(Macau, 1 August 2016) – Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A. (“SJM”) and the Macao Chamber of Commerce (“MCC”) jointly announced the launch of the “Macau SME Procurement Partnership Programme” at a press conference today, followed by a networking and enquiry session, attracting about 500 local SME representatives to attend.  The Programme is also supported by the Macao Economic Services of the Macao SAR Government, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (“IPIM”), and Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center (“CPTTM”).

Representative of the Secretary of Economy and Finance and Acting Director of the Macao Economic Services of the Macao SAR Government Ms. Chan Tze Wai, President of the Board of Directors of MCC Mr. Kou Hoi In, Vice-President of the Board of Directors of MCC Mr. Chui Yuk Lum, Vice-President of the Board of Directors of MCC Mr. U Kin Cho, Director-General of CPTTM Dr. Shuen Ka Hung, Acting Senior Manager of Investor Service Department of IPIM Ms. Grovia Cheong, together with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of SJM Dr. Ambrose So, Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer of SJM Ms. Angela Leong, Director of SJM Dr. Rui Cunha, Assistant Chief Operating Officer of SJM Dr. Paul Hung and Marketing Director of SJM Mr. Bailey Sin attended the press conference.

Ms. Chan Tze Wai, Representative of the Secretary of Economy and Finance and Acting Director of the Macao Economic Services of the Macao SAR Government said that local SMEs have been growing along with Macau’s tourism and gaming industry in a strategic relationship that complements each other and develops mutual interests. She said that apart from implementing the procurement measures in prioritizing local products and services, the Macau SAR Government will continue to promote local procurement activities with MCC and integrated resorts, aiming to create more opportunities through large businesses leading small businesses and foster more partnerships between SMEs and integrated resorts.

SJM, with its roots in Macau, has long been dedicated to promoting the moderate diversification of the Macau economy, and supporting Macau’s SMEs through pragmatic actions, developing strong synergies with them based on mutual trust, interaction and benefit, exemplifying the company’s principle of “from society to society”.  Currently, over 80% of SJM’s procurement is from local enterprises.  Meanwhile, the SJM Excellence Staff Centre, the first employee-exclusive supermarket in Macau, which opened in April 2016, sells goods only from local suppliers.  Furthermore, SJM’s future integrated resort on Cotai – the Grand Lisboa Palace, and the Jai Alai renovation project in the Outer Harbour area are creating important business opportunities for SMEs.

Dr. Ambrose So, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SJM, said, “As a native company with our roots in Macau, we have enjoyed a long history of collaboration with local SMEs spanning over 50 years, building stable foundations for fruitful partnerships.”  Dr. So pointed out the importance of local enterprises and brands as they represent Macau and can help to enhance Macau’s competitive edge and international image.  He said, “SJM will continue to move forward hand-in-hand with the local SMEs for the long-term benefit of Macau – our home”.

Mr. Kou Hoi In, President of the Board of Directors of Macao Chamber of Commerce, remarked, “SJM, as a gaming concessionaire with its roots in Macau, has made substantial contributions to the diversified development of the economy, while improving the city’s social welfare, medical and educational standard.”  He said MCC is pleased to co-organize the Programme with SJM, combining efforts to prioritize support to enterprises categorized as “Micro Enterprise”, “Made in Macau” and “Young Entrepreneur”, and help to create more business opportunities for them under the current economic adjustment period.

Ms. Angela Leong, Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer of SJM, said in her speech, “SJM wholeheartedly supports the Macau SAR Government’s policy of assisting SMEs.  In addition to collaborating continuously with local enterprises, we are actively looking for more outstanding local businesses to forge new paths with, and create win-win partnerships.  We also pay special attention to ‘Micro Enterprises’ and ‘Young Entrepreneurs’, hoping to create a favourable business environment for them.  Furthermore, we value ‘Made in Macau’ brands and recognize their importance in promoting the Macau economy, as SJM itself is also a brand that is ‘Made in Macau’”.

Mr. Bailey Sin, Marketing Director of SJM, gave a brief presentation of the Programme at the press conference, covering SJM’s core procurement items, procurement procedures and policy, as well as SJM’s new online exchange platform for suppliers, with the ultimate aim to achieve continuous fruitful partnerships by combining efforts both externally and within the company.  In order to expand collaborations with local SMEs, especially those categorized as “Micro Enterprises”, “Young Entrepreneurs”, and “Made in Macau”, a Business Matching Session on Hotel Operating Supplies and Food and Beverage will be held on 19 September at the Grand Ballroom of Grand Lisboa Hotel, during which the SMEs will have in-depth face-to-face conversations with SJM’s procurement team.  In addition, SJM has joined hands with MCC and CPTTM in launching the “Grand Lisboa Palace Dealer Uniform Design Contest”, aiming to promote Macau’s cultural and creative industries, and advocate the importance of “Made in Macau”.  All Macau ID cardholders who are aged 21 or over are welcome to join.

In order to facilitate suppliers to obtain the relevant information, Mr. Thomas Mak, Manager of Information System and Technology Department of CPTTM, introduced the “SJM & Macau SME Procurement Partnership Programme” website, which provides a platform for local SMEs to register with SJM, as well as information on SJM’s procurement items, business matching sessions and more.  Mr. Mak urged the suppliers to fully utilize the website and expand their product offerings to enhance more business opportunities.

A networking and enquiry session was held immediately after the press conference to enable the SMEs to know about SJM’s procurement needs.  Representatives from the Bank of China Macau Branch, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macau) and Banco Nacional Ultramarino were invited to advise the SMEs on loan facilities.  While networking, vendors and suppliers could also enjoy dim sum and pastries specially prepared by Macau’s famous local brand, Grand Lisboa.