22 August 2023 - SJM Resorts, S.A. (“SJM”) awarded scholarships to 34 children of staff at the 19th Annual “SJM Scholarship Award Ceremony” held in the Grand Ballroom of Grand Lisboa Macau on 22 August 2023. These included presentation of new scholarships to ten outstanding students of Year 2023, and renewal of scholarships for 24 recipients of past years. Managing Director of SJM Ms. Daisy Ho, and Director Ms. Angela Leong shared the joyous moment with the students and their families at the event.

The SJM Scholarship Programme is designed to recognise outstanding children of staff to further their university studies, with the goal to nurture talents for Macau. A total of 26 students applied for this year’s scholarship programme, out of them ten exceptional students were selected for Year 2023. They are Zeng Ho Wun, Chong Pui I, Lou Ka Ian, Iao Kai Lok, Lei Weng Io, Sou Kai Kin, Chan I Kei, Iao Ka Teng, Wong Wai Hin and Chan Weng Lam. Each will receive an annual scholarship of MOP20,000 until they finish their 4-5 years of university studies.

The award ceremony also witnessed the renewal of SJM scholarships for 24 recipients of Year 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019, who were each presented MOP20,000 for the new academic year. Among them, Ian Cheng U and Wong Ian Kit were named the best performing students of the past academic year, and were each given an additional encouragement award of MOP5,000.

Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, remarked, “SJM is delighted to witness the growth and maturation of students. It is our wish that the students will commit to a lifelong journey on the pursuit of intellect and strong moral character, while consistently honing their practical skills. It is only through the combination of thought and practical action that we will be able to solve problems.” She warmly encouraged students to be the torchbearers for the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, and emphasised the importance of understanding the SAR, the nation, and the global landscape. Upholding the flame of patriotism, she implored young people to tell the stories of China and Macau through the prism of their youthful fervour.

Chong Pui I delivered a thank-you speech on behalf of this year’s scholarship recipients. She said that the SJM Scholarship Programme has enabled the students to focus on learning and provided them a strong foundation to better plan for the future. She added that young people should grasp every opportunity to learn, and constantly strive to equip themselves to give back to society and contribute to Macau’s development.

Established in 2005, the “SJM Scholarship Programme” awards 10 scholarships annually to children of staff, who are each awarded MOP20,000 until they finish their university studies (up to five years). Children of SJM and STDM employees who are first-year undergraduates are eligible for application. Renewal of scholarships is based on assessment of the student’s academic results. Close to 140 students have graduated from university over the years.

Beyond giving scholarships to children of employees, SJM has also established scholarship programmes with local institutions. In addition, SJM sponsors the full school fees of employees to further studies at Macau Millennium College, and supports recurrent education by encouraging employees to complete their secondary school education at Millenium Secondary School.

SJM is committed to promoting patriotic education, and has started offering patriotic education courses to its staff since 2018. The “SJM‧Jianggangshan Patriotic Education and Training Centre” was established in 2014, and SJM has since then organised staff participation in the patriotic education programme in Jinggangshan. This year’s programme was extended to cover staff members’ teenage children. Other patriotic programmes include the recent trips to the Greater Bay Area, as well as a series of themed forums, giving employees and the public the opportunity to deepen understanding of the nation, and promoting the spirit of patriotism in Macau.