Integrated resort (IR) operator Sands China yesterday co-organised the Macao Hengqin Technological Innovation Industry-Academia-Research Reverse Business Matching at The Londoner Macao in Cotai, with the event joined by around 140 participants.
The event was organised in conjunction with the Macao Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) and the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT).
Unlike traditional business matching, academic and research institutions from Macau and Hengqin were invited by Sands China to learn more about the company’s operational needs for participants to propose tailor-made solutions for existing needs at Sands China, according to a statement provided at yesterday’s one-day event.
It aimed to match and connect the relevant academic and research personnel with Sands China business units, intending to “guide the transformation of scientific research achievements based on practical technological demands”.
Speaking at yesterday morning’s launch, Secretary for Economy and Finance Anton Tai Kin Ip highlighted that the local government prioritises appropriate economic diversification, with technological innovation as its core driving force. “We understand that only by enhancing our capacity for technological innovation can we inject new momentum into Macau’s sustainable development”, Tai said.
By precisely aligning the technological needs of large integrated tourism and leisure enterprises with the commercialisation and research capabilities of Macau and Hengqin technology companies and universities, “we aim to create a ‘Tourism + Technology’ exchange platform that facilitates mutual opportunities between commercial demands and R&D outcomes”, said Tai, who is also the deputy director of the executive committee of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
Tai added: “Application scenarios are the starting point for technology transformation and an accelerator for industrial upgrading…We hope other organisations, large enterprises, and integrated resort operators will follow suit by resulting in more applications and demand for Hengqin and Macau technology firms and university teams, jointly enhancing quality and development”.
Sands China Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Grant Chum Kwan Lock noted in his speech that the event was geared towards establishing “a collaborative platform, creating opportunities for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), tech start-ups, and youth entrepreneurs by promoting the innovation and synergy between industry, academia, and research in Macau and Hengqin, and transforming solutions into tangible industrial momentum”.
Aside from the networking session, yesterday morning’s event also featured presentation sessions by Sands China representatives and a Q&A session. Representatives of government departments in Macau and Hengqin, along with those from Sands China and local universities were also among the officiating guests.
Secretary for Economy and Finance Anton Tai Kin Ip addresses the launch of the Macao Hengqin Technological Innovation Industry-Academia-Research Reverse Business Matching at The Londoner Macao in Cotai.
Sands China Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Grant Chum Kwan Lock gives a speech yesterday morning at The Londoner Macao. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
