UM and BOC’s Macao branch co-organise online workshops to help local SMEs sustain themselves during the epidemic
The University of Macau (UM) Faculty of Business Administration (FBA) and the Bank of China (BOC) (Macau Branch) jointly organised the first workshop of the Online Workshop Series for owners of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Macao on 18 April 2020. Titled ‘Coping Strategies in Anti-Epidemic Environment’, the workshop was part of FBA’s Executive Development Programmes (EDPs), which aim to encourage greater communication among enterprises and to promote innovative thinking to help enterprises seek opportunities for diversified development.
In view of the negative impact of the novel coronavirus epidemic on Macao’s economy, the first EDP focused on the actual needs of local SMEs during this critical time, and it attracted dozens of executives. Aside from academic interpretation of the government’s policies designed to lessen the impact of the coronavirus epidemic on Macao by UM scholars, financing specialists from local SMEs presented various financing proposals. Participants provided valuable feedback during the Q&A session, with some saying that the EDP would allow local SMEs to plan more proactively and effectively for the support measures launched by the Macao SAR government.
The organisers expect that these workshops on various SME-related topics will provide local SMEs with valuable and prompt opinions and suggestions during the present pandemic so they can make better decisions and find new opportunities to develop their businesses.
Prof Jean Chen, dean of FBA, and Mr Cai Chunyan, deputy manager of BOC(Macau Branch), both gave speeches in the event, which was moderated by Prof Ricardo Siu. Keynote speakers included Prof Davis Fong of FBA, Director Zhou of BOC, and Prof Jean Chen of FBA.