Birthdays mean parties, and parties need entertainment – something Sands China Ltd knows only too well. The celebrations for the third birthday of its flagship Macau property, The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel, called for budding stars to take the stage and the company’s efforts may have uncovered some hidden talent.
“We are strong believers in creating opportunities for our youth through education but our commitment to education does not stop with academia. It goes much further than that,” says Sands China Ltd president and chief operating officer Edward Tracy.
“This year, we went a little bit further, trying to meet the dreams of Macau’s youth and we organised ‘The Venetian’s Talent Spotlight’ quest, where we provided the winners with performance opportunities where they can show their skills and become true professionals.”
The highlight of the third birthday celebrations at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel was the ‘Together Macao’ community talent show on August 27 at the Sands Theatre.

Storm the stage
The quest was a thrill for Sands China Ltd and the contestants each step of the way. Candidates from all over Macau showed up, prepared to put on a show-stopper.
The judges, selected from the entertainment department at The Venetian, Hong Kong singer Terrence Chui and creative director Felix Ferreira had a difficult job picking the finalists. The quality of the performances was deemed to be very high by the judges and ranged from song and dance, to musicians and magicians.
The list was whittled down to five performers invited to perform at the Sands Theatre. They lit up the stage with superb performances.
The first prize went to the dance group Zeal. The winners put together an energetic and colourful show that sent the audience wild.
Besides being awarded a certificate by Mr Tracy, the group also received a cheque to spend at The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Macao. Zeal also won a chance to perform again, this time at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Arena in what might be the first act in a long career.

Passion for music
First runner-up Josefina Lee Dos Santos wowed the audience with her natural talent with an interpretation of Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On”. Her amazing voice and professional stage demeanour was a tremendous surprise.
Macau Youth Gu Zheng Orchestra, the second runner-up, gave the audience a taste of Chinese culture. The all-female group was an example of grace and amazing artistic skills.
Candice Lo Un Mei, the third runner-up, performed a Chinese song perfectly, and fifth-placed Little Super Junior were another of the highlights on the night. The tiny performers, aged no older than nine, gave quite a show, receiving a great cheer from the crowd. With white trendy suits and smooth moves, these kids rocked the house stealing smiles from everyone.
They proved that Macau has talent everywhere.

Partnership people

The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel celebrated its third anniversary with donations to five higher education institutions and five groups that promote responsible gaming.
It was a very happy birthday for The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel in August.
Just three years earlier, the property helped to change the face of Macau, leading the city into a new era where it has since developed into one of Asia’s biggest entertainment hubs.
The Venetian Macao has since gone on to win a significant place in Macau’s geography, history and, most importantly, as a key supporter of the community.
Sands China Ltd used The Venetian Macao’s anniversary to stress its role as socially responsible corporation. The company gave birthday gifts to five higher education institutions and five community organisations.
“As part of Macau, Sands China Ltd takes its role in society very seriously. Since 2004, we have extended our support to over 120 community initiatives, with beneficiaries spanning education, medical support and social assistance,” says Sands China Ltd president and chief operating officer Edward Tracy.

Promoting education
From academic year 2006/2007 onwards, Sands China Ltd has run a scholarship and fellowship scheme with the University of Macau, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, the Institute for Tourism Studies. The University of Saint Joseph joined the scheme this year.
Donations now total MOP2.48 million and about 400 students have directly benefited. This academic year, Sands China Ltd handed out a total amount of MOP590,000 to these five institutions.
Funding is allocated to scholarships for students with excellent academic results or for fellowships to students who need financial assistance and have satisfactory grades.
“There is absolutely no doubt that, after three great years, The Venetian Macao will continue to provide this type of contribution to these institutions,” says Mr Tracy.

Responsible play
Following the scholarship and fellowship cheque presentation to representatives from the higher education facilities, Sands’ executive vice-president and chief casino officer David Sisk presented MOP100,000 cheques to five charity institutions that have been fundamental in promoting responsible gaming.
The recipients were: Sheng Kung Hui Macau Social Service Coordination Office, the Young Men’s Christian Association of Macau, the Macau IFE Rehabilitation Centre for Problem Gamblers, the Macao Catholic Family Advisory Council and the Good Shepherd Sister – Women’s Mutual Help Centre.
“We believe it’s important to address community concerns to minimise the potentially negative impact on the quality of life here in Macau and in the wider region,” said Mr Sisk. “We pride ourselves as a responsible corporate citizen, and we are committed to creating awareness of potential problems by promoting a responsible gaming environment.”
Sands China Ltd launched its Responsible Gaming Programme in April 2007 and has supported these non-profit organisations since 2006. The company has donated MOP1.7 million in total.
From left: Alex Lai Iat Long (Vice Rector, University of Macau), José Alves (Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, The University of Saint Joseph), Edward Tracy (President and Chief Operating Officer of Sands China Ltd.), Lei Heong Iok (President, Macao Polytechnic Institute), Keith Morrison (Registrar, Macau University of Science and Technology) and Antonio Chu (Registrar, Institute for Tourism Studies)
From left: Maggie Chiang (Vice Chair, Macao Catholic Family Advisory Council), Sister Juliana Devoy (Director, Good Shepherd Sister – Women’s Mutual Help Centre), David Sisk (Executive Vice President and Chief Casino Officer of Sands China Ltd), Peter Loi (Program Secretary, Macau IFE Rehabilitation Centre for Problem Gamblers), Grace Kuan (General Secretary, Young Men’s Christian Association of Macau) and Seiko Lee Wai Wah (Centre in charge, Sheng Kung Hui Macau Social Service Coordination Office)