In alignment with the Macao SAR Government’s policy of “Building Macau Through Talent,” SJM Resorts, S.A. (SJM) and Macao University of Tourism have jointly established the SJM "Forge My Own Journey" Development Programme (“Programme”). The signing and launching ceremony took place recently at the Grand Pavilion in the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau. This Programme introduces an innovative approach to integrated learning and work experience, offering local youths a unique opportunity that combines theoretical education with practical experience, thereby building a talent pipeline and injecting new energy into Macau's integrated tourism and leisure industry.
During the ceremony, Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, and Dr. Fanny Vong, Rector of Macao University of Tourism, signed a memorandum of understanding for the program. The signing was witnessed by Mr. Sun Yaohua, Director of the Economic Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Mr. Chan Un Tong, Deputy Director of the Labour Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government (now the Director of the Labour Affairs Bureau); and Mr. Tang Wai Keong, Director of the Education Resources Department of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government. Other distinguished guests in the ceremony included Ms. Angela Leong, Director of SJM and Chairman of the Staff Welfare Consultative Committee; Dr. Rui Cunha, Secretary-General of SJM; Mr. Daniel Shim, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of SJM; Ms. Rachel Chan, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at SJM; and representatives from participating secondary schools.
Jointly launched by SJM and Macao University of Tourism, the Programme adopts a four-year innovative approach to integrated learning and working experience and aims to cultivate specialists in tourism, leisure, and hotel management for Macau. During the training period, students will undertake internships in various SJM departments, including Hotel Operations, Food and Beverage Management, Retail Management, Events Planning, and more. While interning, students will also receive monthly salaries and benefits, allowing them to gain valuable work experience that provides a solid foundation for their future career development. Graduates who successfully complete the Programme and obtain a bachelor's degree in Hotel or Tourism Management from Macao University of Tourism will also be awarded full tuition fee sponsorship for four years from SJM. Upon graduation, students may choose to continue their careers at SJM and will be presented with opportunities for advancement to junior management positions.
The inaugural Programme will commence in the 2025 academic year, welcoming 70 Grade 12 high school graduates who aspire to enter the integrated tourism and leisure industry. Since its launch, the Programme has received an enthusiastic response. In 30 briefing sessions and guided tours, support from 26 local secondary schools has led to the participation of over 2,000 students and parents. Among the successful candidates, nine students ranked in the top ten of their class, including one who achieved the highest academic results in his grade. Notably, some applicants chose this Programme over direct admission opportunities to renowned national universities, demonstrating their enthusiasm for this path. The Programme will continue to accept students annually, providing long-term talent support for Macau's moderate diversification.
Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, remarked, “Rooted in Macau for over 60 years, SJM is committed to nurturing local talent. This collaboration aims to leverage SJM’s extensive experience in the integrated tourism and leisure industry, alongside Macao University of Tourism’s strong academic foundation to create a pathway for young professionals. Through an innovative approach to integrating learning and working experience, we endeavour to cultivate the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals with international vision and professional competence, driving the continuous innovation and moderate diversification of Macau's economy, thus contributing to the city’s position as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.”
Dr. Fanny Vong, Rector of Macao University of Tourism, said, “Jointly launched by SJM and Macao University of Tourism, the Programme is an innovative approach to integrated learning and working experience. It aims to equip local students with comprehensive knowledge through theoretical learning and practical application. While pursuing their degree courses at the Macao University of Tourism, students will gain valuable work experience through internships in SJM’s various department, including hotel operations, food and beverage, and other services. This Programme enables students to swiftly embark on professional paths within the integrated tourism and leisure industry, fostering exceptional talents with both theoretical foundations and practical abilities for Macau.”
Looking ahead, SJM will actively collaborate with local schools and educational institutions to support the development of high-quality talent in response to Macau’s needs. Additionally, SJM aims to encourage employees to enhance their skills through diverse avenues, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of Macau's integrated tourism and leisure industry.
Source: SJM