Macau casino concessionaire Sands China Ltd marked on April 16 the 10th anniversary of its “Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme”. The programme was created in partnership with the Macao Chamber of Commerce to increase procurement opportunities for the city’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
A total of 250 local SMEs took part in this year’s edition of the “2025 Sands China Local Supplier Open Day”, according to a recent press release.
The announcement said Sands China’s SME support programme targets three types of local businesses: local small and micro suppliers; companies that make “Made in Macau” products; and Macau young entrepreneurs.
The update cited Grant Chum, chief executive and executive director of Sands China, as saying: “We are honoured to witness our Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme celebrating its 10-year milestone with this SME Open Day, as it demonstrates our philosophy of supporting the development of local SME suppliers and fostering their prosperity by providing a high-level, effective platform for them to grow.”
He added: “Over the past 10 years, Sands China has proactively launched various initiatives to support local SMEs and we have consistently adjusted our strategies in response to the latest market changes and demands, putting innovative ideas into practice to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.”
Hoi Lok Man, vice president of the board of directors at the Macao Chamber of Commerce, said in prepared remarks that SMEs were the “economic foundation” of Macau.
“Our partnership with Sands China has significantly surpassed commercial procurement, in turn becoming an accelerator for Macau’s moderate economic diversification,” Ms Hoi added.
According to the release, Sands China’s supplier support programme aims to meet the needs of Macau’s SMEs through various initiatives, including what the company dubs its F.I.T. programme. The latter was introduced in 2017 to provide “Financial Support, Invitational Matching, and Training and Development” for suppliers.
“The success of these efforts has been evident,” stated Sands China, adding that about 84 percent of the gross procurement amount of MOP15.2 billion (US$1.90 billion) in 2024 “went to Macau enterprises, including over MOP4.6 billion to local SMEs”.
The casino firm also said it would launch this year a training programme “to enhance local SMEs’ online marketing capabilities, thereby facilitating digital transformation in their businesses”.
“Through this programme, participants will be equipped with marketing skills for live broadcasting on new media platforms, enriching their knowledge of future trends and the development of live commerce,” it added.
