Sands China held the “Food Fest of Awarded SMEs for Rua das Estalagens” for the second consecutive year from April 22 to 28, bringing awarded SMEs into The Londoner Macao’s back-of-house areas to showcase their signature dishes to the resort’s large workforce.
With the launch of the Community Revitalisation Series – Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens in April 2024, the company has provided financial support and a series of practical, multifaceted support measures to local SMEs for establishment in Rua das Estalagens.
Combined, the two editions of food fest attracted 11,000 team members who showed their support for local SMEs through practical actions, continuing the company’s business philosophy of growing with SMEs.
The shops offered a variety of signature treats during the event, including Café Fantart’s flaky egg tarts in original and curry beef flavours, Voyage Thai Kitchen’s handmade pandan layer cakes and bottled Thai milk tea, PANPAN’s savoury pistachio chocolate buns, and Catfee’s fragrant Ethiopian natural ice drip coffee, creating a vibrant on-site atmosphere.
“Sands China remains fully committed to supporting the Macao SAR government’s direction of promoting the community economy and the sustainable development of local SMEs,” said Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd. “In the revitalisation of Rua das Estalagens, we consistently monitor the progress of the businesses and provide various promotional and sales platforms for their participation. Last year, the response to the first food fest at The Venetian Macao was overwhelming, and we are pleased to hear that the SMEs valued the promotional results.”
“This year, we are delighted to bring the event to the back-of-house area of The Londoner Macao. Across both editions, 11,000 portions of food and drinks have been distributed, providing a broad platform for SMEs while allowing our team members to experience the craftsmanship and creative cuisine of local SMEs. Two years since the launch of the entrepreneurship recruitment competition, we are gratified to see these businesses growing steadily and demonstrating maturity, which validates the effectiveness of ‘large businesses leading small businesses’ and highlights the adaptability of Macao SMEs.”
In addition to the food fest, Sands China has also distributed the shops’ discount vouchers to runners in the Sands China Macao International 10K for two consecutive years and provided free booths at Macao’s largest sales event, the Sands Shopping Carnival.
These initiatives allow local SMEs to step beyond the neighbourhood and reach a broader audience of residents and tourists, thereby strengthening their brand promotion and market competitiveness.
As a vital component of Sands China’s community revitalisation efforts, the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens is an extension of two successful Sands China programmes: the F.I.T. programme and the Sands Resorts Incubation Centre.
Since the April 2024 launch of the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme, Sands China has utilised precise support measures to encourage Macao businesses to establish themselves on Rua das Estalagens and drive the area’s economic vitality.
The inaugural phase received an enthusiastic response with 128 applications, resulting in seven successful entrepreneurship proposals that have since injected innovative elements into this historic district to help restore its traditional charm and prosperity.
Sands China Ltd. upholds its commitment to working hand-in-hand with the Macao SAR government and all sectors of society to drive revitalisation projects and stimulate the community economy through diverse initiatives.
