Fully Supporting the Macau SAR Government’s Policy Direction
Injecting New Momentum into Sustainable Community Development
MacauApril 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sands China Ltd. held a press conference at The Londoner Macao on Wednesday, announcing the launch of a new round of the “Rua das Estalagens District Revitalization Project 2.0.” Continuing its support for the Macau SAR Government’s policy direction of promoting and facilitating moderate economic diversification, Sands China is once again launching the “Rua das Estalagens Entrepreneurship Scheme 2.0” this year, recruiting Macau small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to set up on Rua das Estalagens to stimulate the district’s economic vitality. At the same time, a new “Rua das Estalagens Shop Revitalization Plan” has been introduced to further leverage the “large driving small” effect, empowering existing merchants on the street to innovate and upgrade, thereby boosting their business momentum. With the core theme of “Blending the Old with the New, Carrying Forward the Legacy,” the plan aims to inject new, sustainable momentum into this historic and culturally significant street, restoring its former bustling charm.
At the press conference for the “Rua das Estalagens Entrepreneurship Scheme 2.0,” Sands China invited representatives from the four selected enterprises of the inaugural “Rua das Estalagens Entrepreneurship Scheme” to share their entrepreneurial journey and experiences of setting up on Rua das Estalagens.
Since the Macau SAR Government promoted district revitalization in 2023, Sands China has continuously invested corporate resources, integrated innovative thinking, and collaborated with various sectors of society to jointly promote the long-term development of historic districts. In April 2024, it pioneered the groundbreaking “Rua das Estalagens Entrepreneurship Scheme,” which received an enthusiastic response from the community. Out of 128 applications, seven enterprises were ultimately selected to set up shop, covering diverse business types such as cultural and creative retail and specialty dining. Over two years, this has brought a new atmosphere to Rua das Estalagens and once again drawn widespread social attention to the street.
Two years into the project, the visibility of selected merchants on Rua das Estalagens has steadily increased, with some successfully transforming into popular online stores, bringing a refreshing change to the entire street. To further deepen the project’s effectiveness, the company is launching the “Rua das Estalagens District Revitalization Project 2.0” this year. On one hand, the project will continue the model of the first edition by relaunching the “Rua das Estalagens Entrepreneurship Scheme 2.0”, centered on “Blending the Old with the New,” encouraging Macau entrepreneurs to submit business plans aligned with the revitalization positioning of Rua das Estalagens, thereby injecting economic vitality into the street. Applicants must commit to investing no less than MOP 300,000 in start-up capital. Selected enterprises may receive funding equivalent to one to two times their own invested capital, up to a maximum of MOP 1 million. The evaluation will comprehensively consider factors such as the plan’s creativity, market potential, operational team, and experience.
Meanwhile, the newly launched “Rua das Estalagens Shop Revitalization Plan”, based on the concept of “Carrying Forward the Legacy,” aims to provide incentives for existing merchants on Rua das Estalagens to revamp their store image and enhance operational capabilities. Applicants must commit to investing no less than MOP 50,000 in capital. Selected revitalization plans may receive funding equivalent to one to three times their own invested capital, up to a maximum of MOP 500,000. The plan welcomes participation from merchants currently operating on Rua das Estalagens. Revitalization content may include brand image innovation, product packaging, storefront beautification, etc., with the goal of enhancing the market competitiveness and vitality of existing shops.
Mr. Iao Ion Wa, Director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Macau SAR Government, stated in his speech at the press conference: “When Sands China first launched the ‘Rua das Estalagens Entrepreneurship Scheme’ in 2024, it not only attracted the attention of local young entrepreneurs but also successfully nurtured and implemented a batch of creative business plans, injecting new business concepts and vitality into Rua das Estalagens. The results are encouraging. The launch of version 2.0, with the addition of the ‘Rua das Estalagens Shop Revitalization Plan,’ aims to support existing merchants in upgrading and transforming, enhancing their competitiveness. This arrangement is highly consistent with the SAR Government’s policy philosophy of supporting SMEs in improving quality and driving community economic development. SMEs are the cornerstone of Macau’s economic development, and supporting their growth has always been a key focus of the SAR Government’s policies. Beyond government input, what is needed is the active creative spirit of business entities and the joint participation and promotion of various stakeholders in society. Today’s ‘Rua das Estalagens Revitalization Plan’ is an excellent example of cross-sector collaboration. I hope that all sectors of society will work together with the SAR Government, pooling wisdom and efforts, to jointly advance the continued development of Macau’s community economy.”
Dr. Wilfred Wong, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sands China Ltd., said: “Rua das Estalagens is an important witness to Macau’s historical development, carrying profound cultural and commercial memories. The first phase of the ‘Rua das Estalagens Entrepreneurship Scheme’ attracted a group of young entrepreneurs to participate in the future development of the street, fully demonstrating the strength, perseverance, and determination of Macau’s new generation. Building on this foundation, Sands China continues to uphold the concept of co-development with the Macau community, promoting the ‘Rua das Estalagens District Revitalization Project 2.0.’ We are once again recruiting a new batch of SMEs to set up businesses on Rua das Estalagens, aiming to provide a development platform for Macau entrepreneurs and further stimulate the cultural tourism economic vitality of the district. Through the new ‘Shop Revitalization Plan,’ we will assist existing merchants on Rua das Estalagens in optimizing and upgrading, promoting the sustainable development of the district. We hope that by continuously leveraging the ‘large driving small’ business philosophy and consolidating the efforts of the government, business community, and local neighborhoods, Rua das Estalagens can preserve its historical and cultural heritage while igniting new business momentum, jointly contributing to Macau’s moderate economic diversification and community development. I would like to express our sincere gratitude to various departments of the SAR Government, public utility companies, banks, neighborhood associations, and merchants on Rua das Estalagens for their strong support of the revitalization project. Together, we support the development of local SMEs, further revitalize the cultural tourism charm of Rua das Estalagens, and showcase the vitality of Macau’s community tourism.”
Mr. Ma Chi Tak, Vice Chairman of the Macau Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said: “Looking back at 2024, Sands China launched the ‘Rua das Estalagens Entrepreneurship Scheme’ for the first time, embodying the ‘large driving small’ concept, attracting entrepreneurs to set up in the old district and bringing tangible changes to Rua das Estalagens. The ‘Sands China Rua das Estalagens District Revitalization Project 2.0’ not only continues the recruitment of entrepreneurial schemes but also adds a ‘Shop Revitalization Plan,’ encouraging existing merchants to enhance their competitiveness and respond to market changes, truly implementing the deepened practice of ‘Blending the Old with the New.’ The Chamber is very pleased to once again serve as a co-organizer, supporting Macau entrepreneurs and SMEs in seizing opportunities and contributing to the community economy alongside Sands China. SMEs are an important part of Macau’s economy, and the entrepreneurial spirit is the driving force behind social progress. The Chamber will, as always, play a bridging role, supporting more responsible enterprises to promote the diversified development of the community economy. We believe that through the joint efforts of the government, enterprises, and chambers of commerce, Macau’s traditional old commercial districts will not just be old streets but will become exemplary districts showcasing Macau’s innovative vitality and cultural heritage.”
Representatives from the selected enterprises of the inaugural “Rua das Estalagens Entrepreneurship Scheme” were also invited to share their entrepreneurial journeys, experiences, and operational insights at the press conference on Wednesday. They stated that the project, driven by the joint efforts of the SAR Government, Sands China, and various sectors of society, provided solid support for their smooth establishment and steady development on Rua das Estalagens. Sands China also actively invested resources to assist the sustainable development of merchants on the street in multiple ways. They are pleased to see a new batch of entrepreneurs set to move into Rua das Estalagens, injecting new elements into the district and jointly building a more vibrant business environment.
With the launch of the new round of district revitalization projects, a series of related activities will also be rolled out, all free of charge. These include a public briefing session on May 8 at The Londoner Macao, where details of both plans will be explained by specialists, and representatives from relevant government departments and public utility institutions will be invited to share entrepreneurial considerations. On May 14, two free SME training courses will be held, themed “How to Write a Good Business Plan and Effective Marketing” and “The Current Situation and Future of Macau SMEs: Traditional Transformation and New Venture Breakthroughs,” aimed at enhancing the writing skills, operational knowledge, and market insight of Macau enterprises to prepare them for participation in the scheme. From May 15 to 17 and June 12 to 14, open days will be held on Rua das Estalagens, welcoming interested individuals to visit the street and shop environments in person to prepare for their entrepreneurial journey.
Sands China has been committed for many years to building a development platform for Macau’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This revitalization project will not only provide start-up and revitalization funding for selected enterprises but also offer a range of practical support. This includes inviting selected enterprises to participate in the company’s major events and activities. For two consecutive years, selected merchants from the first project were invited to participate in the “Rua das Estalagens Selected Enterprise Food Tour,” setting up food stalls in the staff back-of-house areas of The Venetian Macao and The Londoner Macao, aiding brand promotion and exposure. These two events attracted the enthusiastic participation of 11,000 team members. Additionally, for two consecutive years, the company distributed discount vouchers from selected merchants to participants in the “Sands Macau International 10K Run,” encouraging attendees to visit Rua das Estalagens. It also invited merchants to exhibit at the “Sands Shopping Carnival,” Macau’s largest consumer discount exhibition, allowing local MSMEs to step out of the district, reach a broader audience of residents and tourists, and thereby enhance their brand influence and market competitiveness.
The “Rua das Estalagens District Revitalization Project 2.0” is organized by Sands China, co-organized by the Macau Chinese Chamber of Commerce, guided by the Secretariat for Economy and Finance of the Macau SAR Government, and strongly supported by the Economic and Technological Development Bureau, Macao Government Tourism Office, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Cultural Affairs Bureau, Municipal Affairs Bureau, Macao Federation of Neighborhood Associations, Macau Artist Society, Companhia de Electricidade de Macau – CEM, S.A., Macao Water Supply Company Limited, Bank of China Macau Branch, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Macau Branch, and Banco Nacional Ultramarino. The plan is also part of Sands China’s F.I.T. “Fly High” Local MSME Support Program and the Sands Resorts Incubation Centre.
Officiating guests at the press conference included: Mr. Sun Yaohua, Director of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macau SAR; Mr. Iao Ion Wa, Director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Macau SAR Government; Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Mr. Mak Kim Meng, Acting President of the Municipal Affairs Bureau; Mr. Mai Peng, Advisor to the Office of the Secretary for Economy and Finance; Mr. Sou Kin Meng, Head of the Cultural Heritage Department of the Cultural Affairs Bureau; Mr. Ma Chi Tak, Vice Chairman of the Macau Chinese Chamber of Commerce; Ms. Ng Sio Lei, President of the Macao Federation of Neighborhood Associations; Mr. Ip Sio Kai, Chairman of the Macau Association of Banks; Ms. Kuan Sio Peng, Executive Director of Macao Water Supply Company Limited; Mr. Carlos Cid Álvares, CEO of Banco Nacional Ultramarino; Mr. Wong Hin Kuan, Deputy CEO of ICBC Macau; Mr. Chi Ioi U, Senior Business Director of Bank of China Macau; Mr. Lok Hei, President of the Macau Artist Society; Ms. Lai Iok Peng, Director of the Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Communications Office of CEM; Dr. Wilfred Wong, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sands China Ltd.; Mr. Zheng Junuo, President and Executive Director; and Mr. Sun Minqi, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Managing Director of Venetian Macau S.A.
Individuals interested in participating in the “Rua das Estalagens District Revitalization Project 2.0” and related activities can visit https://tinyurl.com/RuadasEstalagens2026 for details and registration. The application period runs from now until 5:00 p.m. on June 30.
About Sands China Ltd.
Sands China Ltd. (HKEx: 1928, “Sands China” or the “Company”) is a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands and listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. Sands China is the largest integrated resort operator in Macau, with properties on the Cotai Strip including The Venetian Macao®, The Plaza Macao, The Parisian Macao®, and The Londoner Macao®, as well as the Sands Macao hotel on the Macau Peninsula. The Company’s integrated resorts offer a diverse range of entertainment, business facilities, and transportation services, including large-scale convention and exhibition venues, a variety of restaurants, shopping malls, world-class entertainment performances at The Venetian Theatre, The Londoner Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, The Plaza Theatre, and Sands Theatre, and the Cotai Water Jet high-speed ferry service between Hong Kong and Macau. The Company’s property development projects on the Cotai Strip are steadfastly and continuously contributing to building Macau into a world tourism and leisure center. Sands China is a subsidiary of Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS), a global developer of integrated resorts.
For more information, please visit https://en.sandschina.com/index.html.
A group of guests attended the press conference for Sands China’s new round of district revitalization project, the “Rua das Estalagens District Revitalization Project 2.0,” held at The Londoner Macao on Wednesday, and posed for a group photo on stage.
A group of officiating guests attended the press conference for Sands China’s new round of district revitalization project, the “Rua das Estalagens District Revitalization Project 2.0,” held at The Londoner Macao on Wednesday, continuing to support the Macau SAR Government’s policy direction of promoting and facilitating moderate economic diversification. The project recruits Macau SMEs to set up on Rua das Estalagens to stimulate the district’s economic vitality, and empowers existing merchants on the street to innovate and upgrade, boosting their business momentum.