Hong Kong-listed Macau gaming operator Sands China said in a statement last night that it was “profoundly saddened and grief-stricken by the news of the passing of our company’s founder and chief executive officer, Mr Sheldon G. Adelson.”
The statement said that “Mr Adelson was the very definition of a pioneer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. We will never forget his contributions to the development of Macau, which go back to his bold vision of creating the Cotai Strip. “His investment in Macau, its industry, its people and its community have both literally and figuratively changed the landscape of our city in more ways than one – something manifestly evident whether examining the shimmering Cotai skyline or reflecting on the rocket-paced professional growth and development of Macau’s integrated resort talent. And his firm belief in philanthropy will continue to have a lasting impact in Macau, where his generosity of spirit lives on in our team members, who serve our community through Sands Cares initiatives like the Sands Cares Ambassador programme.
“Mr Adelson’s contributions to Macau’s tourism industry are well known, beginning with the game-changing Sands Macao in 2004. He then followed up that unparalleled success with yet another game-changer: The Venetian Macao – creating an instantly recognisable and iconic landmark in Macau, including one of the largest convention and exhibition facilities in Asia. That success paved the way for Cotai’s other integrated resort developments, and the transformation of Macau into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Soon after came the opening of the Four Seasons and The Plaza Macao, which was followed by Sands Cotai Central and The Parisian Macao.
“Even after the completion of five industry-changing business and leisure properties, Mr Adelson remained unwavering in his desire to continue to invest in Macao. Our hearts are heavy at the thought of the missed opportunity to enjoy his charisma, charm and pride at the opening of The Londoner Macao, but we are consoled in knowing that his spirit will certainly be present at that unveiling of the latest manifestation of his bold vision – a vision strengthened by his resolute confidence in Macau and its people.
“All of us at Sands China will carry forward with further fulfilling Mr Adelson’s vision for Macau and the Cotai Strip, in continuation of our support of Macau’s development as a world centre of tourism and leisure.”
Sands China, a subsidiary of Las Vegas Sands, owns five of Macau’s 41 casinos.
Mr. Adelson’s legacy will forever live on in Macau, as will his memory in our hearts.
This file photo taken on September 20, 2012 shows Sheldon Adelson (left) and his wife Miriam attending the opening of the Sheraton hotel as part of Sands Cotai Central complex, which now is being rebranded as The Londoner.
Photo: Iong Tat Choi
