The University of Macau (UM) Faculty of Business Administration (FBA) and the Bank of China Macau Branch recently held the second series of Online Workshop for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), titled ‘Online Operations for SMEs and Electronic Payments’. Participants say that the workshop has allowed them to gain a better understanding of digital marketing in Macao, which has in turn boosted their confidence about expanding their businesses on the internet.

A majority of Macao residents choose to stay home for their own safety during the epidemic, and as a result, their consumer behaviour has changed. The recognition and acceptance of online shopping among the general public have since increased significantly, which has overwhelmed many owners of local SMEs. By exploring the current trends in digital marketing, the workshop aimed to help SME owners seize the opportunities brought about by the changes in consumer behaviour during the epidemic and expand their businesses online.

Jean Chen, dean of the FBA, and Chan Hio Peng, deputy general manager of the Bank of China Macau Branch, delivered speeches at the opening ceremony. According to them, as a continuation of ‘Series One: SME Coping Strategies for Pandemic’, the new workshop aimed to help local SMEs get through this difficult time by providing practical suggestions on how to improve business operations.

FBA Assistant Professor Mac Vai In was the moderator of the workshop. During the event, keynote speakers, namely Yu Jian, general manager of BOC Macau’s E-Finance Department, and FBA Assistant Professor Ho Ying, discussed the importance and strategies of digital marketing for SMEs in Macao. In addition, guest speakers, namely James Law, Regional Coach of Pizza Hut (Macau), and Edith Chao, the founder of Edith Leather Craft, shared the success stories of their businesses. The workshop attracted nearly 60 owners of local SMEs and young entrepreneurs, who had in-depth discussions with the speakers on various issues during the Q&A session.