Macau casino concessionaire Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd (GEG) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) to launch a new training initiative aimed at strengthening talent development for Macau’s integrated resort (IR) sector.
The partnership introduces the “Integrated Resort Innovative Service Experts Programme” (IRISE), designed to cultivate professionals with international exposure and specialist expertise aligned with the evolving needs of Macau’s tourism and gaming industry.
The agreement also extends the “Experience Macao with GEG” programme, first launched in 2024, which focuses on enhancing employees’ understanding of the city’s cultural heritage and tourism offerings.
The announcement was made during Galaxy Entertainment’s “IR Talent Empowerment Showcase and MOU Signing Ceremony” held in mid-May.
The casino firm said the new collaboration seeks to strengthen industry-academia ties while supporting the Macau government’s policy goals for talent development and economic diversification.
The announcement cited UTM rector, Fanny Vong, as saying: “UTM and GEG have long been deeply rooted in Macau, consistently providing professional support for the sustainable development of the culture and tourism industries.”
“The signing of this MOU marks a significant milestone for both parties,” she stated. “We aim to nurture professionals with strong technical skills, a deep sense of local identity, and an international perspective, thereby driving sustained momentum into the continued prosperity of the sector.”
Philip Cheng, director at Galaxy Entertainment, said strengthening his company’s collaboration with UTM would enable the two sides “to better align with the practical needs of the industry”.
“This partnership will further enhance local talent cultivation, deepen and broaden industry-academia collaboration, and support Macau’s long-term goals of moderate economic diversification and industrial upgrading,” Mr Cheng added.
The event also recognised graduates of several Galaxy Entertainment training schemes, including the “IR Youth Development Programme” organised with the city’s Labour Affairs Bureau, as well as internal leadership courses. According to the company, these initiatives have provided training and career development opportunities to more than 500 local employees.
The casino group also said that it delivered more than 1.4 million hours of professional training in 2025, highlighting its continued focus on workforce development as Macau’s tourism sector expands.
