StarWorld Hotel and Casino exudes the very best of luxury, vibrancy, entertainment and beautiful people.

StarWorld is an example of the benefits of understanding the differing needs of European and Asian markets, and combining the best of both

Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) prides itself on being ‘Asia-centric’. It is a philosophy and business strategy that Vice Chairman Francis Lui adheres to and goes to great lengths to explain. For example, Lui contends that what may be profitable and marketable in the U.S. may not meet with a similar response locally. “We go to Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and other places in the region to get a feel of what people want,” he explains. “One thing we know and understand is that Macau’s entertainment will not be the same as Las Vegas’s.” Lui acknowledges that the ‘American style’ of gaming and entertainment works well in the United States. There are valuable components that Galaxy can assimilate into the Asian gaming market in order that Asian customers can enjoy the best of both Eastern and Western culture.

Lui believes Macau’s best days are yet to come. “In the short-term, we will focus on Macau. It is the objective of the company to secure a position as one of Asia’s premier gaming and entertainment entities. Macau is an important launch pad and proving ground in that quest.”

In the coming years, Galaxy will transform Cotai into Asia’s hottest gaming hub – with an eye to expand its presence in Japan and other Asian countries when opportunities present themselves. “We are creating a world-class gaming and entertainment destination. We are confident that we will soon be recognized as one of the top performers in the industry,” says Lui.

Galaxy’s recent alliance with the up-market Japanese hotel group Okura Hotels and Resorts heralds a new era of “World class, Asian charisma,” says Okura's President and General Manager Noriyoshi Ogawa. Okura is ranked the number one hotel in Japan. After the first phase of the 15 million square-foot mega resort development is opened, as scheduled for mid-2009, Okura will manage one of Galaxy’s three hotels that form the core of the development.

Ogawa asserts that capitalizing on the burgeoning numbers of South Korean and Japanese visitors to Macau is a priority and that, unlike large western hotel chains, Okura’s experience in providing Asian customers with what they want is a competitive advantage.

“There are many outstanding international hotels, but we really believe we can offer something quite distinctive – world-class service with an Asian heart. For example, we have been practicing the philosophy of “Best ACS” for 40 years since the launch of our first hotel in Tokyo, namely best accommodation, best cuisine and best services. We are very pleased that our practice is recognized not only by our Japanese guests but also by other international hotel operators. It is what we have been doing since we opened our first hotel in Tokyo 40 years ago,” Ogawa explains, adding, “We know the Japanese and Korean markets very well and have gained valuable insights and experience about Chinese customers from running our Shanghai operation. In addition, we also understand the European and American markets well given our experience in running major hotels in these regions.” Okura's operational “Asian advantage” will be led by enlisting Harmen Dubbelar “as he truly understands both the Chinese and Japanese markets.” Dubbelar has 29 years of experience in the organization and has worked in Amsterdam and Shanghai. He will become Okura’s general manager at opening in Macau.

Galaxy is investing significant time and effort to ensure its Mega Resort in Cotai delivers an authentic Asian Experience with world-class brands.