- Sands China and DSEDT organized the five-day Macao Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon.
- The trip saw participants take part in a series of forums, exchange sessions and company visits while also attending the Lisbon Web Summit.
Jointly organized by Sands China Ltd and the Macao Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT), and supported by the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT), the five-day Macao Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon concluded with great results. The initiative aimed to promote the long-term growth of Macau’s science and technology innovation industry and to foster closer exchanges and cooperation between Macau and Portugal’s technology sectors.
Held from 10 to 14 November, the trip’s 38-member delegation comprised representatives from 25 DSEDT-certified Macau enterprises, as well as Macau startups incubated within the National Co-working Space scheme and the organizing entities. Through a series of forums, exchange sessions and company visits, the participants gained insights into global technological trends, learned from practical industry experience and explored how innovation can drive the advancement of Macau’s tourism and technology industries.
The itinerary began with participation in the Web Summit – one of the world’s largest technology gatherings held annually in Lisbon, to bring together the world’s leading experts, innovators, business executives and investors.
The initiative aimed to promote the long-term growth of Macau’s science and technology innovation industry.
Additionally, Sands China hosted a Technology Business Networking Forum during the trip, featuring nine speakers from both Macau and Portugal who, by sharing experiences, discussing trends and showcasing technologies, discussed artificial intelligence, robotics and innovative technological applications.
The delegation also visited Portuguese enterprises including Bhout and Lispolis to learn from their innovative approaches and management practices. The trip concluded with the Concrete Opportunities Workshop, led by a lecturer from Singularity University Portugal, guiding participants in identifying new directions for collaboration and laying the groundwork for future innovation and development.
“Last year’s inaugural trip to Lisbon was widely acclaimed,” said Grant Chum, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Sands China Ltd. “This year, the five-day trip returned with even greater impact, providing a forward-looking international platform for a new cohort of Macao enterprises to broaden their horizons. It injected fresh momentum into innovation while establishing meaningful connections with Lisbon companies and achieving tangible outcomes.
“Renowned as an annual global technology event, the Web Summit was one of the highlights of this trip. This year, the summit drew more than 71,000 visitors from 157 countries, demonstrating its global influence and giving delegates an opportunity to gain knowledge of advanced technology and forge connections with their counterparts.
He added, “Looking ahead, we will continue leveraging our Sands Resorts Incubation Centre to align with the Macao SAR government’s policies and direction in promoting ‘tourism + technology’ and capitalize on Macao’s role as a platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries to contribute to the city’s diversified economic development.”
Sands China said it continues to actively support the Macao SAR Government’s efforts to promote the sustainable growth of smart tourism and high-tech industries. A total of 42 local enterprises visited Portugal on the 2024 and 2025 tours. Through such initiatives, Sands China added that it aims to strengthen the integration of tourism and technology, contributing to Macau’s positioning as a world centre of tourism and leisure.
