Sands China has increased its paid maternity leave from 70 days to 90 days, reinforcing its commitment to employee welfare and family support within Macau’s integrated resort industry.
While this may appear to be a routine HR enhancement, it reflects a broader strategic shift: in today’s premium-driven IR environment, people strategy is business strategy.
Macau’s recovery is no longer just about volumes returning — it’s about who is driving the growth.
In 4Q25, Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) reported US$1.79 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR), up 27% year-on-year, with performance propelled by premium mass and super-premium mass segments.
This is not a cyclical rebound story.
It reflects a structural evolution in Macau’s earnings engine.
Macau heavyweight Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) is sending two strong signals to the market at the same time:
1️⃣ Its core business is generating serious cash again.
2️⃣ It is ready to look beyond Macau — with Japan described as “a very attractive proposition.”
Together, they form a bigger story: Galaxy may be positioning for its next growth cycle.
Japan’s Integrated Resort (IR) race is quietly entering a new phase — and Aichi Prefecture may be positioning itself for a serious second-wave play.
According to recent reports, Aichi has proposed a 35-year project term for its planned IR development adjacent to Chubu Centrair International Airport. While this might sound procedural, the duration itself signals something much deeper: Japan’s IR ambitions are shifting from short-term spectacle to long-term infrastructure strategy.
Hong Kong-listed International Entertainment Corp (IEC) is preparing for the July 2026 grand reopening of New Coast Hotel Manila, following the completion of a major casino expansion.
But the bigger development lies beyond the reopening.
The renovation works are part of IEC’s broader commitment to invest between US$1 billion and US$1.2 billion to transform the New Coast precinct into a full integrated resort — recently renamed Lavie Resort & Casino.
This is no longer a property refresh.
It is a long-term capital-intensive repositioning.
Author: Janice Chew • Friday, 27/02/2026
