The challenges to local economy are still in place as the impact of coronavirus epidemic has yet to subside, and it has posed one of the most difficult times especially to the local small and medium enterprises (SMEs). As the epidemic has also raised concern over the hygiene of public areas, it is important for all businesses to maintain a high standard of hygiene in order to restore the confidence of customers and employees. To fulfil its corporate social responsibility, MGM is launching the “MGM SME Anti-Epidemic Support” program, a win-win initiative engaging a local SME cleaning company to carry out cleaning and sterilizing work for the city’s SMEs to create a clean environment for a fresh start, which will significantly help them get their business back on track. The Company targets to help clean the shops, offices, warehouses and even business vehicles of 120 local SMEs in the next two months. In addition, hand sanitizers and wipes will be distributed to them, which will come in handy for their staff’s good personal hygiene.
Earlier this month, MGM became the first integrated resort to answer the government’s call to waive retail rents, announcing a 15-day rent-free period for its retail tenants. Recently, MGM offered to extend the rent-free period for tenants in need to help them ride out the adversity. The Company will continue to support its SME tenants for as long as necessary, easing their rental and operational stress to ensure that their business will stand a good chance to recovery.
Mr. Grant Bowie, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited said, “SMEs are the backbone of our economy. MGM has been particularly keeping a close eye on their operating situation, so that we can provide them with the most appropriate and sufficient support. As we can see, the economy will not pick up so soon, therefore we are ready to continue with our effort in launching initiatives to help them recover from the epidemic in the long run.”
Chloe Wong, Operation Manager of Food Mac, a frozen meat vendor that has maintained a solid business partnership with MGM since its opening in 2007, expressed her gratitude towards this program, “We are thrilled to hear that our long-term business partner MGM is offering such heartening service to us. Business hasn’t been easy recently, and like many SMEs in town, we are suffering from this epidemic situation and plagued by a long list of problems. It is generous of MGM to give a helping hand and clean 10,000 square feet of space encompassing our warehouse, office and shop. As part of the supply chain, I believe the entire chain will benefit from this program”
Jackie Lei, Managing Director of Long Cheong Hong, a local dry seafood vendor, said, “As a food supplier and retailer, it is really important to keep our business environment clean to gain customers’ trust, especially at a time of great anxiety. We have been working with MGM after attending their business matching session in 2018. Although we are not long into partnership, we are grateful to have a business partner that keeps us on their mind and provide thoughtful and timely support at this difficult time.”