Innovative approach launched in Macau to help better integrate learning and working experiences and nurture young talent to support the SAR’s tourism and leisure sector. In alignment with the Macao SAR Government’s policy of “Building Macau Through Talent,” SJM Resorts, S.A. (SJM) and Macao University of Tourism (UTM) have jointly established the SJM “Forge My Own Journey” Development Programme.
The signing and launching ceremony, at which Ms Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, and Dr Fanny Vong, Rector of UTM, signed an MOU for the Programme, took place in early March 2025 at the Grand Pavilion in the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau. The Programme offers local youths a unique opportunity to combine theoretical education with practical experience, thereby building a talent pipeline and injecting new energy into Macau's integrated tourism and leisure industry.
Jointly launched by SJM and UTM, the Programme adopts a four-year innovative approach to integrated learning and working experience and aims to cultivate specialists in tourism, leisure, and hotel management for Macau. During the training period, students will undertake internships in various SJM departments, including Hotel Operations, Food and Beverage Management, Retail Management, Events Planning, and more. While interning, students will also receive monthly salaries and benefits, allowing them to gain valuable work experience that provides a solid foundation for their future career development. Graduates who successfully complete the Programme and obtain a bachelor’s degree in Hotel or Tourism Management from UTM will also be awarded full tuition fee sponsorship for four years from SJM. Upon graduation, students may choose to continue their careers at SJM and will be presented with opportunities for advancement to junior management positions.
The inaugural Programme will commence in the 2025 academic year, welcoming 70 Grade 12 high school graduates who aspire to enter the integrated tourism and leisure industry. Since its launch, the Programme has received an enthusiastic response. In 30 briefing sessions and guided tours, support from 26 local secondary schools has led to the participation of over 2,000 students and parents. Among the successful candidates, nine students ranked in the top ten of their class, including one who achieved the highest academic results in his grade. Notably, some applicants chose this Programme over direct admission opportunities to national key universities in Mainland China, demonstrating their enthusiasm for this path. The Programme will continue to accept students annually, providing long-term talent support for Macau’s moderate diversification.
Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, remarked, “Rooted in Macau for over 60 years, SJM is committed to nurturing local talent. This collaboration aims to leverage SJM’s extensive experience in the integrated tourism and leisure industry, alongside UTM’s strong academic foundation to create a pathway for young professionals. Through an innovative approach to integrating learning and working experience, we endeavour to cultivate the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals with international vision and professional competence, driving the continuous innovation and moderate diversification of Macau’s economy, thus contributing to the city’s position as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.”
While pursuing their degree courses at UTM, students will gain valuable work experience through internships in SJM’s various departments, including hotel operations, food and beverage, and other services.
Dr Fanny Vong, Rector, Macao University of Tourism
Dr Fanny Vong, Rector of UTM, said, “Jointly launched by SJM and UTM, the Programme is an innovative approach to integrated learning and working experience. It aims to equip local students with comprehensive knowledge through theoretical learning and practical application. While pursuing their degree courses at UTM, students will gain valuable work experience through internships in SJM’s various departments, including hotel operations, food and beverage, and other services. This Programme enables students to swiftly embark on professional paths within the integrated tourism and leisure industry, fostering exceptional talents with both theoretical foundations and practical abilities for Macau.”
Looking ahead, SJM will actively collaborate with local schools and educational institutions to support the development of high-quality talent in response to Macau’s needs. Additionally, SJM aims to encourage employees to enhance their skills through diverse avenues, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of Macau’s integrated tourism and leisure industry.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
