SJM welcomes 61 students as second cohort of youth development programme

SJM Resorts Ltd, the Macau operations unit of Hong Kong-listed casino firm SJM Holdings Ltd, has welcomed 61 students as the second cohort of the group’s “Forge My Own Journey” Development Programme, an initiative combining academic study with paid workplace training. The programme was launched in 2025 by SJM Resorts and the Macao University of Tourism (UTM), with support from Macau’s Labour Affairs Bureau, and Education and Youth Development Bureau. A ceremony marking the launch of the second cohort and recognising the achievements of the inaugural group was held in mid-August. The four-year programme combines academic study with paid workplace training, allowing participants to “gain practical industry experience while pursuing their professional qualifications,” the company said in a recent announcement. SJM Resorts said students from the inaugural cohort “secured first, second and third places” in the Hotel Reception category at the 48th WorldSkills Macau Selection Competition. According to the company, the results made SJM Resorts the “only integrated resort operator in Macau” to have representatives selected for the city’s delegation to this year’s WorldSkills Competition. Daisy Ho Chiu Fung, managing director of SJM Resorts, said the programme combined “academic learning with real-world workplace experience”, providing opportunities for Macau young people to develop their skills and “realise their potential”. “The outstanding achievements of our inaugural cohort… demonstrate the effectiveness of university-industry collaboration in nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals with strong expertise and global outlook,” she added. During the event, awards were presented to students from the inaugural cohort, for their academic and workplace performance. The ceremony additionally featured the inauguration of the first cohort’s student association committee, per the update. SJM Resorts also said it would continue to deepen its partnership with UTM, with the programme aimed at providing Macau young people with broader career development opportunities and supporting the development of the city’s tourism and leisure industry.