Sands China Helps Local SMEs Go Global
‘The Macao Showcase' promotes Macao products in Singapore and facilitates procurement partnerships with Marina Bay Sands
(Macao, Jul 19, 2023) – Through Sands China's recent Macao Showcase event in Singapore, Macao's local SMEs have been able to expand their commerce overseas. Some of them have taken their first steps toward going global by supplying their products to Marina Bay Sands, Sands China's sister company.
The three-day Macao Showcase event ran June 7-9 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands. It aimed to introduce the diverse charm of Macao to sales and trade partners, regional and international media, Singapore's residents, and travellers – promoting Macao as a world centre of tourism and leisure and a premier MICE destination. The event also served as a business platform for local suppliers, with Sands China leading a delegation of around 200 people, including local SMEs, to promote the unique arts and culture, beauty, and products of Macao.
"Sands China is thrilled with the outcomes of the Macao Showcase," said Dr. Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China Ltd. "One of our primary goals with this event was to facilitate overseas business opportunities for local SMEs. Helping Macao brands enter into the global arena and establish business relationships with Marina Bay Sands is a tangible result of our commitment to supporting local suppliers, including SMEs. We wish them continued success ahead."
One of Macao's time-honoured SMEs, Wong Chi Kei Foods (Macau) Co. Ltd., has recently made its mark in Singapore through the Macao Showcase, where the company showcased its latest gift souvenir, "Yea Yea Noodles (Grandpa Noodles)." According to Wong Yu Fei, the company's business development director, "The Macao Showcase was the first-ever overseas tradeshow that we participated in. The response was overwhelming, and all of our products were completely sold out within half a day. This opportunity also allowed us to interact directly with customers, leading to numerous business opportunities. The response exceeded our expectations, and this experience has broadened our horizons and strengthened our confidence in exploring overseas markets."
Additionally, Sands China has successfully facilitated procurement partnerships for several SMEs, such as Choi Heong Yuen Bakery, Kam-in Catering, and Yeng Kee Bakery through the Macao Showcase, enabling them to enter the international market successfully.
The Macao Showcase was the first major event organised by Sands China in an overseas market post-pandemic. It reflects the company's unwavering commitment to supporting the Macao SAR government in attracting more overseas travellers and diversifying visitor source markets.
In addition to the Macao Showcase, Sands China has been proactive in helping local suppliers go global, such as by setting up a Marina Bay Sands booth at the 2023 Sands China Local Supplier Open Day in April at The Venetian® Macao. Sands China's ongoing Local Supplier Open Day initiative familiarises suppliers with the logistics of the international procurement process in an effort to help prepare them for working with large corporations like Sands China.
Sands China remains committed to supporting local suppliers, especially SMEs, and is continuing its efforts to support their growth and development. In 2022, Sands China spent MOP 5.9 billion on procurement. Almost 90 percent (MOP 5.28 billion) went to Macao enterprises, one-quarter of which were local SMEs.
