(Macau, 19 August 2025) In line with the Macao SAR Government’s initiative “Building Macau Through Talent”, SJM Resorts, S.A. (“SJM”) has collaborated with the Macao University of Tourism (“UTM”) to launch the SJM “Forge My Own Journey” Development Programme (“Programme”). This innovative initiative integrates academic study with practical work experience, aimed at nurturing a new generation of professionals to support Macau’s growth as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. Sixty-four students from the inaugural cohort have assembled at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau for the SJM “Forge My Own Journey” Development Programme Activation Ceremony, embarking on their education journey intertwined with vocational training.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Yang Yi, Deputy Director of the Economic Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Chan Un Tong, Director of the Labour Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Carlos Roberto Xavier, Acting Deputy Director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Fanny Vong, Rector of UTM; Angela Leong, Director of SJM and Chairman of the Staff Welfare Consultative Committee; Daniel Shim, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of SJM. More than 100 people, including secondary school representatives and parents of participating students, attended the event in a lively atmosphere.
Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, encouraged students in a video message, “SJM is proud to serve as a committed partner in your developmental journey. We provide a professional work environment along with dedicated mentorship. Through our paid internships in various departments, including Hotel Operations, Food and Beverage and Marketing, students can effectively translate their academic knowledge into practical experience, thereby shaping their career aspirations and cultivating their growth into industry experts with a global perspective and a high level of professionalism. We encourage for all students to embrace this opportunity, study diligently and work passionately to contribute their youthful energy towards Macau’s goal of becoming a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.”
Fanny Vong, Rector of UTM, delivered the speech, “Organised jointly by the UTM and SJM, this talent development Programme features an innovative integrated approach that blends four years of academic study with practical work experience. Its goal is to cultivate specialised talent in tourism, leisure, and hotel management within Macau. This collaboration is highly significant and represents a key effort by the UTM to enhance industry-education integration and foster collaborative talent development. The Programme also showcases UTM’s new initiatives and experimental approaches in tourism education, driven by a sincere desire to support students’ growth and success.”.
Upon graduation, students will be awarded a bachelor’s degree in Hotel or Tourism Management from UTM, with four-year tuition fee sponsored by SJM. Graduates have the option to pursue careers with SJM. Since its inception, the Programme has an enthusiastic response. SJM’s Human Resources team has conducted 30 briefing sessions and guided tours, reaching over 2,000 students, teachers and parents. More than 150 students from 26 local secondary schools applied, with 64 candidates selected through a detailed evaluation process.
Rooted in Macau for over six decades, SJM is dedicated to nurturing local talent and will continue to partner with schools and educational institutions to support Macau’s strategic growth and enhance the competitiveness of its integrated tourism and leisure industry.