Sands China and Las Vegas Sands announced that Macao nongovernmental organization Sustaincia has joined the Sands Cares Accelerator, a three-year membership program aimed at advancing nonprofits to deliver greater community impact.
Sustaincia is focused on using technology and social affairs to encourage sustainable development.
During its membership, Sustaincia will work to refine the use of advanced technology in converting food waste from bakery items, rice and cooking oil into useful products.
The organization will also focus on strengthening its community lab as a hub for technology innovation and research in food waste valorization, while using this circular framework to create opportunities for local entrepreneurs and scientists.
“Sands and Sands China are providing us with vital resources to realize our vision for improving food waste processes through advanced technology, while driving business and job prospects to further sustainable impact,” Terence Lee, President of Sustaincia, said. “We believe the progress we make in our identified focus areas over the next three years in the Sands Cares Accelerator can have impact in Macao for years to come.”
Read more: Sands China committed to advancing Macao’s economic diversification
Sustaincia’s approach centers on food waste valorization, the process of transforming discarded materials into valuable commodities, and on establishing a community-driven laboratory in Macao.
The lab brings together partners and members from academic and industrial backgrounds, including Co-Founder Dr. Bashir Saidu and Collab Researchers Rana Elromh and Bryan Lee, to address circular economy challenges.
Through this model, Sustaincia aims to turn food waste into commercially viable products while building a more inclusive industry focused on sustainability and environmental improvement in Macao.
The organization is the second Macao nongovernmental organization to join the Sands Cares Accelerator, which supports nonprofits at a point where they can expand their community impact.
Inspired by the entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit of Sands Founder Sheldon G. Adelson, the program supports nonprofit organizations by helping them strengthen a strategic area or enhance a program offering.
Sands provides funding, facilitation and guidance so members can build capacity and advance their missions.
“Beyond having a solid vision to improve food waste management in Macao, Sustaincia was a great selection for our program because of its alignment with our own sustainable food initiatives,” Ron Reese, Senior Vice President of global communications and corporate affairs at Sands, said. “Another factor we look for is the ability of an organization to sustain their goal after they leave the Sands Cares Accelerator, and we believe Sustaincia has established a strong plan for long-term impact.”
Sustaincia joins other members of the global program, including the Asian Community Development Council in Las Vegas and The Food Bank Singapore in Singapore.
To learn more about the Sands Cares Accelerator, visit
https://www.sands.com/responsibility/communities/#our-program-sands-cares.
