Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) is committed to cultivating the development of local talent through a range of training programs to support the Macau SAR Government’s talent development policies. Since 2011, GEG has cooperated with the Macau Management Association (MMA) to organize the GEG Youth Achievement Program (YAP), providing training opportunities for nearly 3,000 participants. On October 31, GEG held the Award Presentation and the 2020 Launch Ceremony in the 8/F Ballroom of the StarWorld Hotel. The ceremony recognized the outstanding performance of the participants in the eighth YAP and welcomed incoming participants to the ninth edition.

Attending the ceremony were Ms. Zhu Hong, Deputy Director General of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region; Mr. Leong Man Ion, Deputy Director of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau; Ms. Leong Vai Kei, Deputy Director of the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau; Mr. Hoi Io Meng, Deputy Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Mr. Vong Vai Lon, Executive Director of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute; Ms. Mang Sui Yee, Head of Employment Department of the Labour Affairs Bureau; Mr. Chui Sai Cheong, President of MMA; Mr. Tommy Lau, Council Chairman of MMA; Mr. Paul Tse, Vice President of MMA; Mr. Francis Lui, Vice Chairman of GEG; and a number of GEG and MMA management members.

Mr. Philip Cheng, Director of GEG, said in his speech that GEG has been active in education and training, and strongly supports the policy of the Macau SAR on developing local talent. Therefore, GEG puts a lot of resources into nurturing local young people through a number of platforms. “GEG will continue to broaden the national education element in the upcoming YAP program and encourage young people to better understand themselves in order to seize the opportunities of the supporting government policies to reach their potential,” he said.

In a separate speech, Mr. Tommy Lau, Council Chairman of MMA, said that Macau is currently in a critical developing period under the impact of the Greater Bay Area development plan. Young people should equip themselves with skills necessary to capitalize on the opportunities and to give the best in their work.

The YAP covers three main areas: self-awareness, community care and career development. Its aim is to help young people build confidence and develop their potential. Guided by a group of professionals, the YAP offers diversified training, activities and competitions, including Potential Development workshops, Experience Beyond Yourself camping, Greater Bay Area field visits, and a final competition, to equip the participants with skills and knowledge for future career development.

This year, the YAP invited Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office to share her views with the participants on the opportunities presented by the growth of the tourism industry since the establishment of the Macau SAR, and Ms. Irene Va Kuan Lau, President of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) to exchange views on the development of the MICE industry and opportunities available to the participants. The discussion provided an excellent platform to help young people better understand the development of the MICE industry and the opportunities in the market for professional specialties.

GEG and MMA representatives then presented a number of awards to outstanding YAP participants, including the champion, runners-up in the Final Competition. The winning team’s report explored a service platform that allowing users to optimize time saving and resources sharing. This unique idea conforms to Macau’s long-term development plan of becoming a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.

The ninth edition of the YAP will focus on the current situation in China and the Macau SAR to help the participants gain an in-depth understanding of the country and the city, along with the new policies related to the Greater Bay Area. The YAP will continue to provide professional training and organize field trips for participants. The next edition is now open for applications until December 31, 2019. For more details, please visit the website http://yap.mim.edu.mo.