SJM Resorts, S.A. (“SJM”) and the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center (“CPTTM”), jointly organised an awards ceremony for the “Grand Lisboa Palace – Beyond Legendary ‧ Grand Gala” Wedding Gown Design Contest at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau (“Grand Lisboa Palace”) on 12 November 2022, recognising the best designs. Based on the ‘chinoiserie’ theme which underscored the architectural design of the resort property, the contest encouraged participants to conjure unprecedented wedding gown designs imbued with Eastern and Western cultural elements. The event also promotes the seamless integration of “Tourism + Cultural Creativity + Wedding,” showcases local talent, and bring into focus Macau’s appeal as a wedding tourism destination.

A panel of illustrious jurors oversaw the competition, including Ms. Victoria Kuan, Director General of CPTTM; Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM; Mr. Qu Tingnan, renowned fashion designer and Mr. Nuno Lopes de Oliveira, Macau fashion designer. After vigorous deliberation, nine designers were shortlisted to further present their designs in person, explaining their design concept in detail and highlighting the unique features of their gowns. The designers also fielded in-depth questions from the jury. Ultimately, the grand prize was won by Nicole Tam, with Judy Choi and Alo Lo the first and second runners-up respectively, as well as Venus Tou and Ophelia Vong taking home the excellence awards.

Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, remarked, “SJM has always been committed to promoting local arts and cultural industry. Through proactively launching new platforms for artists to demonstrate their talents, we can converge Macau’s local creatives into a formidable force that significantly contributes to the diversification of Macau’s economy. This wedding gown design contest, co-organised with CPTTM, is one such platform; a great opportunity to nurture local fashion designers. It is clear from the wonderful designs presented today that Macau has a unique and unparalleled cultural appeal, with great potentials to develop into an arts and cultural hub. SJM will continue to nurture this potential and support a progressive ecosystem with the aim to establish more high-quality, well-regarded ‘Made in Macau’ brands.”

At the awards ceremony, the shortlisted designs were revealed in a stunning fashion show. On the elegant stage at The Grand Pavilion of Grand Lisboa Palace, the wedding gowns showcased an ingenious blend of modern design with multicultural East-Meets-West elements, culminating in a spectacular display of creativity highly praised by guests and audience alike.