(Macau, 31 July 2009) – Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A. ( "SJM" ) held its 5th Annual Scholarship Presentation Ceremony for the children of its staff at the Kam Pek Community Centre today.

Dr. Ambrose So, Director of SJM and Chairman of the SJM Scholarship Election Committee; Ms. Angela Leong, member of the Legislative Assembly and Vice-Chairman of the SJM Scholarship Election Committee; Mr. Louis Ng, Director and Chief Operating Officer of SJM; Dr. Rui Cunha, Director of SJM and members from various departments celebrated this happy occasion with over 100 staff and their family members.

36 students submitted applications this year. The Election Committee selected 10 outstanding students for the 2009-2010 SJM Scholarship (MOP20,000 each).   Given the good performances of the other 26 applicants, Ms. Angela Leong personally contributed a gift of MOP130,000, with each of them being awarded MOP5,000.

Over the past 5 years, 9 students graduated with the help of the SJM Scholarship.   For the 28 awardees who are still studying, each of them was given a scholarship of MOP20,000 to enable them to continue their studies.   Amongst past awardees, Chao Chi Ieng was named the best student of the year with an additional subsidy of MOP3,000.

Dr. Ambrose So talked about the elements of success in his speech by using the quote of the late senior professor of the University of Beijing Mr. Ji Xian Lin.   He said, "According to Professor Ji, natural talent is inborn, opportunities are unexpected, only hard work is within our control, therefore we must work hard, very hard.   Hardworking is the basis of lifelong learning and on this basis we build the future of our society."

Ms. Angela Leong said in her remarks to students, "As a new student in the Legislative Assembly 4 years ago, I am grateful for the support of the people.   I promise to strive for the best for the benefit of society.   From society to society, SJM is very concerned about education.   I hope that all of you will continue with your efforts in studying and repay your parents and society in future."

SJM is dedicated to nurturing talents for society. Internally, SJM offers scholarships to children of its staff and sponsors the full school fees of its staff to further their studies at the Macau Millennium College.   Externally, SJM stretches its helping hand to every sector of the community, including supporting the development of a number of schools and universities, such as the Millennium Secondary School and University of Macau.   In addition, the company is a regular promoter of arts and culture for the enhancement of the overall learning environment of the city.

The SJM Scholarship aims at encouraging children of its staff to continue their postgraduate studies.   There are 10 awardees every year, each is to be awarded a scholarship of MOP20,000 per year (for up to 5 years) until they complete their studies.   The Election Committee will determine yearly based on the academic results of the students if they are qualified for continuing the scholarships.