Macao’s Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon with Sands China Focuses on Smart Tourism and Industry Growth with Visits to Tech Giants in Portugal

Written By: Anirban Bhattacharya

Anirban Bhattacharya

I am a Content Writer at Travel And Tour World, where I have been covering the global travel and tourism industry since June 2024. With five years of experience in digital journalism and SEO-focused content, I specialize in reporting on travel, tourism, aviation, hospitality, railways, and international developments. My work is built on thorough research, fact-checking, and clear, reader-focused reporting that transforms complex industry updates into accurate and accessible news. I am committed to producing credible, informative, and timely content that helps travelers and industry professionals stay informed about the latest trends, destinations, policies, and developments shaping the global travel landscape.

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December 4, 2024 19:48 GMT+5:30

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A delegation of 17 Macao enterprises, led by Sands China Ltd., embarked on a five-day exploratory trip to Lisbon from November 11 to 15, 2024, with a focus on advancing technological innovation in alignment with the Macao SAR government’s vision for a technology-driven economy. The visit aimed to foster long-term growth in smart tourism, high-tech industries, and industrial development by exposing local businesses to cutting-edge technologies and global trends.

Organized by Sands China, in collaboration with the Macao Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) and the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT), the event served as a platform for exchange, knowledge sharing, and partnership opportunities between Macao and Lisbon’s thriving tech ecosystem. Through exclusive visits to renowned companies, the delegation explored Lisbon’s innovative spirit, building ties with some of the world’s leading tech enterprises.

Exploring Technological Frontiers at Lisbon’s Web Summit

The first significant event on the delegation’s agenda was the Web Summit held in Lisbon from November 12 to 14. Recognized as one of the world’s largest and most influential technology conferences, the Web Summit attracted over 70,000 participants from 150 countries, including prominent tech leaders, startups, investors, and cultural icons. The Macao delegation attended various panel discussions, masterclasses, and roundtable sessions covering critical topics such as sustainability, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics.

The Web Summit served as an invaluable networking opportunity, offering Macao’s business leaders and entrepreneurs the chance to engage with global innovators and learn from industry experts. Sands China executives, including Grant Chum, CEO, were among the attendees, emphasizing the company’s commitment to bringing new technologies, services, and innovations that can enhance Macao’s tourism sector and integrated resorts.

“We are proud to support local enterprises in their journey to adopt innovative technologies and grow globally,” said Grant Chum. “This trip aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering a synergy between the tourism and high-tech industries, contributing to Macao’s development as a hub of technological innovation.”

Exclusive Visits to Lisbon’s Innovative Enterprises

On November 14, the Macao delegation visited some of the most innovative companies in Lisbon, including Outsystems, Sensei Tech, and Unicorn Factory. These visits aimed to offer hands-on learning opportunities, insights into innovative business models, and the chance to explore potential partnerships.

1. Outsystems: A leading low-code application development platform, Outsystems has emerged as one of Portugal’s most successful tech enterprises, achieving “unicorn” status with a valuation of over US$1 billion. The platform helps businesses develop and scale custom applications efficiently, a critical aspect of modernizing customer experiences in the tourism sector.
2. Sensei Tech: Recognized as a pioneer in autonomous retail technology, Sensei Tech operates in the European market, developing autonomous shopping experiences using AI-powered cameras and sensors. These innovations have the potential to revolutionize retail environments, especially in tourism-related businesses such as hotels and shopping centers.
3. Unicorn Factory: A Portuguese initiative supporting high-potential startups, Unicorn Factory aims to scale companies to reach unicorn status. The visit provided Macao’s entrepreneurs with inspiration on how to grow their businesses and integrate innovative solutions into their operations.

These exclusive visits allowed the delegation to gain deeper insights into how technology can transform industries and provided them with actionable strategies to implement back in Macao.

Collaborative Learning and Networking Opportunities

The delegation’s visit also included a Concrete Opportunities Workshop, where participants engaged in deep discussions about the role of innovation in business development. This hands-on workshop allowed delegates to understand the startup mentality, learn about innovative methodologies, and explore how collaboration could foster the growth of emerging industries in both Macao and Lisbon. Participants also had the opportunity to raise challenges within their own enterprises, working together to find potential collaborative solutions.

Additionally, a networking dinner organized by Sands China allowed Macao’s enterprises to meet with Portuguese tech leaders and entrepreneurs, fostering valuable partnerships and cross-border collaboration. The evening served as an informal yet effective way to solidify relationships and exchange ideas for future cooperation.

Aligning with Macao’s Vision for Technological Innovation

The Macao Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon was part of Sands China’s broader initiative to support the Macao SAR government’s efforts to develop smart tourism and foster a high-tech economy. By connecting local enterprises with global tech leaders, the trip aimed to help Macao embrace technological advancements and build a technological exchange platform that can boost the city’s economic diversification.

Sands China remains committed to supporting the growth of Macao’s tourism and leisure industries, integrating modern technologies into the experience for both locals and visitors. By creating partnerships and knowledge exchanges with global innovators, Sands China is playing a key role in elevating Macao’s position as a world leader in tourism, innovation, and leisure.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Macao’s Global Tech Ecosystem

The success of the Lisbon trip underscores the growing importance of technological innovation in the future of tourism and local industry development. By forging stronger ties with Lisbon’s tech community, Macao enterprises are positioning themselves to embrace the latest technological trends, boosting their digital transformation and ensuring their place in the global innovation ecosystem.

As Macao continues to integrate high-tech solutions into its tourism sector, initiatives like the Macao Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon will be essential in paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable, and technology-driven economy.