Improving SME equipment to lead the way for high quality industry development

Macao, July 9, 2024 — Wynn hosted the "2024 Wynn Local SME Procurement Partnership Meeting and SME Equipment Improvement Program Sharing Session" at 11:00 a.m. today in the Wynn Macau Grand Ballroom. With the support of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau and the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao SAR Government, approximately 200 representatives from local SMEs participated in the event. Wynn shared the results of the first phase of the "SME Equipment Improvement Program" and expressed its gratitude toward the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR and the Government, especially the Economic and Technological Development Bureau, local industries, and stakeholders for their continued support of the program. After the meeting and sharing session today, Wynn also held a training seminar for nearly 50 local SME representatives to build a sustainable business environment together.

Distinguished government officials and industry guests attending the event in support of the partnership included: Mr. Tai Kin Ip, Director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau; Mr. Sun Yaohua, Director of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Mr. Leong Wa Fong, Director of the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute; Ms. Victoria Alexa Kuan Chan, Director-General of the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center; Mr. Chui Yuk Lum, President of the Industrial Association of Macau; Mr. Vong Kok Seng, Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Macao Chamber of Commerce; Professor Pang Chuan, Vice President of the University of Science and Technology (MUST); Mr. Andy Ng, Assistant General Manager of Da Heng Qin (Macao) Corporation Limited; Mr. Ray Ng, Executive Chairman for The Industry and Commerce Association of Macau; Mr. Wong Ian Man, Director-General of the Guangdong and Macao Federation of Industry and Commerce; Mr. Robert Vu, Manager of Membership Services Department of the Macao Young Entrepreneur Incubation Centre; Mr. Lam Io Meng, Deputy General Manager of Macao Daily News; Mr. Ho Chan Meng, Controller of the Communications Division for Teledifusão de Macau, S.A.; Mr. Ho Ka Io, Secretary General of The Youth Elites Association Macau; Mr. Lei Koi Ian, President of the Macau Youth Entrepreneur Association; Mr. James Mak, Senior Administrative Assistant of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship of the University of Macau; Mr. Hong U Tak, Director-General of the Associação de YEA Macau; Mr. Chen Xiaobo, General Manager of the Inclusive Finance Department for Bank of China Macau; Mr. Teren Cheong, General Manager of BNU; Ms. Christy Lam, Director of SME Business for the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macau); and Mr. Lei Kai Wai, Assistant Manager of Tai Fung Bank. Members of Wynn senior management in attendance included Ms. Linda Chen, President and Vice Chairman of the Board of Wynn Macau, Limited; Mr. Craig Fullalove, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Wynn Macau, Limited; Ms. Jasmine Cheong, Vice President of Community and Government Relations of Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace; and Ms. Kimberly Tan, Executive Director of Procurement for Wynn Palace and Wynn Macau.

Ms. Linda Chen, President and Vice Chairman of the Board of Wynn Macau, Limited, said: "Wynn is pleased to continue supporting the development of local SMEs with whom we share a common business philosophy. We believe that by constantly striving to boost competitiveness, this will lead to greater brand awareness and elevate quality to even higher levels. Wynn hopes that with this Equipment Improvement Program, we can fully optimize the productivity of SMEs, raise professional standards, while also empowering SMEs to expand their businesses, create more employment opportunities, and contribute to the moderate diversification of Macao's economy."

In line with the nation's direction toward developing new quality productive forces, Wynn started formulating an SME support program at the beginning of last year. The new SME Equipment Improvement Program has received strong support from local industries, especially the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center, which has shared valuable advice with respect to the selection criteria. After gaining an in-depth understanding of the operational needs of SME collaborations over the long-term, Wynn selected the first batch of outstanding local SMEs who meet the requirements of the program criteria including: Macao brands, Macao products and SMEs with international certifications or local production facilities. Wynn will discuss solutions for improvement with the selected SMEs and provide them with the necessary equipment to boost quality.

Wynn also held a "Macao SME Training Series – Exploring Opportunities in the Seafood Industry" session this afternoon. The aim of the seminar is to help local enterprises integrate ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) core values into their business operations. Mr. Guilherme Martins, Director of Sustainability at Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace; Mr. Stan Shea, Marine Programme Director of BLOOM Association Hong Kong; Ms. Mandy Wong, Secretariat for the Hong Kong Sustainable Seafood Coalition; and Mr. Hans Lee, General Manager of the Educational Restaurant at the Macau University of Tourism (UTM) served as guest speakers for the training session. The speakers introduced the concept of sustainable seafood to nearly 50 SME representatives, providing guidance on sustainable procurement and offering suggestions for ways to support fishery improvement projects.

Since its opening, Wynn has prioritized local procurement and remains committed toward promoting the sustainable development of local small, medium, and micro enterprises, while also helping them explore more development opportunities. Over the past two years, nearly 1,000 SMEs have attended procurement partnership sharing sessions organized by Wynn. In the first quarter of 2024, Wynn's total purchases from local SMEs recorded an increase of 84% over the same period in 2023. Among these purchases, total procurements from "three types of local businesses" (Small and Micro Enterprises, "Made in Macao" Companies and Macao Young Entrepreneurs) grew by 86% over 2023. This data also demonstrates that the three types of local businesses are producing higher quality products and both individuals and companies are continually boosting their competitive edge.

Throughout this year, Wynn has organized a variety of events for SMEs in collaboration with industries and institutions to support the sustainable development of local enterprises and diverse industries. The most recent events include: the "2024 Wynn Local SME Procurement Partnership Meeting and Recycling Shredded Playing Cards Project Signing Ceremony" during the Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (MIECF); a training workshop in collaboration with the Pan Mac Junior Chamber to empower local businesses with digital marketing strategies to engage customers and drive growth; a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Big Health Industry Study Tour; a variety of Rua da Felicidade SME events and more. Wynn has also partnered with local e-commerce giants to invite Rua da Felicidade merchants and other local cultural and creative brands to participate in marketing activities to offer instant discounts, host live broadcasts for SMEs, and group purchases to encourage SMEs to seize online business opportunities.