The Talent Training on the Cultural and Creative Design of Maritime Silk Road, submitted by MGM and joined by the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology (BIFT) has been successfully accepted as one of the beneficiaries of the 2025 China National Art Fund. MGM expresses deepest gratitude to the recognition and support from our country and the National Arts Fund. The funding is a significant milestone in MGM's long-standing commitment to promoting Macau's cultural tourism and talent development efforts. The program aims to advance research on the cultural and historical heritage of the Maritime Silk Road and promote its innovative transformation in a bid to nurture related talents, thereby highlighting Macau's pivotal role as a bridge between Chinese and Western cultures.

A Platform for Silk Road Creative Talent Development

Macau is an important node on the Maritime Silk Road and a meeting point of Eastern and Western cultures. Its cultural resources and geographical advantages give it a unique role in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative. The project builds on Macau's international outlook and its thriving cultural tourism industry, leveraging Macau's strategic position to establish a platform for cultivating creative talents along the Silk Road. This initiative will promote the integration of Macau's cultural and artistic endeavors into national development and create a base for innovative development of Chinese civilization.

The project is organized by MGM in collaboration with the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology as co-organizer, bringing extensive experience in cultural creativity and talent development. Together, they have assembled an elite teaching team of over 20 experts and scholars from academic, cultural heritage, industry, and artistic fields, representing both local and national cultural institutions. The training program integrates leisure tourism with cultural and artistic resources to create a unique talent training initiative aimed at preserving and innovating Silk Road culture.

Revitalizing Maritime Silk Road Culture with Diverse Training Approaches

From now until April 15, the training program is recruiting 30 participants nationwide. It will adopt a multifaceted training approach combining theory, professional field studies, and practice. Participants will delve into the Silk Road history through focused learning and field visits to key Belt and Road locations including Beijing, Quanzhou, Guangzhou, and Macau, with the world-class tourism landmark POLY MGM MUSEUM in Macau serving as the academic training base. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including international perspectives, Silk Road studies, Maritime Silk Road aesthetics, cultural inheritance, innovative thinking, folk crafts and other topics, aiming to nurture inter-disciplinary talents with broad vision. Guided by expert instructors, participants will incorporate the cultural essence of the Maritime Silk Road into contemporary art and design, bringing culture to life while paving new prospects for cultural and artistic development.

The project's launch ceremony and introductory session were held today (March 15) at MGM MACAU’s ballroom, attracting nearly 200 university teachers and students. Distinguished guests included Bai Bing, Deputy Director of Publicity and Culture Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Macau SAR; Cheong Kin Hong, President of the Administrative Committee of the Cultural Development Fund; Ho Hong Pan, Head of Department for Promoting Cultural and Creative Industries of the Cultural Affairs Bureau; Choi Man Chi, Head of Non-Tertiary Education Department of the Education and Youth Development Bureau, and Cristina Kuok, Senior Vice President of Arts and Culture of MGM.

At the launch ceremony, Dr. Wang Ziyi, Professor at Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology and Associate Dean of New Era Chinese Aesthetics introduced the curriculum to the audience. Selection criteria include qualification review, application analysis, and interviews, with results to be announced in May 2025. For more details about the Talent Training on the Cultural and Creative Design of Maritime Silk Road and recruitment information, please visit https://www.mgm.mo/en/macau/art/exhibit/national-art-fund.

The China National Arts Fund (CNAF), along with the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the National Social Science Fund of China (NSSFC), are recognized as the three major funds across the Nation. In the cultural and artistic field of China, CNAF represents one of the highest levels of funding support for artistic creation projects. CNAF aims to promote original artistic research and creation, cultivate outstanding works and artistic talent, and foster the healthy development of national arts. Since 2021, CNAF has been fully accessible to Hong Kong and Macao for general project applications, reflecting an important policy initiative by the Central Government to support the development of arts and culture in these regions. 

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About MGM

MGM is an abbreviation for MGM China Holdings Limited (HKEx: 2282) and is a leading developer, owner and operator of gaming and lodging resorts in Greater China. We are the holding company of MGM Grand Paradise, SA which holds one of the six gaming concessions to run casino games in Macau. MGM Grand Paradise, SA owns and operates MGM MACAU, the award-winning premium integrated resort located on the Macau Peninsula and MGM COTAI, a contemporary luxury integrated resort in Cotai. 

MGM MACAU is a Forbes Five-Star luxury integrated resort inspired by the arts with every element of the resort infused with creativity and style. MGM MACAU has approximately 600 guest rooms and suites and boasts a number of distinguishing features, including the architecturally stunning European-inspired Grande Praça, housed under a soaring glass ceiling. The POLY MGM MUSEUM spanning almost 2,000 square meters, is constructed in accordance with Chinese national standards for the exhibition of Grade-One cultural relics. MGM MACAU’s world class facilities also include conference and event facilities, spa, and seven signature restaurants and bars to fulfill any gastronomic craving. Our property is conveniently located on the Macau Peninsula and is directly connected to the luxury retail shopping complex, One Central.

Designed as the “jewelry box” of Cotai, MGM COTAI offers approximately 1,400 hotel rooms and suites, meeting space, high end spa, retail offerings, food and beverage outlets as well as the first international Mansion at MGM for the ultimate luxury experience.  MGM has joined hands with renowned Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou to set up the “Macau 2049” residency in MGM Theater. The Spectacle at MGM COTAI becomes the record holder of the largest free-span gridshell glazed roof (self-supporting) on January 19, 2019, making it the first architectural and structural GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Macau, China. MGM COTAI is being developed to drive greater product diversification and bring more advanced and innovative forms of entertainment to Macau as it grows as a global tourist destination. MGM COTAI is the only mega complex and hotel in Macau to gain three-star certification in both Green Building Design and Operation Label, as well as the first hotel in the Greater Bay Area and second in Greater China to receive the certifications.

MGM China is majority owned by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Park MGM. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.

For media enquiries, please contact:    

Jessie Kuan

Executive Director of Public Relations

MGM

Tel: (853) 8806 3412

Email: jessiekuan@mgm.mo

Karen Lam

Senior Corporate Relations Manager

MGM

Tel: (853) 8806 3421

Email: karenlam@mgm.mo