September 26, 2019 – Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) is committed to supporting the Macau SAR Government in diversifying its economy and cultivating talent for the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. Recently, GEG held the “Celebration of the 20^th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macau SAR – President of IPIM Dialogue with GEG YAP”, in conjunction with the Macau Management Association (MMA) at the Ritz-Carlton, Macau. Ms. Irene Va Kuan Lau, President of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) exchanged views on the development of the MICE industry and opportunities available with around 100 current and past participants of the Youth Achievement Program (YAP) and GEG Team Members.

The session began with President Lau introducing the development and advantages of Macau’s MICE industry, and the investment made in cultivating talent in this area. She also highlighted support programs that IPIM offers to nurture the growth of branded events, and helping the industry to take advantage of opportunities presented in the diversification of Macau’s economy. Her talk was followed by a candid dialogue with four YAP participants on stage on the future development of MICE industry under the impact of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area plan and the Belt and Road Initiative. She encouraged participants to equip themselves with skills necessary to capitalize on the opportunities and to give the best in their work. She said the Dialogue was an excellent platform for helping young people better understand the development of the industry.

Mr. Philip Cheng, Director of GEG, said that the Dialogue provided an invaluable opportunity for the participants to gain deeper insight into the MICE industry. He said, “The Macau SAR Government has been making great progress with its economic diversification, and built a solid foundation in the professionalization and marketization of the MICE industry in Macau. In recent years, a number of internationally branded events have been held and large-scale exhibition venues, such as GEG’s Galaxy International Convention Center, which offers total MICE space of 40,000 sqm, will be introduced. These international venues are important elements in aligning the current positioning of Macau and the development of Greater Bay Area. There will be growing demand for MICE talent, so we sincerely hope that more young people will join us.”

Mr. Tommy Lau, Council Chairman of MMA, said, “Macau needs to strengthen its unique advantages to enhance its competitiveness. The cultivation of talent is an important element for the sustainable development of the community. The YAP program provides a good platform for future talent and lays a solid foundation for their future.”

Mr. Vito Ao Ieong, one of the YAP participants, who works in the Facilities Management Department of Galaxy Macau™, was inspired by the talk. “When President Lau pointed out that the MICE industry requires the support of all industries, I realized that as an engineer, I could also contribute to the development of the MICE and tourism industries,” he said. “I will work hard and do my best to support these industries.”

In attendance were Mr. Philip Cheng, Director of GEG; Mr. Tommy Lau, Council Chairman of MMA; Mr. Paul Tse, Vice President of MMA; Mr. Raymond Bao, Council Vice Chairman and Honorary Treasurer of MMA;  Ms. Catherine Ng, Council Vice Chairman of MMA; Ms. Elaine Wong, Senior Manager of Promotional Activities and Development of Conventions and Exhibitions Department of IPIM; and GEG executives including Mr. Victor Lau, Assistant Senior Vice President of Hospitality and Leisure Sales, Galaxy Macau.

GEG and MMA have been co-organizing the YAP for eight consecutive years. The program aims to encourage young people to better understand themselves, contribute to the betterment of local communities, and reach their potential. Elements of the Greater Bay Area were included in the most recent edition of the program - the winning team was awarded an Asian City Study Tour, sponsored by GEG. This year’s tour took the participants to Shanghai and Hangzhou. Through field trips and exchanges with experts, GEG aims to enable YAP participants to develop their potential and continue to “Reach Out, Reach Beyond”!