AGP Executive Report

Macroeconomic Outlook: Macau’s economy is still growing, but only barely, with Q2 2026 GDP up just 0.3% year-on-year and H1 growth at 3.7%, leaving the IMF projecting around 3% growth in the medium term as gaming and tourism exports remain the key driver. Greater Bay Area Education: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai inspected the first phase of the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, due to start operating on Aug 17, with UM, MPU and UTM using transitional teaching and research facilities. MICE & Trade: The 2026 Guangdong-Macao Branded Products Fair opened at The Venetian Macao with 49 signed cooperation projects on day one, while IPIM highlighted a rise in Macau MICE activity and related sector revenue. Retail Push: A “first-store economy” support scheme is helping new brands open in Macau, with exhibitors saying incentives and matching opportunities are boosting confidence. Public Safety: Judiciary Police arrested a mainland man over attempted homicide and illegal weapon possession after a knife attack on a female acquaintance in Cotai. Cybersecurity Tension: China launched a cybersecurity review of U.S. firm Palo Alto Networks products, citing risks to critical infrastructure and national security. Gaming Business: Sands China received Great Place to Work certification, and Wynn Resorts said its UAE Wynn Al Marjan Island opening is now set for September 2027 after cost increases tied to the U.S.-Iran conflict.

Macau-GBA Business: The 2026 Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair opened in Macao with a record number of exhibitors, featuring nearly 460 companies and 10,000-plus products across six zones, plus 80 supporting activities. Cross-border Mobility: Hengqin Port’s “one-stop lanes” saw cross-border vehicle crossings jump about 40% year-on-year in the first seven months, with most trips made by Macao-plate vehicles. Talent & Return: The government reiterated plans to keep in touch with Macau residents abroad and push a new returnee information platform covering jobs, startups, housing and re-entry steps. Gaming & Economy: Wynn Resorts reported solid Q2 results driven by Macau, while pushing back its UAE Wynn Al Marjan Island opening to September 2027 and raising the project budget by about US$600 million. Local Culture: The Cultural Affairs Bureau added 28 items to Macau’s intangible heritage list, bringing the total to 98, including pork chop bun preparation. Regional Tech/Policy: China launched a cybersecurity review of Palo Alto Networks products, citing risks to critical infrastructure and national security.

Macau Economy & Society: DSEC says 2026 Population By-Census data collection is underway, with online submissions via Macao One Account open through 10 August and household visits by DSEC enumerators continuing until 15 August. Cultural Heritage: The Cultural Affairs Bureau added 28 new items to Macau’s intangible cultural heritage inventory, bringing the total to 98, including “Preparation of Pork Chop Buns.” Regional Cooperation: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Fujian enterprises in Fuzhou to push Macao-Hengqin opportunities and economic diversification, while Macau and Fujian also held the 5th cooperation conference, signing deals across tourism, culture, youth exchanges and healthcare. Gaming & Business: Wynn Resorts reported stronger Q2 results, with Wynn Palace driving growth in Macau, and confirmed Wynn Al Marjan Island in the UAE will open in September 2027 after an Iran-war-linked cost jump of about US$600 million. Community & Culture: USJ hosted a Service-Learning Student Summit 2026, highlighting student-led projects across Asia and Oceania. Public Engagement: IAM, animal groups and the Photographic Society of Macao launched an “Animal Protection and Healthy Companionship” photography contest running 1 August to 11 September.

Fujian-Macao Business Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Fujian enterprises in Fuzhou, urging them to seize new opportunities in Macao and the Hengqin cooperation zone as the SAR accelerates economic diversification under the “One Centre, One Platform, One Hub” push. Regional Cooperation Conference: The 5th Fujian–Macao Cooperation Conference in Fuzhou saw both sides pledge deeper ties across trade, finance, innovation, culture, education and healthcare, with multiple agreements signed. Local Governance: DSEC is urging sampled households to complete the 2026 Population By-Census by 15 August, with online submissions open through 10 August and enumerator visits for non-respondents. Public Safety & Community: PJ launched a week-long youth drug prevention campaign targeting communities and areas near schools and youth hangouts, pairing patrols with face-to-face sessions and anti-drug/anti-scam outreach. Tourism & Trade Events: The 2026 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair opens Aug 6 at The Venetian with a record 459 exhibitors and a focus on the silver economy and healthy living, while the ZAPE Consumption Festival will run Sept 11–19 with MOP100 vouchers for hotel guests. Gaming Economy: Macau’s July casino GGR fell 8.4% year-on-year to MOP20.26 billion as the FIFA World Cup weighed on demand, though it rose from June.

Macau Gaming Watch: Macau’s casino gross gaming revenue fell 8.4% year-on-year to MOP20.26 billion in July, with the FIFA World Cup weighing on demand, though it rose month-on-month; analysts expect a rebound in August and stronger momentum in September. Local Governance: The MSAR government carried out an interdepartmental operation to repossess an illegally occupied plot near Pier No. 6A after the temporary licence expired, handing the site to relevant departments. Public Safety & Youth: The Judiciary Police (PJ) launched a week-long youth drug abuse prevention campaign across peninsula and Taipa, pairing patrols with face-to-face sessions and student trainees. Regional Cooperation: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Fujian leaders in Fuzhou and attended the 5th Fujian–Macao Cooperation Conference, stressing deeper all-round ties and a new chapter for the mechanism’s second decade. Business & Tourism: The 2026 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair opens tomorrow at Cotai Expo Hall A with a record 459 exhibitors and a focus on the silver economy and healthy living. Tech & Culture: A new JOGUMAN-themed summer campaign rolls out at NOVA Mall, while a Hong Kong artist’s exhibition “Searching For Views in Hong Kong” runs at Rui Cunha Foundation. Economy Snapshot: Macao’s broad money supply (M2) dipped 1.7% month-on-month in June, according to AMCM data.

Telecom Overhaul: Macau’s Executive Council has approved a new Telecommunications Law for legislative review, replacing the 20-year tender system with an application-based model and introducing technology-neutral licences (network and service) with no cap on operators. Gaming Outlook: Seaport Research expects Macau’s gross gaming revenue to return to year-on-year growth in August and accelerate in September as FIFA World Cup disruption fades, with July GGR at MOP20.26 billion. Money Supply Watch: AMCM data shows Macao’s broad money supply (M2) fell 1.7% month-on-month to 847.6 billion patacas in June, while deposits and loans shifted modestly. Housing Support: A transitional housing project in Kwun Tong (former Hong Kong Taoist Association Wun Tsuen School) was approved for 121 units under a HK$66.55 million subsidy scheme. Youth & Work: A Macau trade union survey finds jobseekers’ top hurdles are lack of experience, skills mismatch and pay below expectations, with job hunting still heavily reliant on personal networks. Tourism & Culture: The Cultural Affairs Bureau says the Macau International Integrated Tourism and Culture Zone is set to create jobs and link training, internships and entrepreneurship for youth.

Macau Community & Culture: Caritas Macau’s Charity Run 2026 is set for Oct 11 at the University of Macau, with categories including a 10km challenge, 5km health run, mixed relay, inclusive run and an online option, aiming for 3,000 participants and building on nearly 20,000 runners and about MOP4 million raised in past editions. Local Education & Heritage: The Macau Comickers Association is using comics to spark students’ interest in local history and intangible cultural heritage, publishing a new volume in its Comic Book Macau series focused on Na Tcha beliefs. Governance & Cross-border Links: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai visited Xiamen and Longyan in Fujian to study ecological restoration at Wuyuan Bay and “red tourism” and patriotic education tied to the Gutian Conference. Public Health & Safety: The Centre for Food Safety said it is following up on a suspected breach involving dried fish products with almond packed in Japan’s Saitama prefecture, with the batch sealed and not yet released. Tourism & Economy: MGTO plans to roll out original Macau tourism IP photo installations in ZAPE and San Kio next month, including Cantonese opera-themed spots and a maritime history display at Pier No. 25. Gaming Watch: Macau’s July GGR fell 8.4% year-on-year to MOP20.26 billion, with analysts expecting a recovery in August.

Macau Tourism & Diversification: iRad Hospital at Studio City was featured on CNN’s “Meanwhile in Asia,” spotlighting Macao’s push into medical and wellness tourism beyond gaming. Gaming Economy: Macau’s GGR fell 8.4% year-on-year to MOP20.3 billion in July, with analysts pointing to World Cup pressure but expecting a rebound from August. Border & Mobility: Hengqin Port logged over 20 million crossings, with July alone topping 2.8 million movements as mainland, Macau resident and foreign visitor traffic all rose. Local Culture & Walkability: MGTO will roll out original Macau tourism IP photo installations in ZAPE and San Kio next month, building community photo walkways and themed spots. Public Health & Law: The government proposed urgent amendments to Macau’s anti-drug law to add six UN-scheduled narcotics/psychotropics and control seven etomidate analogues. Education & Innovation: UM launched five new science/tech faculties and two research institutes to strengthen innovation and support Macau’s diversification. Youth & National Defence: SHYA Secretary Alice Mak joined a barracks visit for Hong Kong and Macao youths in Zhanjiang.

University Expansion: The University of Macau (UM) has started operations for five new science and technology faculties and two research institutes, including Medicine, Engineering, Science, Information Science and Computing, Design, plus the Institute of Smart City Technologies and the Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Brain Sciences, as part of a push to boost innovation and support Macao’s economic diversification. Drug Control Update: The government has completed drafting amendments to Macau’s anti-drug law, proposing to add new substances to the drug list, including seven analogues of etomidate linked to the illicit “space oil” market, with an urgent legislative procedure planned. Ecology Day in Taipa: The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) will stage a free “Natural Habitat” flower exhibition on Avenida da Praia in Taipa for National Ecology Day from Aug 15 to Nov 1, with popular science talks and guided activities running Aug 14-16. Non-gaming Tech Push: Melco hosted an industry-academia-research reverse matching event in Cotai, bringing together over 130 participants to co-create solutions for real operational challenges across areas like food & beverage and environmental services. Tourism Snapshot: Macau’s hotel occupancy averaged 90.4% in the first half of 2026, while guest numbers dipped 1.1% year-on-year to 7.13 million. Gaming Revenue: July gross gaming revenue fell 8.4% year-on-year to MOP$20.3 billion, though the first seven months overall rose 4.4% to MOP$147.2 billion.

Education & Innovation: The University of Macau launched five new science and technology faculties and two research institutes, including Medicine, Information Science and Computing, Engineering, Science, Design, plus the Institute of Smart City Technologies and the Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Brain Sciences, as it pushes innovation and talent for Macao’s diversification and the Greater Bay Area. Tourism Pulse: Macau’s hotel occupancy climbed to 90.4% in the first half of 2026, but guest numbers slipped 1.1% to 7.127 million; international visitors rose while mainland and Hong Kong arrivals fell. Gaming Watch: Macau’s July gross gaming revenue fell 8.4% year-on-year to MOP$20.3 billion, with analysts pointing to the World Cup’s impact on premium play; first-half GGR still grew overall. Regional Ties: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai will visit Fujian for the 5th Fujian-Macao Cooperation Conference, including stops in Xiamen and Longyan before meetings in Fuzhou. Digital Payments: A new local feature highlights how e-MOP could better serve elderly, children and tourists, reflecting Macau’s multi-currency payment reality and public-private push to expand usage.

Aviation Watch: Vietnam’s Bamboo Airways has stopped selling commercial tickets for August and will run only limited charter flights, with its fleet cut to three aircraft and the last scheduled service set for Aug 22. Macau Economy: Macau’s July GGR fell 8.4% year-on-year to MOP$20.3 billion, with the World Cup weighing on premium play; for H1, GGR rose 4.4% to MOP$147.2 billion. Trade & Tourism: DSEC says Macau’s external merchandise trade grew 24.6% y/y in H1 to MOP$82.5 billion, while hotel guests slipped 1.1% to 7.12 million and occupancy averaged 90.4% in the first half. Local Policy & Services: UM has launched five new science/tech faculties and two research institutes; DSEC also kicked off the 2026 Population By-Census with online submissions due by Aug 10 and door-to-door visits running Aug 1-15. Digital Payments: A Macau Business feature argues e-MOP could help break stagnation in e-payment use, while noting Macau’s multi-currency payment reality adds complexity. Cross-border Rules: China issued new overseas travel risk prevention rules, effective Sept 15, tightening exit-entry management and intermediary services. Regional Links: CE Sam Hou Fai will visit Fujian for the 5th Fujian-Macao Cooperation Conference, including stops in Xiamen and Longyan.

Regional Diplomacy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai will visit Fujian from Aug 2-5 for the 5th Fujian-Macao Cooperation Conference, including inspections in Xiamen and Longyan and a briefing session for Fujian firms. Gaming & Economy: Macau’s July GGR fell 8.4% year-on-year to MOP$20.3b, though H1 GGR rose 4.4% to MOP$147.2b; DSEC also flags H1 GDP up 3.7% to MOP$209.89b, supported by stronger services exports. Trade & Tourism Signals: H1 external merchandise trade rose 24.6% to MOP$82.5b; hotel guests slipped 1.1% to 7.12m while occupancy averaged 90.4%. Public Services: The 2026 Population By-Census starts door-to-door Aug 1-15 for sampled households, with online submission due Aug 10. Policy & Safety: China issued new rules to curb overseas travel risks, effective Sept 15, tightening exit-entry applications and intermediary services. Education & Innovation: UM begins five new science/tech faculties and two research institutes today to boost tech talent and innovation.

Overseas Travel Rules: China rolled out a new 19-article regulation to curb overseas travel risks, tighten exit-entry application requirements, and regulate intermediary services, with security alerts and travel warnings to be issued based on conflicts, public safety, disasters and health outbreaks. Border Upgrade: Huanggang Port’s redevelopment is nearing completion, with Hong Kong’s side starting commissioning and a colocation plan plus “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” aimed at speeding up processing. Macau Economy Watch: DSEC data shows H1 GDP up 3.7% year-on-year, driven by stronger service exports tied to visitor arrivals; external merchandise trade rose 24.6% to 82.5 billion patacas. Tourism Snapshot: H1 hotel guests fell 1.1% to 7.12 million, while occupancy averaged 90.4%; foreign guests rose, but mainland and HK segments declined. Local Enforcement: DSAL said it stepped up inspections against illegal work, filing 447 cases in H1 with penalties up 72%. Culture & Sports Calendar: IC and ID unveiled a packed August programme, including a new “Macao Historical Exploration Tour” and more community events. Sports Spotlight: India’s Asmita Dey made history by winning Commonwealth Games judo gold, adding to a landmark day for Indian judo.

Macau Economy Watch: DSEC says Macao’s GDP rose 3.7% year-on-year in real terms to MOP209.89 billion in the first half of 2026, driven by exports of services and a 9.0% jump in visitor arrivals; Q2 GDP grew 0.3% to MOP102.33 billion. Jobs & Spending: Unemployment for April–June edged up to 2.4% (+0.1pp) as more fresh graduates sought first jobs, while electronic payments show restaurants & similar down 0.2% year-on-year in June to MOP1.06b, but retail trade up 7.3% to MOP4.08b. Tourism Pulse: Hotel occupancy averaged 90.4% in H1 (+1.3pp), yet inbound package tour visitors fell 12.6% year-on-year to 845,000. Local Governance & Culture: CE Sam Hou Fai signed a cooperation deal with MIIT to support Macau’s tech diversification, while IAM announced a National Ecology Day flower exhibition and science activities in Taipa. Enforcement: DSAL stepped up inspections against illegal work, filing 447 cases in Jan–Jun with penalties of MOP4.31m. Gaming Security: Macau Judiciary Police charged nine casino security guards over alleged “protection money” schemes tied to gambling crimes.

National Tech Integration: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met MIIT Vice Minister Xiong Jijun and the MSAR and MIIT signed a cooperation agreement to support Macau’s new quality productive forces and industrialisation, with the Macao Science and Technology Research and Development Industrial Park highlighted. Cross-border Finance: The Monetary Authority of Macao said Guangdong will issue RMB 2.5 billion offshore provincial bonds in Macau next month for the sixth straight year, including green, blue and Hengqin-themed bonds. Food Safety: Macau authorities expanded sampling after lead was found above limits in a Frisolac infant formula batch, triggering shelf removal and recall steps under food safety rules. Gaming Integrity: Macau Judiciary Police uncovered a casino security “protection money” scheme allegedly involving a security manager and staff, with proceeds estimated at at least HK$1.4 million. Community & Culture: Sands China and Macau Red Cross distributed 1,500 emergency kits to local schools; MGM graduated its first arts & culture docent cohort for future museum ambassadors. Sports & Tourism: Tickets for WTT Champions Macao 2026 go on sale from 31 July, while GEG ran a volleyball outreach series tied to the VNL finals.

Macau Economy Watch: The IMF says Macao’s economy remains resilient, projecting 3.3% growth in 2026, with strong fiscal and external positions and a well-capitalised, liquid financial system, while urging continued diversification efforts. Gaming & Business: MGM China reported solid momentum in the first half of 2026, with average daily visitation up 9% and average daily GGR up 7% year on year, alongside a historical-high net revenue of HK$17.4 billion. National Security Court Scrutiny: Macau’s first national security case continues to draw fairness concerns, with reports that former lawmaker Au Kam San’s family says they faced restrictions including limited access to legal help. Finance Market Link: The Monetary Authority of Macao welcomed Guangdong’s plan to issue RMB 2.5 billion offshore RMB-denominated municipal bonds in Macao in early August, including green and Hengqin-themed bonds. Public Health & Safety: Macau’s Health Bureau says the city now has 370 breastfeeding rooms and a breastfeeding initiation rate above 90%, while local authorities also continue follow-up on lead concerns linked to infant formula. Community Life: Kai Fong plans an Aug 8-31 summer programme at the Iec Long Firecracker Factory site in Taipa, with leisure activities for families and children.