Sands China Launches Local Supplier Support Programme in Macau

Sands China has launched a local supplier support programme in Macau.

With its supplier relationship management strategy in place, Sands China has always been at the forefront of the push to buy local. In 2014 alone, Sands China's operational spend reached MOP 12.5 billion from a total supplier base of 2,213 companies, with MOP 10.4 billion or 83% of that amount going to local suppliers and local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Understanding that local small businesses are having difficulties working with large organisations, the company drew on the Macau Chamber of Commerce's thorough understanding of local businesses, and collaborated with the Chamber for a briefing session in January with local SMEs. Close to 100 local SME representatives attended the meeting, which was aimed at enhancing the communication between Sands China and local SMEs in providing an opportunity for new business proposals and cooperation.

Building on past efforts to further support local companies, this local supplier support programme has identified three types of local businesses to support: small and micro enterprises, "made in Macau" companies, and Macau young entrepreneurs.

A small and micro enterprise is defined as any business which has over 50% of its share capital held by Macau residents, and employs no more than 15 people who are working in the Macau Special Administrative Region.

A "made in Macau" company refers to any business which holds an industrial license or a temporary industrial license, has over 50% of its share capital held by Macau residents, and holds a certificate of origin issued by the Macau Economic Services Bureau or the Industrial Association of Macau.

A Macau young entrepreneur must have over 50% of his or her company's share capital held by Macau residents in the case of businesses run by entrepreneur-legal persons. In the case of a natural person, the applicant must be aged 21-44 at the time of application; in the case of a legal person, the shareholder with over 50% of the share capital must be aged 21-44 at the time of application.

"Sands China believes in investing in the local community, whether through efforts like our volunteer work with local NGOs, or with initiatives like the local supplier support programme," said Ben Toh , executive vice president, chief financial officer and executive director of Sands China Ltd. "We hope this new programme makes it easier for local companies to do business with Sands China, as our company recognises that a thriving local business community creates positive effects on the community at large."

On Wednesday at the Macau Chamber of Commerce, Sands China released a list of nearly 200 purchase items for local companies, including operating supplies, food and beverage, furniture and lighting, facilities, gaming, marketing, and outside services and technology; some of these items had previously been purchased from non-local suppliers.

Local companies can access the list online, where they can also pre-register for the Sands China Local Supplier Open Day - an opportunity for them to learn details such as the purchasing procedures and the product specifications from Sands China's procurement team on 31 August 2015.

Kou Hoi In, president of the Macau Chamber of Commerce, said, "Sands China's diverse range of businesses and its fair-trade purchasing policy have been particularly successful in getting local enterprises involved in its projects. Keeping in line with the government's policy to support small and micro enterprises, Sands China is offering a list of nearly 200 purchase items for bidding to local companies, and some of these items were originally sourced from non-local suppliers. This provides a good opportunity for local companies to work with Sands China, benefitting both sides. This programme also incorporates elements such as small and micro enterprises, 'made in Macau ' companies, and Macau young entrepreneurs, which greatly improves their chances of bidding success. All of these will contribute to the diversification of Macau's economy and are beneficial for supporting these three types of enterprises."