Gaming corporations have emerged as important employers of people with disabilities in Macau as the pandemic impacts the job market, according to national director of Macau Special Olympics Hetzer Siu.
“Employers now want fully skilled and prepared staff, not just to meet quotas, especially as some businesses scaled back during the pandemic,” said Siu on the sidelines of a community event held by Sands China yesterday.
Siu explained that the Covid-19 pandemic forced many small businesses to contract, while larger corporations maintained the ability to hire. As a result, the gaming industry in Macau has emerged as a significant employer of people with disabilities. “You can see more disabled people hired by gaming corporations, not in casinos but in other roles,” he said.
Despite this progress, Siu acknowledged that the employment situation remains uncertain, with new hires sometimes leaving their positions after just a few months. Macau Special Olympics has placed over 10 individuals with intellectual disabilities in corporate roles this year, but the long-term retention rate is unclear.
“We hope in the future we have more support to get people with intellectual disabilities into the career path to get their job,” Siu said.
“We have so many programs in cooperation with Sands China because [their] partnership supports us to do so many charity events in Macau,” Siu explained, adding that in the future, “we will show health promotion for people with intellectual disabilities.”
Looking ahead, Siu expressed optimism that increased international attention on Macau’s social welfare programs could further improve employment opportunities for the disabled community. Gaming companies’ support makes an impact, with Siu noting that “only the gaming corporations have hired a good number of disabled people until now.” Victoria Chan
