Sands China Hosting Talent Development Showcase
Building structured talent development pathways
Deepening industry-academia collaboration for talent cultivation
Fostering self-directed learning mindset among team members
Supporting “Building Macao through Talent Training” policy
(Macao, Jun 17, 2026) – Sands China Ltd. has long regarded talent cultivation as a core pillar in promoting Macao’s sustainable development and economic diversification. Over the years, the company has continuously invested resources to fully support the Macao SAR government’s “Building Macao through Talent Training” policy direction. Through the Sands China Academy, the company has implemented diverse elite cultivation programmes, successfully establishing a systematic and forward-looking talent development system.
At The Londoner® Macao June 17-18, the company is holding a large-scale showcase to demonstrate the outcomes of its comprehensive talent strategy to the public, industry peers, and partners. The event is also launching a range of innovative talent cultivation initiatives to encourage self-directed learning and help position Macao as a hub for world-class international professionals.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: “Sands China deeply believes that talent is the cornerstone of driving both our corporate growth and Macao’s diversified development. For over two decades, we have invested resources in building a comprehensive talent cultivation ecosystem, as we believe that the key to nurturing talent lies not only in professional knowledge and technical skills, but also in fostering a mindset that actively seeks change and innovation. Such a mentality is crucial for team members to embrace the ever-changing market trends. To achieve this goal, we have ramped up our efforts to nurture talent by enhancing our team members’ creativity and learning capability across various areas. This includes facilitating new capabilities, applying AI skills, developing leadership, and collaborating across the industry and the academia sector – all aimed at empowering them to better contribute to the rapid growth of Macao’s tourism sector. With the long-term support and collaboration of the Macao SAR government and various sectors, our company’s talent development initiatives have achieved meaningful progress. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our dedication to cultivating local talent with a global perspective and competitiveness, fostering Macao’s high-quality and diversified development, and strengthening the city’s positioning as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.”
Building Structured Talent Development Pathways
Themed “New Norm · New Mindset,” the event features richly diverse content that highlights the company’s structured talent development pathways and elite cultivation programmes. It also showcases how the company motivates self-directed learning and a growth mindset among team members through strengthening their organizational capabilities, the application of AI, strategic leadership development, and industry-academia-research collaboration. With these efforts, the company aims to support upward mobility among local youth and nurture professionals with the mindset and skills needed within the integrated tourism and leisure industry.
Since 2015, Sands China has launched 29 elite development programmes covering over 20 departments, opening up diverse career pathways for local youth aspiring to join the industry. These include multiple training programmes launched in collaboration with the Labour Affairs Bureau since 2019, which precisely align with Macao’s talent development needs.
This year, Sands China has launched four new Elite Development Programmes covering more professional fields. Among them, the “Sands China Hotel Talent Development Programme – Head Trainee,” “Sands China Prestige Service Talent Development Programme,” and “Sands China Western Culinary Elite Programme” have already commenced; the “Sands China Transportation Talent Development Programme – Lead Trainee” will launch later this year, continuing to nurture high-quality local talent for the industry.
To broaden team members’ international perspectives, Sands China continues to deepen overseas exchange experiences. For example, trainees in the “Western Culinary Elite Programme” participate in an eight-week training course at the internationally renowned École Ducasse in France; trainees in the “Prestige Service Talent Development Programme” have exchange opportunities at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore; and trainees of the “All-Round Convention and Exhibition Management Programme” visit Shenzhen to experience major MICE events staged in the Greater Bay Area. The company also provides full sponsorship for team members to obtain international professional certifications relevant to their fields, covering MICE, data analysis, project management, and hospitality services, with the aim of enhancing their international competitiveness.
Deepening Industry-academia Collaboration to Cultivate Macao Talent
To deepen collaboration with educational institutions in talent development, Sands China launched its first-ever “Leadership Dialogue” programme this year, selecting 19 management talents from various fields across the company. The programme arranged visits to local tertiary institutions for the team members to share industry practices and leadership insights with university students. A ceremony was held at the programme launch, where Dr. Wong presented appointment certificates to the 19 programme ambassadors.
In addition, the company donated MOP 1.5 million for scholarships and bursaries to local tertiary institutions for the 20th consecutive year at Wednesday’s event. Beneficiary institutions are the University of Macau, Macao University of Tourism, Macao Polytechnic University, Macau University of Science and Technology, University of Saint Joseph, City University of Macau, and Macau Institute of Management. Over the past two decades, Sands China has donated a total of over MOP 18.7 million, benefiting more than 2,100 students.
On June 18, Sands China is also co-hosting a symposium with Macao Polytechnic University themed “Intelligent Leadership for a Digital Future: Shaping Strategy, Innovation and Sustainability with AI,” inviting industry experts and scholars from Macao, Hong Kong and other Greater Bay Area cities to exchange views on topics such as AI literacy, AI leadership, strategic innovation, and sustainability.
Fostering Self-directed Learning Mindsets Among Team Members
Sands China is committed to further cultivating a mindset of self-directed learning among team members. To this end, the company has appointed over 100 training managers and more than 500 trainers across all departments. These managers and trainers are responsible for systematically coordinating training resources and schedules according to departmental needs, while also serving as departmental facilitators to inspire team members to learn proactively, embrace innovation, and drive continuous growth.
The company has also introduced a range of internationally renowned training platforms and courses. Highlights include the launch of the “Sands China Integrated Resort Leader Development Programme” in collaboration with world-renowned Cornell University and talent assessment provider SHL, helping managers broaden their strategic vision, innovative thinking, decision-making, and leadership capabilities. The “AI Up-Skilling Programme” teaches management how to apply AI and integrate relevant technologies into their work. Since 2023, Sands China has been giving team members access to the “LinkedIn Learning” online platform, allowing them to expand their knowledge and stay abreast of the latest industry trends. To date, team members have completed 28,145 courses, totalling over 33,000 learning hours.
Sands China also encourages team members to pursue continuous education. In addition to providing an annual study allowance of up to MOP 12,000 and up to five days of paid study leave, the company launched an innovative self-learning platform this year, enabling team members to earn cash prizes by checking in daily and answering questions.
To expand learning opportunities for team members, Sands China is also hosting a “Growth Hub” Resource Exhibition, featuring booths set up by 20 universities and educational institutions from Macao and the Greater Bay Area, offering continuing education courses on topics such as technology skills, physical and mental wellbeing, and professional development. The exhibition will continue in the back-of-house areas of the company’s properties, allowing more team members to participate while promoting a culture of self-directed learning and a growth mindset.
Guests of honour at the opening ceremony of the showcase on Wednesday were: Chan Un Tong, director of the Labour Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Leong Pek San, president of the Consumer Council of the Macao SAR Government; Victoria Alexa Kuan Chan, director general of the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center; Lei Seak Chio, deputy director of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Wong Ka Ki, deputy director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Vong Lai Kuan, acting head of the Organisational Planning and Development Department of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Zhao Su, assistant to the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Lau Kam Ling, president of the Women’s General Association of Macau; Leong Heng Kao, president of the supervisory committee of the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau; Leong Sun Iok, executive vice president of the board of directors of the Macao Federation of Trade Unions; Hoi Lok Man, vice president of the board of directors of the Macao Chamber of Commerce; Paul Pang Chap Chong, dean of students of the University of Macau; Ip Ka I, assistant professor and coordinator for international business and innovative communication of the Macao University of Tourism Centre for Education Quality Management; Professor Evandro Menezes de Carvalho, acting director of the Macao Polytechnic University Centre for Gaming and Tourism Studies; Dr. Remus Wong Ka Weng, head of the Student Affairs Office of the Macau University of Science and Technology; Teresa Loong, vice-rector for student life of the University of Saint Joseph; Robert Chan Chon Pat, pro-rector of the City University of Macau; Luisa Cheang, vice president of the Macau Institute of Management; Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd.; Paulo Cheong, senior vice president of human resources of Sands China Ltd., and Lourence Ho, vice president of human resources of Sands China Ltd.
Established in 2015, the Sands China Academy is a comprehensive talent development platform dedicated to nurturing team members, local industry professionals, and young people. It currently comprises eight sub-academies – MICE, hospitality, integrated resort management, entertainment, facilities, responsible gaming, procurement, and retail. In addition to providing team members with diversified training programmes and opportunities for both upwards and horizontal career development, the academy actively collaborates with the Macao SAR government, local and international higher education institutions, and educational organizations to foster the growth of skilled professionals across various sectors in Macao, supporting the city’s development as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure and promoting economic diversification.
Photo caption: Sands China holds the “New Norm · New Mindset” Talent Development Showcase Wednesday at The Londoner Macao, sharing the results of the company’s comprehensive talent strategy with the public, trendsetters and partners, and promoting a series of innovative talent development initiatives to further motivate self-learning and promote Macao as an international hub for high-quality talent.
Photo caption: Distinguished guests officiate at the opening ceremony of Sands China’s “New Norm · New Mindset” Talent Development Showcase Wednesday at The Londoner Macao.
Photo caption: Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., speaks at the opening ceremony of the “New Norm · New Mindset” Talent Development Showcase.
Photo caption: Chan Un Tong, director of the Labour Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government (front row, sixth from left) and Dr. Wong (front row, seventh from left) present certificates to participants of Sands China’s Elite Development Programmes.
Photo caption: Sands China donates MOP 1.5 million for scholarships and bursaries to local tertiary institutions for the 20th consecutive year at Wednesday’s event. Beneficiary institutions are the University of Macau, Macao University of Tourism, Macao Polytechnic University, Macau University of Science and Technology, University of Saint Joseph, City University of Macau, and Macau Institute of Management. Over the past two decades, Sands China has donated a total of over MOP 18.7 million, benefiting more than 2,100 students.
Photo caption: Sands China holds an opening ceremony for its “Western Culinary Elite Programme” and “Prestige Service Talent Development Programme” Wednesday at the “New Norm · New Mindset" Talent Development Showcase.
Photo caption: Officiating guests gather with 100 departmental facilitators at Wednesday’s showcase. The company has appointed over 100 training managers and more than 500 trainers across all departments, who are responsible for coordinating training resources and schedules according to departmental needs, while also helping inspire team members to learn proactively, embrace innovation, and drive continuous growth.
Photo caption: To expand learning opportunities for team members, Sands China hosts a “Growth Hub” Resource Exhibition at Wednesday’s showcase, featuring booths set up by 20 universities and educational institutions from Macao and the Greater Bay Area, offering continuing education courses on topics such as technology skills, physical and mental wellbeing, and professional development.