May 30, 2016 – Galaxy Entertainment Group (“GEG”) and Macau Chamber of Commerce (“MCC”) have jointly announced the launch of Local SME Procurement Partnership Program, which is also supported by Macao Economic Services, Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre. The press conference today attracted nearly 500 local SME representatives to obtain information on Business Matching Session in July and qualify for Supplier Development Program.

Mr. Tai Kin Ip, Representative of the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Director of Macao Economic Services, Mr. Kou Hoi In, President of Board of Directors of MCC, Mr. U Kin Cho, Vice President of Board of Directors of MCC, Mr. Choi Tat Meng, Standing Committee of Directors of MCC, Mr. Shuen Ka Hung, Director of General Executive of Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre, Mr. Chan Weng Tat, Head of Department of Conventions and Exhibitions and Economic Activities Department of Macao Economic Services, Mr. Agostinho Vong, Senior Manager of Investor Service Department of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute together with Mr. Michael Mecca, President of GEG, Mr. Scott Walker, Senior Vice President of Procurement of GEG and Mr. Buddy Lam, Assistant Senior Vice President of Public Relations of GEG attended the press conference.

Mr. Tai Kin Ip, Representative of the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Director of Macao Economic Services said that apart from implementing the procurement measures in prioritizing local products and services, Macau SAR Government will continue to promote local procurement activities with MCC and integrated resorts, strengthen the support to local SMEs, create opportunities through large businesses leading small businesses and foster the partnership development between SMEs and integrated resorts.

GEG is committed to actively pursuing local SME suppliers and ensuring that opportunities are provided for bid participation where appropriate. Mr. Michael Mecca, President of GEG, said, “In the past year, GEG spent close to MOP3 billion on goods and services with more than 900 local suppliers in the areas of food and beverage, hospitality and corporate products, property services and technical parts, and professional services”. The Local SME Procurement Partnership Program, designed to further support small and micro enterprises, “made in Macau” products and Macau young entrepreneurs, continues to spur the growth of SMEs through active engagement.

Mr. Kou Hoi In, President of the Board of Directors of MCC, stated that GEG is constantly committed to upholding its corporate social responsibility, actively supporting and participating in various community-related, charitable and philanthropic activities and contributing to the sustainability of the environment. Recently, GEG also proactively built closer business relationships with SMEs; having invited local SMEs in areas of retail and food and beverage to The Broadway, GEG created a better business environment for local SMEs, which MCC greatly appreciates. 

Mr. Buddy Lam, Assistant Senior Vice President of Public Relations of GEG, briefly introduced SME Business Matching Session, which will be held in July and where SMEs will showcase their products and services to the GEG Procurement team during one-on-one meetings. Qualified SME suppliers will be invited to participate in bids or tenders and selected suppliers will eventually go through a formal Supplier Development Program. In collaboration with MCC and Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre, GEG’s Supplier Development Program will offer training programs, professional guidance and customized development plans for SMEs to assist in developing their capability and elevate their competitiveness in Macau. Regular information sharing sessions and progress meetings with SMEs will be conducted to ensure that they are on the correct path to success.

In order to more accessibly provide the relevant information to suppliers, Mr. Thomas Mak, Manager of the Information System and Technology Department of Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre, introduced the newly launched GEG procurement information website during the event. The website provides a category list of GEG’s products and services, a downloadable version of the supplier’s registration form, details about the procurement process and more. He also encouraged suppliers to fully utilize the website and expand their product offerings to enhance their business opportunities.

Through creating a favorable environment for local SMEs while strengthening their competitiveness, GEG’s Local SME Procurement Partnership Program will contribute to the economic diversification of Macau and support its transformation into the “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure”.