Sands China Expanding Support of Local SMEs in 2016

MACAO, April 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sands China Ltd. (HKEx: 1928) is expanding its support of local Macao businesses in 2016 through its successful Local Supplier Support Programme. The company is expanding its procurement list for local suppliers to 353 items for the second phase of the programme, with details available at http://www.sandschina.com/the-company/procurement/2015-2016-local-supplier-support-program-purchase-list.html.

Since the launch of its Local Supplier Support Programme last year, Sands China has made purchases from 49 new local suppliers of the three local business types, totalling nearly MOP 20 million. From more than 160 connections made with new potential suppliers through the programme, nearly one third have resulted in successful purchases.

The pioneering long-term initiative focuses on three types of local businesses, identified in collaboration with the Macao Chamber of Commerce: small and micro companies, "Made in Macao" companies and Macao young entrepreneurs. Since the launch of its Local Supplier Support Programme last year, Sands China has made purchases from 49 new local suppliers of the three aforementioned types, totalling nearly MOP 20 million. From more than 160 connections made with new potential suppliers through the programme, nearly one third have resulted in successful purchases.

One of these suppliers is Tomizawa Co., Ltd, a local grocery supply company. Previously involved in the export business, the shrinking company was under intense pressure due to the lack of overseas business, with its staff down to just six long-serving employees. After connecting with Sands China through the Local Supplier Support Programme, Sands China's purchase order rejuvenated the company and brought it back to life.

"I sincerely thank Sands China for this opportunity," said Welly Chan, Tomizawa's managing director. "My company was diminishing and I was nearly hopeless. But at that time Sands China offered us the chance to survive and all of my employees were excited about that. I have been sharing my story to my friends and business partners, and I also encourage them to work with Sands China."

The expanded list of procurement items for 2016 is part of Sands China's plans to invite even more local suppliers to the successful programme. The positive results to date reflect Sands China's continued support of local businesses through its ongoing procurement efforts.

Strengthening Sands China's commitment to local procurement, Sands China's Local Supplier Support Programme was met with a positive response when it debuted last year. Sands China Ltd. and the Macao Chamber of Commerce jointly announced the launch of the programme in July 2015 -- the first programme of its kind in Macao.

The Sands China Local Supplier Open Day in August invited local suppliers to gain an overview of the company's procurement process. Sands China representatives explained processes like purchasing and supplier registration, and shared information such as the company's available purchase categories and its code of conduct. They also provided the suppliers with a list of nearly 200 purchase items specially picked for the three categories of local companies. The fruitful event, co-organised with the Macao Chamber of Commerce, drew over 230 registered attendees.

Among them was Jess Ieng, a passionate young entrepreneur. He is the executive director of Master Pieces Limited, a local building and sanitary wares supplier. Ieng was finding it very difficult to connect directly with gaming operators, until the Sands China Local Supplier Open Day presented the opportunity to work with a gaming company for the first time. Also providing an interior design and deco service, he hopes to expand the company step by step.

"Our company really cherishes this opportunity to work with Sands China," said Ieng. "During the past six months, my team has benefited a lot from working with Sands China already. We are investing more resources and manpower, and looking forward to further cooperation with Sands China in the future for a win-win situation. I sincerely thank Sands China for supporting local entrepreneurs, and offering our company a better development path."

Sands China's Local Supplier Support Programme is in line with the Macao government's initiative to "buy local" and demonstrates Sands China's commitment to supporting local enterprises as part of the company's corporate social responsibility efforts. It is part of Sands China's supplier relationship management strategy, which guides the company's long-standing effort to support local suppliers, whom it views as its strategic partners.

About Sands China Ltd.

Sands China Ltd. (HKEx: 1928, Sands China or the Company) is a Cayman Islands registered company and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company's Cotai Strip portfolio is comprised of The Venetian^® Macao, The Plaza™ Macao and Sands^® Cotai Central. The Company also owns and operates Sands^® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company's integrated resorts contain a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities, a wide range of restaurants, shopping malls, world-class entertainment at the Cotai Arena and The Venetian Theatre, and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company's property development projects on Cotai have the goal of transforming it into Asia's premier entertainment and business destination. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS). 

For more information, please visit www.sandschinaltd.com.

Media contacts:

Corporate Communications, Venetian Macau Limited
Mabel Wu
Tel: +853 8118 2268
Email: mabel.wu@sands.com.mo

Simpson Lei
Tel: +853 8118 2054
Email: simpson.lei@sands.com.mo

Since the launch of its Local Supplier Support Programme last year, Sands China has made purchases from 49 new local suppliers of the three local business types, totalling nearly MOP 20 million. From more than 160 connections made with new potential suppliers through the programme, nearly one third have resulted in successful purchases.

Sands China Ltd. is expanding its procurement list for local suppliers to 353 items for the second phase of the Local Supplier Support Programme.

Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20160419/8521602529-a
Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20160419/8521602529-b
Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20160419/8521602529-c