3 April 2025 - SJM Resorts, S.A. (“SJM”) and the Macao University of Tourism (“UTM”) recently co-hosted an exclusive culinary demonstration workshop at Mong-Há Campus, featuring renowned Portuguese chef José Avillez—the first chef garnering two MICHELIN Stars in Lisbon, Portugal and the visionary behind Mesa by José Avillez at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau. Chef Avillez shared his expertise with fourth-year Culinary Arts Management students, showcasing his signature techniques and engaging in insightful discussions. This event highlights SJM’s commitment to nurturing Macau’s culinary
talent through partnerships with academic institutions, providing invaluable mentorship and inspiration to the next generation.

Macau, where Chinese and Portuguese cultures intertwine, serves as the ideal stage for the renowned, award-winning Portuguese chef José Avillez. In collaboration with “Mesa by José Avillez” at Grand Lisboa Palace, he unveils exquisite Portuguese dishes, bringing a philosophy of tradition, quality, authenticity, and farm-to-table to the city. During the workshop, he guided 40 final-year students in UTM’s Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management Programme, sharing his culinary journey, the inspirations behind Mesa by José Avillez dishes, and insights into culinary creativity, business challenges and successful strategies. He then expertly demonstrated his signature “Bacalhau à Brás,” discussing its evolution, techniques, and how tradition can be presented in a modern context. This enriched students’ understanding of Portuguese cuisine while equipping them with valuable experience for their culinary futures.

SJM actively collaborates with academic institutions to provide local youth with professional culinary training and development opportunities, fostering communication between industry leaders and emerging talent. This strengthens Macau’s status as a UNESCO “Creative City of Gastronomy” and a “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.”