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Kenneth Feng, President and Executive Director of MGM China, has reaffirmed the company’s identity as a “very local” operator despite its American parentage. Speaking with CNBC, Feng addressed concerns about rising geopolitical tensions and confirmed that MGM China has not experienced any specific pressures related to its US ties.
He highlighted the company’s strong local workforce, with around 70 percent of its 14,000 employees coming from Macau, and the remainder largely recruited from mainland China. Feng stressed the importance of local engagement and noted MGM’s commitment to investing over US$2 billion during the current decade to support Macau’s economic diversification efforts.
Contribution Beyond Gaming
Aside from its core casino business, Feng cited how MGM China’s corporate social responsibility and local engagement initiatives are the cornerstone of building trust with the government and people. According to him, these activities are crucial for long-term success and mutual gains.
Boost from Quality Sports and Entertainment Events
Regarding the NBA event hosted at The Venetian Macao, Feng expressed his support for other operators bringing high-quality events to Macau. He praised the collective effort to be able to host entertainment that is capable of drawing “quality visitation” and upscale tourists.
MGM’s Cotai property has a flexible 3,000-seat theater hosting a variety of shows and niche market events, with Feng noting that meaningful and sustainable events provide long-term value to the city’s gaming and tourism industries.
Future Prospects for Large-Scale Sporting Events
When questioned regarding plans for holding future big sports events, Feng admitted that while there are opportunities, the events have to be properly chosen in order to make them both effective and sustainable. The fairly small geography of Macau has it so that even as events are held at rival venues along the Cotai Strip, all six operators within the city can gain from enhanced visitor traffic flows.
Local Roots and Shared Growth Priorities
MGM China’s leadership reflects its strong integration into Macau society in the face of international ownership, with a concentration on local hiring, investment, and corporate citizenship. The company supports the strategic application of high-quality sports and entertainment events as a catalyst for premium visitors to drive Macau’s economic diversification.
With continued balance among competition between operators in Macau, cooperation toward major events and common interests will significantly grow in the city’s continued recovery in tourism and gaming.
Source: Asia Gaming Brief (AGB)
