Latest news with #Macao
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nearly 110,000 Enjoy 2025 Sands Shopping Carnival
Sixth edition of Macao's tourism and leisure extravaganza July 17-19Drawing more than 640,000 visits to date MACAO, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Macao's largest sales event, the 2025 Sands Shopping Carnival, ran July 17-19 at The Venetian® Macao's Cotai Expo, concluding one day ahead of schedule due to Typhoon Wipha. This year's carnival holds significant influence as it received an overwhelming response from local residents and tourists – the shortened three-day run attracted nearly 110,000 visits, close to the number for last year's four-day event. Total visitation is now more than 640,000 since the carnival debuted in 2020. Now in its sixth edition, the event is organised by Sands China Ltd. and co-organised by the Macao Chamber of Commerce. As Sands China's annual signature event, it continues to create synergy between local small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Sands retailers, local NGOs, and the arts and culture community, in a bid to attract local residents and consumers from the Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong. This year's carnival featured more than 580 booths, spanning eight exhibition zones: Sands retailers; household products; gourmet and wine; food court; coffee; Macao cultural and creative; play and fun; and a visitor-centric Macao specialties and souvenirs zone. The coffee zone was new this year, added in response to Macao's blooming café scene, featuring popular brands to meet the demand of the current spending trend. An open-mic busking space was set up outside the coffee zone for visitors to unleash their musical skills, bringing a joyful vibe to the carnival. Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: "Originally scheduled for four days, the 2025 Sands Shopping Carnival concluded one day earlier than expected due to the typhoon. We would like to extend our gratitude to all parties for their tremendous support to our event, no matter rain or shine. We are encouraged to see that the carnival was well-received by local residents and tourists, reaching nearly 110,000 visits during the three-day run. This remarkable result demonstrates the effectiveness of the unique model of housing local SMEs and Sands retailers under one roof. "Our sincere gratitude goes to the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT), the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), and the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM); sponsors from BOC Macau, ICBC (Macau), Bank of Communications Co., Ltd. Macau Branch and BNU; the Macao Chamber of Commerce as the co-organiser; and partners, exhibitors, local residents, tourists, contestants, and all sectors of society for their generous support, making this tourism and leisure extravaganza a success again. Looking ahead, in line with the cross-sector integration of 'tourism +,' we will continue infusing new elements into the carnival, injecting robust momentum to the sustainable and high-quality development of Macao tourism industry." Visitors to the carnival enjoyed browsing more than 5,000 products for MOP 1 each day and finding up to 90 percent off selected products from international brands. Getting to and from the carnival was made convenient by a free shuttle service and free parking. Audiences applauded the performances and winners of one of the highlights in the carnival – the ICBC ePay Presents: Greater Bay Area Karaoke King Singing Competition. Attracting more than 100 contestants from the Greater Bay Area, the entertaining competition contributed to the exciting atmosphere of the carnival, showcasing the charm of diverse cultures. Sands China invited several local community organisations to participate in the carnival to inject vitality to the event while promoting social inclusion in the community. The number of participating community organisations has grown over six years from an initial three to a record-high 19. The carnival aims to provide them with an opportunity to raise awareness about their support services among local residents and tourists, while offering vocational training for their members. The Sands Cares Ambassadors volunteered to give on-site support to community groups during the festival, accompanying members of the Salvation Army Joy Family Integrated Service Centre to enjoy a fun karting experience and play at some of the carnival's game booths. The volunteers also joined the carnival's BOC Smart Kids Presents: Little Master Chef Workshop with members of the Macau Catholic Family Advisory Council. The popular workshop, led by Sands China's food and beverage team, gave parents and children an opportunity to work together to prepare sushi and experience the fun of culinary arts. As has become tradition, the carnival provided an opportunity for members of Macau Special Olympics to role play as news reporters and editors. They conducted interviews and took photos and video, which they will use to write, edit and do post-production for their news reports. The carnival operated with environmental awareness, in line with the goals of the Sands ECO360 global sustainability strategy. Local NGO Green Future, along with a group of Sands ECO360 Ambassadors, demonstrated effective methods for recycling cardboard, plastic and metal to exhibitors, teaching them practical knowledge and techniques for recycling. In addition, the Sands Plastic-Free July Workshop helped shoppers turn waste into treasure to encourage a plastic-free lifestyle. Sands China invited some of the outstanding businesses from the company's Community Revitalisation Series – Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens and local retailers from the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory to run booths at the carnival, with the aim of giving them a stronger footing and exposure in the local commercial market. The Sands EmpowHER team member resource group also joined the carnival with a booth that gave participating female employees a platform to showcase their entrepreneurial talents, promoting experiential learning and supporting professional development. The 2025 Sands Shopping Carnival was organised by Sands China Ltd. and co-organised by the Macao Chamber of Commerce (MCC), with the full support of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT), the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), and the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM). It was sponsored by BOC Macau, ICBC (Macau), Bank of Communications Co., Ltd. Macau Branch, and BNU. About Sands China Ltd. Sands China Ltd. (Sands China or the Company) is incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 1928). Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company's integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The Venetian® Macao, The Plaza® Macao, The Parisian® Macao and The Londoner Macao®. The Company also owns and operates Sands® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company's portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at The Venetian Arena, The Londoner Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, the Londoner Theatre and the Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company's Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao's transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS). For more information, please visit Media contacts:Corporate Communications, Sands China WuTel: +853 8118 2268Email: Jesse ChiangTel: +853 8118 2054Email: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Sands China Ltd. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
BEYOND Expo 2026 Returns to Macao on May 27-30, Unveiling Its Most Ambitious and Globally Connected Edition Yet
Larger in scale, deeper in content, and broader in reach — BEYOND Expo strengthens its position as Asia's largest tech ecosystem event. MACAO, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BEYOND Expo, Asia's most influential and largest ecosystem platform for innovation, technology, and cross-border collaboration, will return for its 2026 edition from May 27–30, 2026, at the Venetian Cotai Expo in Macao, China. Following the record-setting success of BEYOND Expo 2025 — attended by over 25,000 professionals, 800+ global exhibitors, and 800+ investors — this next edition will expand significantly in depth, scope, and global reach under the theme: "Empower Asia, Bridging the World." BEYOND Expo 2026 will reinforce its role as the central platform where entrepreneurship, capital, and policy intersect — driving breakthrough innovation, global partnerships, and business transformation across sectors. "Asia is no longer just a market, it's a powerhouse for global innovation," said Jason Ho, Co-Founder of BEYOND Expo. "In 2026, BEYOND Expo will deepen its mandate as a cross-border catalyst, empowering collaboration between innovators, investors, corporates, and policymakers. Our upcoming edition will be more ambitious in every dimension: broader in regional representation, deeper in content, and more immersive across experiences." Highlights of BEYOND Expo 2026 In 2026, BEYOND Expo will present a larger-scale exhibition with 1,200+ expected exhibitors, spotlighting cutting-edge innovation from across Asia and beyond. Visitors will get direct exposure to Asia's most dynamic startups, advanced hardware, robotics, and next-gen AI solutions — showcasing the region's rising strength in deep tech and industrial innovation. BEYOND Expo promises to offer a distinct look at Asia's innovation edge, a draw for tech buyers seeking real solutions and future-ready products. BEYOND Expo 2026 will also offer immersive summits, curated investor programs, and region-focused platforms, all designed to attract global participation and drive real business outcomes. Fund at First Pitch (FAFP): Where Ideas Meet Capital Returning in 2026, Fund at First Pitch (FAFP) will spotlight Asia's most promising early-stage startups, connecting them directly with over 200 global investors — including institutional investors, VCs, and family offices. As one of BEYOND Expo's flagship initiatives, FAFP unites high-potential founders with global capital under one roof, accelerating cross-border deal flow and regional expansion. Since 2024, more than 300 startups have taken the BEYOND stage, reinforcing its position as a powerful gateway for investment, visibility, and growth. BEYOND Media Day: Shaping Global Narratives Building on the momentum of 2025 — where over 100 global media outlets gathered for an exclusive preview — BEYOND Media Day returns in 2026 with expanded reach, deeper content, and elevated visibility for exhibitors and sponsors. This media-only experience offers early access to breakthrough innovations across AI, robotics, consumer technology, and sustainability. In 2025, attendees included top-tier journalists and digital influencers from platforms such as Bloomberg TV, CNN, FOX News Channel, Capital Magazine, Caixin Global, and Phoenix TV. Designed to maximize global exposure, BEYOND Media Day delivers unmatched storytelling opportunities, drawing the attention of influential voices covering the technologies and companies shaping the future. BEYOND Innovation Awards: Expanding Recognition Across Asia The BEYOND Awards 2026 will feature new categories and a stronger focus on emerging Asian innovators. In addition to its current verticals in AI, climate tech, healthcare, and consumer innovation, next year's Awards will include industrial design and other frontier sectors, recognizing companies that are creating real-world impact through product excellence and transformative thinking. Cross-Regional Forums: Bridging Borders and Ideas BEYOND Expo 2026 will feature an expanded portfolio of cross-regional summits, reinforcing its role as a hub for global innovation diplomacy. Confirmed forums include the Asia–Europe Tech Forum, Japan Tech Forum, Middle East Tech Forum, Southeast Asia's ORIGIN Conference, and the Asia–Latam Tech Forum. These curated platforms foster collaboration among governments, corporates, and innovators, while highlighting emerging trends from key ecosystems. In line with BEYOND's mission to empower Asia and promote cross-border collaboration, the landmark BGlobal Summit and Global Investment Summit will return at an even larger scale. These high-level forums connect international investors and multinational corporates with Asia's most promising startups, driving dialogue, investment, and regional expansion — and strengthening BEYOND's commitment to helping founders and funds go global. SheTech Summit: Driving Inclusive Innovation Women remain underrepresented in tech globally. SheTech Summit is a dedicated platform to highlight and support female founders, executives, and investors across Asia. This year, BEYOND Expo will partner with leading international communities to position SheTech as Asia's premier gathering for women in tech and innovation — providing mentorship, visibility, and meaningful connections for rising female leaders. Founder Talk & BEYOND Founders Club: Scaling Impactful Conversations Founder Talk invites Asia's unicorn founders, serial entrepreneurs, and disruptors to share unfiltered insights on scaling, failure, and leadership in tech. As BEYOND Expo evolves into the anchor event for Asia's startup community, this series highlights why every ambitious founder in Asia should be at BEYOND Expo. Meanwhile, the BEYOND Founders Club, officially announced in 2025, is a purpose-driven network that unites visionary entrepreneurs, pioneering innovators, and tech influencers committed to shaping the future of global innovation. Exclusive Wealth Programs BEYOND Wealth Summit will once again host LPs, family offices, and private capital leaders in a closed-door, invitation-only setting, offering unique networking and relationship-building opportunities. For GPs and fund managers seeking meaningful exposure to Asia's capital ecosystem, BEYOND Expo continues to be a strategic annual destination. The Fun Continues: Where Culture Meets Capital BEYOND Expo continues to redefine how business and entertainment converge. In 2026, the program will expand to include elevated networking experiences, from gala dinners and curated poolside gatherings to immersive parties, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Macao. Attendees can expect unforgettable moments featuring some of the city's most iconic stages, creating a dynamic atmosphere where meaningful connections happen beyond the boardroom. "BEYOND Expo is not just an event—it's a living platform of ideas, capital, and influence," said Dr. Lu Gang, Co-founder of BEYOND Expo. "Our mission is to position Asia as the epicenter of global tech transformation. In 2026, we'll double down on that vision with more strategic forums, immersive content, and global partnerships that move the world forward." Join the Asia Tech Ecosystem at BEYOND Expo 2026 Whether you're a startup seeking capital, a corporate exploring frontier technology, or a policymaker focused on building the future — BEYOND Expo 2026 is where global opportunity meets innovation. Visit to explore tickets or inquire directly about exhibiting, speaking, or media partnerships. Official ticket sales will launch soon — pre-register now to stay updated and be among the first to access tickets. About BEYOND Expo The BEYOND International Technology Innovation Expo (BEYOND Expo) is Asia's leading annual technology event. Serving as a dynamic platform since 2021, BEYOND Expo not only showcases global technological innovations but also provides a unique opportunity to foster innovation upgrades across diverse industries and regions. BEYOND Expo has attracted participation from Asia's Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, unicorn companies, and emerging startups. Through a multifaceted approach involving expos, summits, and various activities, BEYOND Expo has successfully cultivated an innovative ecosystem, propelling collective development in the Asia-Pacific region and the global technology innovation industry. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Beyond EXPO
South China Morning Post
6 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Macao University of Tourism celebrates 30 Years of Global Impact
[The content of this article has been produced by our advertising partner.] For three decades, the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) has developed the visionary leaders behind Macao's emergence as a global tourism powerhouse. Ranked 13th globally and 3rd in Asia in the QS World University Rankings for Hospitality and Leisure Management (2025), UTM has become a beacon for students and professionals seeking to master the art and science of tourism in an increasingly interconnected world. UTM is forging powerful international academic alliances that create unparalleled opportunities for students. In addition, the university has established dual-degree programmes with leading universities, such as Switzerland's prestigious Les Roches Global Hospitality Management Education, Swiss Hotel Management School, and Glion Institute (QS No. 2, No. 3, and No. 6 in Hospitality & Leisure Management, 2025), as well as Portugal's renowned University Institute of Lisbon (Times Higher Education No. 5 in Portugal, 2025), Australia's leading University of Queensland (QS No. 40 in World University Ranking, 2025), and the U.K.'s University of Surrey (QS No. 16 in Hospitality & Leisure Management, 2025), allowing students to earn qualifications from both institutions. Beyond academia, UTM maintains a strategic partnership with the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) to advance quality education and human capital development through innovation and technology. This collaboration enhances two of UTM's Master of Science programmes—Digital Marketing and Analytics and Smart Technologies in Hospitality and Tourism—where graduates receive both UTM's degree and a joint UN Tourism-UTM certification, boosting their global employability and academic prospects. Through these collaborations, students gain access to global networks and cross-cultural campus life. 'Our global network ensures students graduate with truly international competencies,' explains Rector Fanny Vong. 'When they study alongside peers from different continents and learn from faculty with worldwide experience, they develop the adaptability needed in today's borderless tourism industry.' Cultivating Tourism Industry Leaders Andy Lio Ka Wai
CNN
6 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Humanoids are leading China's AI and tech revolution
China has invested billions into its artificial intelligence ambitions, aiming to be a leader in the global tech landscape. At the Beyond Expo in Macao, CNN's Kristie Lu Stout explores the country's latest breakthroughs and its growing influence in the world of AI.
CNN
6 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Humanoids are leading China's AI and tech revolution
China has invested billions into its artificial intelligence ambitions, aiming to be a leader in the global tech landscape. At the Beyond Expo in Macao, CNN's Kristie Lu Stout explores the country's latest breakthroughs and its growing influence in the world of AI.
