy Entertainment said.

The firm added: “With integrated resorts expected to debut in Japan in the near future, there is a need to develop human resources tailored for this exciting new industry.”

Presented as “the first of its kind”, the programme aims “to develop operational skills and sector knowledge for personnel interested in playing a leading role in the integrate resort field,” the firm added.

While two phases of general enabling legislation have already been passed on the casino topic, the national authorities in Japan have yet to issue the so-called “basic policy” on integrated resorts, including the criteria for deciding where they should be located. Up to three venues will be permitted in a first phase of liberalisation.

Japanese media outlet Sankei Shimbun reported this month – citing unnamed sources – that the national authorities planned to have the IR basic policy ready by March-end next year.

Galaxy Entertainment has previously declared itself a contender for a casino licence in Japan. The firm has also hired Ted Chan Ying Tat, a former senior executive of its Macau market rival Melco Resorts and Entertainment Ltd, as chief operating officer of its Japan development team.

Galaxy Entertainment has confirmed it hopes to collaborate with Monaco casino firm Société des Bains de Mer et du Cercle des Étrangers à Monaco, and Japanese partners, to bid for a Japan licence.