Bank of China Macau Branch, the biggest commercial bank in Macao, is committed to investing in the community it serves – in particular, by nurturing Macao talent, according to Deputy General Manager Mr. Ip Sio Kai. The bank is a long-standing provider of scholarships for IFT undergraduates.
“We have always adhered to this principle: rooted in Macao, steadfast in serving. That’s why we support the cultivation of talent here and make contributions to the field of education,” Mr. Ip says.
The partnership of Bank of China Macau Branch and IFT extends beyond scholarships to bank sponsorship of academic events held by the Institute. “For instance, we sponsor seminars that feature renowned and influential figures in the tourism industry as well as other training events, all of which are attended by IFT students,” Mr. Ip says. The bank has similar arrangements with other institutions of higher education in Macao.
In the 2015/2016 academic year, 109 IFT students received scholarships from Bank of China Macau Branch. The scholarship programme has a wide scope. Scholarships are awarded to students not only for outstanding academic performance, but also for engaging in extracurricular activities, doing internships abroad, taking part in exchanges and attending international conferences. The IFT Scholarship Panel applies specific criteria in deciding who gets the scholarships offered by Bank of China Macau Branch.
In demand all round
Mr. Ip says IFT graduates are sought after by employers in businesses other than just hospitality. “I always think IFT trains good graduates. They show good qualities in many respects, and their English proficiency is high. They are well received by society,” he says.
Bank of China Macau Branch was established over 60 years ago as Nam Tung Bank. It now has 35 sub-branches in Macao and employs about one-quarter of the workforce of the city’s banking industry.
The bank is closely involved in Macao society, supporting several social organisations and events. The Macao SAR Government has appointed some of the bank’s executives as members of special consultative councils which give advice on matters ranging from talent development to urban renewal. In 2011, the Government awarded Bank of China Macau Branch the Medal of Merit – Industry and Commerce, making it the first commercial institution so honoured.
“We are the biggest mainstream bank in Macao,” Mr. Ip says. “We are also a banknote-issuing bank, as well as the chairing bank of the Macau Association of Banks. Aiming to be the best bank here and to shoulder more social responsibility is the culture our parent bank requires us to build.”
