Macau casino operator MGM China Holdings Ltd says a programme supported by the 2025 China National Arts Fund, dubbed “Talent Training in Cultural and Creative Design for the Maritime Silk Road”, has concluded successfully.
The 60-day programme, launched in June, had 30 participants, guided by a total of more than 30 expert instructors, and was run in collaboration with Beijing’s The Palace Museum, and Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology. Those taking part will now design their own artwork as a second phase of the scheme.
Programme participants made their own physical as well as training journey, setting off from Beijing, travelling across the mainland and visiting along the way: The Palace Museum; the National Museum of China; Quanzhou Maritime Museum; Guangdong Museum; and Hengqin Island.
In those places they saw examples of cultural heritage and practice (pictured), before arriving in Macau, described by MGM China as “a pivotal hub on the Maritime Silk Road and a historic confluence of Chinese and Western cultures”.
An August 11 press release from MGM China added: “Organised by MGM, the programme aims to promote research and innovative transformation on the cultural and historical heritage of the Maritime Silk Road while nurturing talent, thereby highlighting Macau’s pivotal role as a bridge between Chinese and Western cultures.”
The statement added that following their initial training, a new phase of the programme will see the participants create their own artwork “under the mentorship of instructors”. “These works will be presented in various formats in early 2026, offering a contemporary interpretation of Maritime Silk Road heritage,” added the update.
A ceremonial review of the training programme was held on August 6 at MGM Macau. Guests included Bai Bing, deputy director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macau Special Administrative Region; and Pansy Ho Chiu King, chairperson and executive director of MGM China.
Ms Ho said in her speech that “supported by our nation,” there would be continued work to help “leverage Macau as a bridge between cultures, carrying forward our mission to preserve and inject new impetus into our rich cultural heritage”.
Among the participants in the programme was Sou Ka Ian, an interior designer from Macau, who was cited as saying that inspired by the training opportunity: “I’m excited to embrace new technologies to create even more compelling works that push the boundaries of artistic expression.”
