Macao’s Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon: Bridging Cultures and Technologies

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. This initiative aimed to advance technological innovation in alignment with the Macao SAR government’s vision for a technology-driven economy, focusing on smart tourism and industrial growth.

Key Takeaways

• Delegation Composition: 17 Macao enterprises participated, showcasing a diverse range of industries.
• Web Summit Attendance: The delegation attended the Web Summit, one of the largest tech conferences globally, featuring over 70,000 participants.
• Innovative Company Visits: Exclusive visits to leading tech companies in Lisbon, including Outsystems and Sensei Tech.
• Collaborative Workshops: Engaged in workshops to foster innovation and collaboration between Macao and Lisbon.

Exploring Technological Frontiers at The Web Summit

The first significant event on the delegation’s agenda was the Web Summit held in Lisbon from November 12 to 14. This renowned technology conference attracted over 70,000 participants from 150 countries, including tech leaders, startups, and investors. The Macao delegation participated in various panel discussions and masterclasses covering critical topics such as sustainability, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics.

Sands China executives, including CEO Grant Chum, emphasized the importance of this event for Macao’s tourism sector. Chum stated, "We are proud to support local enterprises in their journey to adopt innovative technologies and grow globally."

Exclusive Visits to Lisbon’s Innovative Enterprises

On November 14, the Macao delegation visited several innovative companies in Lisbon:

1. Outsystems: A leading low-code application development platform that has achieved unicorn status, helping businesses develop and scale custom applications efficiently.
2. Sensei Tech: A pioneer in autonomous retail technology, utilizing AI-powered cameras and sensors to create autonomous shopping experiences.
3. Unicorn Factory: An initiative supporting high-potential startups, providing insights on scaling businesses to reach unicorn status.

These visits provided hands-on learning opportunities and insights into innovative business models, fostering potential partnerships.

Collaborative Learning and Networking Opportunities

The delegation also participated in a Concrete Opportunities Workshop, where they engaged in discussions about the role of innovation in business development. This workshop allowed participants to explore innovative methodologies and collaborate on solutions to challenges faced by their enterprises.

Additionally, a networking dinner organized by Sands China facilitated connections between Macao’s enterprises and Portuguese tech leaders, fostering valuable partnerships and cross-border collaboration.

Aligning with Macao’s Vision for Technological Innovation

The Macao Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon is 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.

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, 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.

Sources

• Macao’s Technological Innovation Exploration in Lisbon with Sands China Focuses on Smart Tourism and Industry Growth with Visits to Tech Giants in Portugal – Travel And Tour World, Travel And Tour World.
• Macao Enterprises Take Trip to Lisbon with Sands China | Morningstar, Morningstar.