Sands China Ltd. and the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Nov. 25 at The Londoner Macao, introducing the new two-year Sands China Western Culinary Elite Programme. The initiative, which includes an eight-week training at the internationally renowned École Ducasse in France, aims to cultivate Western culinary talent and further strengthen collaboration between industry, academia, and research.
Sands China and UTM formalised a new industry-academia partnership at The Londoner Macao, signing a memorandum of understanding to introduce the Sands China Western Culinary Elite Programme.
The two-year initiative adopts a “hire and train” model targeted primarily at top graduates of UTM’s Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management.
The 24-month course combines academic theory, professional certification, hands-on training across Sands China integrated resorts, and an eight-week practical training at École Ducasse in France.
Participants will gain exposure to international culinary culture and professional standards, and those who successfully completed the course will be offered Cook I positions at Sands China, strengthening the pipeline of skilled culinary professionals in Macao.
Grant Chum (right), Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Sands China Ltd. and Dr. Fanny Vong (left), Rector of the Macao University of Tourism signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Nov. 25 at The Londoner Macao, introducing the new two-year Sands China Western Culinary Elite Programme and further deepen industry-academia-research cooperation and talent cultivation.
Following the MOU signing, Sands China and UTM jointly held an Innovative Hospitality Management symposium on Nov. 25, beginning with an opening ceremony themed “Hospitality Reimagined: Innovation and Technology with a Heartbeat.”
Following the MOU signing, Sands China and UTM co-hosted the Innovative Hospitality Management symposium, themed “Hospitality Reimagined: Innovation and Technology with a Heartbeat.”
The symposium convened university scholars, Sands China management, and industry experts in three panel discussions covering: hospitality and the latest technologies; AI and robotics applications in hospitality; and innovations aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Panels were moderated by UTM academics and delivered practical insight into technology-empowered hospitality operations.
Grant Chum, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Sands China Ltd., said: “Talent development is not only a key to a corporation’s sustainable development, but also an essential part of Sands China’s corporate social responsibility. We have therefore consistently launched diverse talent development programmes with various institutions. UTM is our long-serving partner, and we are delighted to sign an MOU with them to launch the Sands China Western Culinary Elite Programme, with the aim of combining our respective strengths in industry resources and academic expertise. By supporting young local culinary talents’ studies at France’s internationally renowned École Ducasse, we hope they can enhance their skills and broaden their international perspectives, thereby enriching Macao’s talent pool. Additionally, we are aiming to deepen industry-academia exchange with a symposium, hoping to empower the sustainable development of the hospitality industry through technology, strengthening the competitiveness of Macao’s tourism sector.”
Following the MOU signing, Sands China and UTM jointly hold an Innovative Hospitality Management symposium moderated by scholars from UTM, with university’s experts, Sands China management, and industry representatives. In one of the panel discussions, they shared insights and discussed the usage of AI and robotics in the hospitality industry.
Dr. Fanny Vong, Rector of the Macao University of Tourism, said: “University education should go hand in hand with the needs of industry. Through this new partnership, our graduates will gain hands-on training at integrated resorts, while overseas study will broaden their cross-cultural horizons, further supporting the long-term growth of Macao’s tourism sector.”
Attendees included representatives from the Labour Affairs Bureau, the Macao Government Tourism Office, industry experts (including Tencent Travel , Macau Hotel Association, Deloitte China, and more), UTM teachers and students, and Sands China team members.
The collaboration stands for another joint project by Sands China and UTM, following a previous MOU inked in 2023 on MICE development, and recent faculty immersion visits to Sands China properties. These efforts aim to reinforce a sustained industry-education exchange to support Macao’s talent pipeline.
