• Sands China marks 10th Anniversary of support program for local suppliers with celebration and SME open day.
• The event propels Sands China’s longstanding efforts to support the growth and development of local SME suppliers.
  

Sands China commemorated the 10th anniversary of its “Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme” in late April, hosting a celebratory event at The Londoner Macao, followed by the 2025 Sands China Local Supplier Open Day. The milestone event brought together 250 local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Launched in partnership with the Macao Chamber of Commerce in 2015, the support program aims to increase procurement opportunities for three key groups: local small and micro suppliers, “Made in Macao” companies and young entrepreneurs in Macau. The initiative aligns with government policies on economic diversification and enhancing the growth of local suppliers.

At this year’s open day, local SMEs, including certified Macau technology enterprises under the “DSEDT Technology Enterprise Certification Program,” had the chance to engage directly with Sands China’s procurement representatives. Themed booths covered areas such as food and beverage, logistics, marketing, advertising, printing, technology and gaming products, hotel supplies and construction. For the first time, a dedicated booth for DSEDT-certified technology enterprises highlighted tech-focused procurement opportunities. Sands China procurement representatives were present, with the Sands Procurement Academy also offering on-site registration for its free training courses.

Grant Chum, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Sands China Ltd., said the company was honored to celebrate the program’s 10th anniversary. He emphasized that the program reflects Sands China’s long-term commitment to supporting and fostering the growth of local SME suppliers by providing effective platforms and innovative initiatives.

Hoi Lok Man, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Macao Chamber of Commerce, noted that the partnership, started in 2015, now goes beyond commercial transactions, serving as a catalyst for economic diversification in Macau, and said he looked forward to continued collaboration.

Representing the supported SMEs, Jeff Chan, Managing Director of Lei Kei Vegetable Trading Limited, shared in an exclusive interview with New Macau that his company began its partnership with Sands China in 2003. Initially, Lei Kei was only one of the small-scale suppliers, providing products such as garlic and ginger. However, over time, the company gradually developed and improved product quality through this cooperation, and has kept working with Sands China to the present.

Chan explained that collaborating with Sands China has driven the growth and development of his company. To meet Sands China’s high standards, Lei Kei upgraded its electronic order processing to align with the client’s e-procurement system, improving both speed and efficiency, while continuously innovating in food safety and quality. The company has consistently adjusted and optimized its operations to meet high delivery standards. During Typhoon Hato in 2017, Lei Kei stood side by side with Sands China, maintaining food supply throughout the crisis, and was selected as one of the recipients of the “Sands Supplier Excellence Awards” that year.

A decade of unwavering support for local SMEs

The anniversary celebration forms part of a series of activities marking the program’s 10th year, including the Rua das Estalagens Team Member Food Fest at The Venetian Macao, the Sands Shopping Carnival, the Sands Procurement Academy training, the Sands Supplier Excellence Awards and the Macao Technological Innovation Exploration tour.

Looking ahead, Sands China said it plans to launch a new training initiative to boost SMEs’ online marketing skills, supporting digital transformation and live broadcasting on emerging media platforms. The company will also support the “2025 Macau Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition” in August, encouraging young people to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions and injecting new energy into the local business sector.

Sands China’s local supplier support programme continues to see positive results. In 2024, Sands China’s procurement volume reached MOP 15.2 billion, with 84% (MOP 12.8 billion) awarded to Macau enterprises, including over MOP 4.6 billion directed to local SMEs.