SJM Resorts achieved outstanding results at the Awards Presentation for the Macau, China Delegation to the 48th WorldSkills Competition, with its representatives securing first, second and third places in the Hotel Reception category.
SJM is also the only integrated resort operator in Macau selected for the Macau, China team competing at this year’s WorldSkills Competition.
The 48th WorldSkills Competition will be held in Shanghai from 22 to 27 September 2026. The event is jointly organised by WorldSkills International, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the People’s Republic of China, and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, bringing together talented young professionals from around the world to showcase their skills on the international stage.
The three SJM representatives are all members of the inaugural cohort of the SJM “Forge My Own Journey” Development Programme. Iaoiao Chan, a Front Office Trainee under Hotel Operations, secured first place and will represent Macau, China at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai. Meanwhile, Sandra Chan, who placed second, and Eric Liang, who placed third, were selected as reserve representatives.
The participants’ outstanding achievements at the WorldSkills Macau Selection Competition not only demonstrates the effectiveness of the university-enterprise partnership model, but also reflect SJM’s long-term commitment to talent development and youth empowerment. Their success underscores the Company’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals and supporting Macau’s sustainable development as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.
University-Industry Collaboration Delivers Outstanding Results
What happens when classroom learning meets real-world experience? The answer can be seen in the success of the SJM “Forge My Own Journey” Development Programme, a pioneering initiative launched by SJM in partnership with the Macao University of Tourism. By combining academic studies with paid workplace training, the programme gives local young people the opportunity to build practical skills, gain industry exposure and discover rewarding career paths in hospitality.
Since its launch in 2025, the programme has already made a strong impact. Its participants swept the top three places in the Hotel Reception category at the WorldSkills Macau Selection Competition, a remarkable achievement that reflects both their hard work and the effectiveness of the programme’s hands-on approach. Their success showcases the professionalism, confidence and potential of Macau’s next generation of hospitality talent.
For Iaoiao Chan, who secured first place, the experience has been life-changing. Through the programme, she participated in training and exchange opportunities in Switzerland, broadening her international outlook while strengthening her professional skills. She now hopes to take that experience onto the global stage and proudly represent Macau at the WorldSkills Competition.
Nurturing Macau’s Future Hospitality Leaders
The momentum behind the programme continues to grow. Following the successful recruitment of its second cohort, a new group of aspiring hospitality professionals will begin their journey this August, gaining valuable workplace experience alongside their studies.
Looking ahead, recruitment for the third cohort will open in September, creating even more opportunities for local youth to develop their talents. Through this long-term investment in people, SJM is helping to shape a new generation of tourism and hospitality professionals with the skills, experience and global perspective needed to support the future growth of Macau’s tourism industry.
