Macau’s government wants a theme park to be one of the next non-casino business projects in the enclave. According to Macau Daily Times, Fernando Chui Sai On told the legislative assembly: “What we lack now is a theme park – maybe we could have some kind of policy inclination to encourage and support the city to have its own theme park.” Chui Sai On didn’t state what form the theme park would take or where it would be and it suggests this is very much at an extremely early stage of development.
MGM Resorts International has appointed a new chief executive for “Greater China”. William M. Scott IV will serve as senior resident executive for the region and will aim to assist cooperation and synergies between the company’s Asian and U.S. based businesses. Commenting on the appointment, Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of the group, said: “Last year, Bill played a pivotal role in the successful initial public offering of our Macau business and has already begun work with our China businesses. He gives us an invaluable, in-country resource to help drive the growth of our businesses in Asia and to expand the recognition and acceptance of MGM’s brand in China and Indo-China.” Scott’s role will be primarily focused on the joint hospitality venture in China with Diaoyutai State Guesthouse but he will also act as resident director for MGM China.
Population figures are predicting that Macau will face severe human resource shortages in the coming years and have led the government to announce a public consultation. Macau Daily Times cite figures from the Macau SAR Policy Research Office as stating the enclave suffers from an “aging population”, “low birth rates”, and “insufficient laborers” and at the same time unemployment rates are at a record low. In the same news conference they announced that they public will be very much a part of the planned consultation and it will be funded with MOP2 million of Policy and Research Office money.
