[August 11, 2025, Macau] Organized by MGM, the 2025 National Arts Fund-supported project, “Talent Training in Cultural and Creative Design for the Maritime Silk Road”, has successfully concluded a nearly 60-day immersive training program that combined cultural exploration with intensive study. A total of 30 participants embarked on their journey from Beijing, traveling through Quanzhou, Guangzhou, and Hengqin, before arriving in Macau – a pivotal hub on the Maritime Silk Road and a historic confluence of Chinese and Western cultures. Guided by more than 30 expert instructors, participants from diverse backgrounds engaged in creative dialogues. Drawing from their knowledge and perspectives acquired throughout the training, the participants will now enter the next phase of the program, where they will create their artwork under the mentorship of instructors. These works will be presented in various formats in early 2026, offering a contemporary interpretation of Maritime Silk Road heritage.

Training Program Ceremonial Review was held on August 6 at the Salon of MGM MACAU. Distinguished guests included: Bai Bing, Deputy Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Wu Zhiliang, President of the Federation of Associations of Cultural Sectors of Macau; Cheong Kin Hong, President of the Administrative Committee of the Cultural Development Fund; Pansy Ho, Chairperson and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, as well as representatives from Macau’s cultural, academic, and creative sectors.

“Driven by a passion for Chinese civilization, our participants have embarked on a creative journey that is ready to set sail,” Pansy Ho, Chairperson and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, said in her speech at the ceremony. “Supported by our nation, we will continue to leverage Macau as a bridge between cultures, carrying forward our mission to preserve and inject new impetus into our rich cultural heritage. The Maritime Silk Road culture will continue to thrive, resonate globally, and forge new cultural connections.”

“This program illuminated the profound roots of traditional culture and the boundless possibilities of modern technology,” said Sou Ka Ian, a participant and an interior designer from Macau. “It deepened our appreciation for the unique aesthetic that emerges from the fusion of Eastern and Western influences in art and design. In addition, the training program broadened our perspectives and sparked creativity. I’m excited to embrace new technologies to create even more compelling works that push the boundaries of artistic expression.”

Cheng Nan, a participant and teacher at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in mainland China, said, “This learning journey made me realize that I am like a seed—small on its own, but when planted in rich cultural soil and weathered through the seasons, it gains infinite growth potential. This sense of cultural responsibility bestowed by the program is its most valuable gift. Looking ahead, I hope to carry with me this centuries-old Eastern wisdom, and through our art, let the world experience the elegance of the Maritime Silk Road.”

Explore the Maritime Silk Road and Delve into Macau’s Past and Present

The first phase of the training program immersed participants in the rich heritage of the Maritime Silk Road while fostering new creative perspectives. The curriculum spanned across theoretical courses on Silk Road history and culture, fashion and design, and intangible cultural heritage, complemented by field studies in key cities along the Road. Visits included leading cultural institutions such as The Palace Museum, National Museum of China, Quanzhou Maritime Museum, and Guangdong Museum.

In Macau, the participants explored the city’s historical role in the Maritime Silk Road through guided visits to the Macao Museum and Maritime Museum, gaining in-depth insights into the city’s development as a key maritime trade hub. They also visited the Handover Gifts Museum of Macao, where they appreciated the auspicious gifts designed in distinctive regional styles, deepening their understanding of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. In addition, the participants explored the Historic Centre of Macao and exchanged ideas with local cultural and creative professionals to learn about the latest trends in Macau’s cultural and creative industries.

As the “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure”, MGM offered participants a rich array of Macau tourism+ culture experiences. They enjoyed the residency show Macau 2049, a production that seamlessly blends technology and art, and visited the multi-purpose space Fantasy Box for the Art Macao 2025 special exhibition cAI™️ Lab 2.0, which spotlighting the intertwine of AI and arts. At the POLY MGM MUSEUM, participants engaged deeply with both historical and contemporary cultures, exploring how cutting-edge technologies can empower the preservation of cultural heritage. As a dynamic platform that integrates cultural exhibitions with academic training, the POLY MGM MUSEUM plays a key role in cultivating interdisciplinary talents with global vision, cultural depth, and innovative capability—injecting powerful momentum into this training initiative.

Organized by MGM, the program aims to promote research and innovative transformation on the cultural and historical heritage of the Maritime Silk Road while nurturing talent, thereby highlighting Macau's pivotal role as a bridge between Chinese and Western cultures.  In collaboration with The Palace Museum and Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology (BIFT), the program was conducted by an elite teaching team. Its participants were selected from across China, representing fields such as art and design, cultural research, and the creative industries.

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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

Assistant Director of Corporate Relations

MGM

Tel: (853) 8806 3421

Email: karenlam@mgm.mo