AGP Executive Report

Asia-Pacific Media Partnership: More than 400 delegates from 42 countries backed the “Shenzhen Consensus” at the Asia-Pacific Media Forum, pledging openness, innovation and digital transformation ahead of APEC in November—highlighting the Greater Bay Area’s role including Macao. Macao-ASEAN Business Push: A Macao-Hengqin delegation wrapped an eight-day tour to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, running 370+ business matching sessions and securing 189 cooperation agreements to boost trade and tourism links with ASEAN. CE Malaysia Visit: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai returned home after a four-day Malaysia trip, where he met PM Anwar Ibrahim and discussed deeper cooperation across finance, education, tech and exhibitions, including leveraging Macao and Hengqin. Hengqin Cross-border Growth: The Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin logged 190 billion yuan in cross-border trade over five years, with 20%+ growth and 100 million+ passenger trips. Healthcare + Tourism: Macao Union Medical Center expanded Southeast Asia ties after visits to hospitals and research institutions in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, aiming to grow “healthcare + tourism” partnerships. Sports & Culture: The 38th Macao International Music Festival (Oct 2–Nov 29) returns with “Silk Resonances,” while WTT Champions Macao 2026 is set for next week.

Macau-ASEAN Diplomacy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai wrapped up a four-day Malaysia visit and flew home after meetings with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, reaffirming plans to deepen cooperation across trade, tourism, finance, science and technology, and education, with a focus on leveraging Macau and Hengqin’s Greater Bay Area links. Healthcare + Tourism Push: Macao Union Medical Center (Peking Union Medical College Hospital) reported expanded ties with hospitals and research institutions in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, aiming to grow “healthcare + tourism” and strengthen regional clinical research and biomedical collaboration. Regional Media Cooperation: The Asia-Pacific Media Forum opened in Shenzhen, issuing a “Shenzhen Consensus” calling for openness, innovation and stronger media collaboration to support shared prosperity ahead of the APEC leaders’ meeting. Aerospace Education: A “Tiangong Class” Hong Kong and Macao designated session is set to bring students a live aerospace science experience from the Tiangong Space Station, with expert lectures and in-orbit demonstrations. Sports & Community: Macau’s U Choi Hong featured in para table tennis at the ITTF World Para Future Lahti, while Macau’s six casino concessionaires donated MOP$40 million to flood disaster relief in Tibet’s Gyirong County. Travel Safety Warning: Taiwan’s Straits Exchange Foundation warned young Taiwanese about rising China-linked scam risks targeting youth through “united front” style tours and job offers.

Macao-Malaysia Diplomacy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai wrapped up a four-day working visit to Malaysia, including co-chairing a Kuala Lumpur business leaders meeting and meeting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to push stronger ties across trade, investment, finance, science and tech, education, and MICE, with both sides highlighting Macau and Hengqin’s Greater Bay Area role for Malaysian firms. Economic & Business Links: Macao’s economic, trade and tourism investment promotion seminar in Kuala Lumpur drew over 300 participants, ran nearly 120 business matching sessions, and led to 54 cooperation agreements spanning high-tech/AI, tourism, biomedicine and halal-friendly initiatives. Education Outreach: A “Study in Macao” education fair in Kuala Lumpur attracted more than 1,000 visitors and kicked off a series of brand promotion initiatives aimed at attracting global talent. Disaster Relief: Six Macao concessionaires donated MOP$40 million to support mudslide relief in Gyirong, Tibet. Diversification Focus: A feature on Macao’s “1+4” diversification strategy under the third five-year plan targets non-gaming growth toward about 60% of GDP by 2030.

Macao-Malaysia Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Malaysian PM and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, pledging to lift Macao-Malaysia cooperation in trade, tourism, culture and finance, and to use Macao and Hengqin’s Greater Bay Area role to help Malaysian firms tap the ASEAN market. Business Deal Momentum: A Macao-hosted investment and tourism promotion seminar in KL drew 350 guests and ended with 60+ signed agreements across tourism, MICE, high-tech & AI, TCM and halal-friendly initiatives. Education Talent Drive: Macao launched “Study in Macao” promotional initiatives in Malaysia, with an education fair in KL attracting 1,000+ visitors. Community & Culture: The 38th Macao International Music Festival (Oct 2–Nov 29) unveiled its “Silk Resonances” programme and citywide “Floating Notes Across the City” activities. Disaster Relief: Six Macao concessionaires donated MOP$40 million to support mudslide flood relief in Gyirong, Tibet. Public Safety: Police arrested a Macau security manager in an alleged casino extortion ring, while authorities also captured 33 stray dogs and one cat in Old Taipa after bite incidents.

Macao-Malaysia Ties: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai wrapped up a Kuala Lumpur push for higher-level cooperation, urging Macao and Malaysian firms to use Macau–Hengqin’s Greater Bay Area position to tap ASEAN opportunities, with a reception and seminar drawing 350 guests and ending with 60+ signed deals across tourism, MICE, high-tech/AI, TCM and halal-friendly initiatives. Local Governance & Safety: Police arrested a mainland-linked Macau security manager accused of running an extortion scheme targeting casino-related illegal activities, with alleged “protection fees” and proceeds concealed in Zhongshan. Public Services: Macau’s “Tourism and Leisure” bus trial carried nearly 37,000 passengers by mid-August as authorities study whether to make the service regular. Community Health: The Health Department trained 130+ healthcare professionals from Hong Kong, the Mainland and Macao on comprehensive smoking cessation interventions. Property Watch: JLL said Macau’s property recovery has lost momentum, with cautious conditions expected through the rest of 2026. Tourism Spotlight: Wynn Palace entered the World’s 50 Best Hotels Extended 51–100 list, the first Macau hotel to earn the ranking.

Animal Control: The Municipal Affairs Bureau says 33 stray dogs and one cat have been trapped in Old Taipa Village after a pedestrian was bitten, blaming public feeding for animal clustering and urging residents to stop leaving food in public areas. Tourism Transport: Macau’s “Tourism and Leisure” bus service has carried nearly 37,000 passengers by mid-August, with authorities studying whether to make the extra Friday routes permanent after weekend crowding eased. Macao-ASEAN Business: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai’s Malaysia stop highlights higher-level Macau–Malaysia cooperation, while a Jakarta promotion seminar reportedly drew 400 delegates and led to 36 cooperation agreements across tourism, MICE, tech and big health. Sports & Culture: WTT Champions Macao 2026 (8–13 Sept) returns to the East Asian Games Dome, and a Chinese anti-war film premiered in Macao ahead of a Sept 11 release. Gaming & Hospitality: Sands China trained 42 responsible gaming ambassadors, and Wynn Palace was ranked 96 on the World’s 50 Best Hotels Extended 51–100 list. Community Events: The Sports Bureau will hold a National Day & World Walking Day fun run on Oct 1, with registration open until late September.

Macau-ASEAN Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in Jakarta, urging ASEAN businesses to use the Macau-Hengqin platform and highlighting trade, investment, tourism and MICE links under the Third Five-Year Plan. Low-Altitude Health Logistics: Macau is trialling drone deliveries for medical samples between Conde de São Januário Hospital and Peking Union Medical College Hospital’s Macao Medical Center, aiming for 10–15 minutes but stressing airspace, customs and standards hurdles. Legal Reform for Associations: The government launched a 45-day public consultation on a unified legal regime for Macau associations, responding to overlaps and regulatory gaps affecting thousands of groups. Tourism & Education Ties: Macao University of Tourism and Universidade Eduardo Mondlane inaugurated a talent development programme at the Macao-Hengqin education town. Local Economy & Business: NIO opened its first NIO House centre in Macau, expanding services and charging/battery-swap infrastructure in the GBA. Regional Trade Seminar: Macau’s Indonesia investment promotion seminar in Jakarta drew 400+ delegates and produced 36 cooperation agreements across tourism, big health and tech.

Macau-ASEAN Diplomacy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in Jakarta, pledging to enhance “pragmatic” Macau-ASEAN cooperation as he wraps up a three-nation Southeast Asia tour. Malaysia Visit: Sam is set for a four-day working visit to Malaysia, including a courtesy call on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with talks focused on trade, tourism, culture and people-to-people ties. Legal Reform: Macau launched a 45-day public consultation on a unified legal regime for associations, aiming to fix long-standing regulatory overlaps and gaps affecting thousands of local groups. Education & Safety: Schools reopened despite Tropical Storm Saudel’s Signal No. 1, but the first day was marred by an alleged teacher assault involving a corrosive substance. Tourism Compliance: Macau’s travel industry is being told to register group trips to China under new mainland border rules from Sept. 15. Local Economy & Finance: Shenzhen will issue RMB1 billion offshore renminbi municipal bonds in Macau, supporting the bond market and diversification. Gaming Business: Macau-based Asia Pioneer Entertainment reported 1H26 revenue up 47.3% and profit up 90-fold, citing demand for gaming equipment upgrades. New Services: NIO opened its first NIO House in Macau, promising expanded products, charging and battery-swapping services.

Macao-ASEAN diplomacy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai begins a four-day working visit to Malaysia, expected to meet PM Anwar Ibrahim and review Macau-Malaysia cooperation on trade, tourism and people-to-people ties, after a first Malaysia trip since taking office in 2024. Macao-Indonesia push: In Jakarta, Sam said China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Macau’s 3rd Five-Year Plan will open new opportunities, with the government hosting a reception and a promotion seminar that produced dozens of cooperation agreements across tourism, high-tech, healthcare and MICE. Legal and governance watch: A political scientist warns Macau could feel spillover from China’s proposed cross-border anti-corruption law, which may extend to Hong Kong and Macau-linked activities. Education update: Despite Tropical Storm Saudel’s Signal No. 1, about 80% of Macau schools opened; the first day was marred by a reported assault where a student allegedly poured corrosive substance on a teacher. Urban renewal: A new working group will study conservation and revitalisation for Pátio do Espinho near the Ruins of St Paul’s, aiming to improve streets and remove safety hazards.

Macao-Indonesia push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai told a Jakarta reception that China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Macao’s 3rd plan will “unleash” fresh opportunities for Macao-Indonesia cooperation, with the two sides linked through the Maritime Silk Road and the Belt and Road framework. Finance & diversification: The AMCM said Shenzhen will issue RMB 1 billion in offshore RMB municipal bonds in Macao in early September, with a 3-year tenor and Greater Bay Area sustainability themes, aimed at boosting Macao’s bond market and diversification. Urban renewal: A new working group will coordinate techniques and revitalisation for Pátio do Espinho near the Ruins of St Paul’s, focusing on conservation, safer streets, and preliminary planning options. Culture & reading: The IC released the 43rd “Books and the City” newsletter themed “Joyful Reading Community,” offering 3,000 free copies and highlighting mobile library and book delivery services. Tourism-tech: UTM and Xia Ding Technology launched an AR smart-dining research project using smart glasses to study how AI-assisted service can improve Macao’s dining experience. Gaming update: Macau’s casino GGR for August edged down 1.2% year-on-year to MOP21.89 billion, though it rose 8.1% from July.

Smart Tourism Tech: Macao University of Tourism (UTM) and Xia Ding Technology launched an AR smart-dining research project using AR glasses and AI to test new service scenarios at UTM’s educational restaurant, aiming to upgrade Macao’s tourism experience. Gaming Watch: Macao casino gross gaming revenue edged down 1.2% year-on-year to MOP21.89 billion in August, though it rose 8.1% from July; cumulative GGR for the first eight months hit MOP169.05 billion (+3.7%). Cultural Spotlight: The 34th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest is set for Sept 12, 19, 25 and Oct 1, 4, with 3,400+ drones joining the opening and closing nights, and MGTO recommending multiple viewing spots across Macao and Taipa. Regional Finance: The Monetary Authority of Macao welcomed Shenzhen’s plan to issue RMB1 billion offshore RMB municipal bonds in Macao in early September (3-year tenor), supporting bond-market development and economic diversification. Macao-Singapore Ties: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Singapore PM Lawrence Wong in Singapore, agreeing to deepen cooperation in culture, financial services, healthcare and tourism, and to tap Hengqin and the Greater Bay Area. Sports & Culture Exchange: EASL’s 2026–27 season will kick off in Cebu on Oct 3, with Macau Hou Chon debuting against Taipei Fubon Braves, and Abra Solid North Weavers facing Hong Kong Eastern.

Macau-Singapore Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai wrapped up meetings in Singapore with PM Lawrence Wong, agreeing to deepen high-level, practical cooperation and create new opportunities under the 15th Five-Year Plan and Macau’s Third Five-Year Plan. Public Finance & Diversification: The SAR plans a “guidance fund” to back non-gaming projects using “patient capital,” with draft legislation aiming to steer social capital toward long-term industrial upgrading. Hengqin-Education Link: Education and Youth Development Bureau data show 10 higher education institutions and about 70,000 students in 2026/27, with phased teaching expansion into Hengqin and a new Macao sub-centre for TCM tech transfer trial operations; UTM also welcomed 200+ postgraduates for “dual-city learning.” Culture Spotlight: The Macau Artist Society marks its 70th anniversary with a free Sands Macao exhibition featuring 198 works from Macau, the mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan and overseas artists. Tourism & Events: Macau’s Cultural Affairs Bureau announced an “Ancient China in Creative Products” exhibition and design competition starting Sept. 15, plus a shuttle bus route to explore local history. Regional Economy: AMCM said Macau recorded a 2025 balance of payments surplus of about MOP166.4 billion, driven by a larger services account surplus from travel exports.

Macao-Singapore ties: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Singapore’s PM and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong in Singapore, calling the 15th Five-Year Plan and Macao’s Third Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) a fresh springboard for deeper cooperation, and also met Deputy PM Gan Kim Yong to discuss trade, higher education, the digital economy and industrial transformation. Macao-Hengqin education push: The Education and Youth Development Bureau said 10 higher education institutions and about 70,000 students are in Macao for 2026/27, while UTM welcomed over 200 postgraduates to the first phase of the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town for “dual-city learning.” Patient-capital diversification: The MSAR plans a “guidance fund” to back non-gaming industries, using “patient capital” and a policy-guided, market-based approach aimed at medium- to long-term returns. Public services and culture: The Cultural Affairs Bureau’s Public Library launched the 43rd issue of “Books and the City,” while the IC announced a Sept. 15 exhibition “Ancient China in Creative Products” and related creative activities. Healthcare update: Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong achieved accreditation under China’s International Hospital Accreditation Standards (2021 version). Global compliance watch: A US transshipment crackdown is set to raise documentation and scrutiny burdens for exporters.

CE Singapore talks: Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Singapore’s Ong Ye Kung on public health, traditional Chinese medicine and ageing governance, as he leads an eight-day trip to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia to push the Third Five-Year Plan and attract resources. Urban renewal lessons: Sam also toured Singapore’s public housing redevelopment, Sentosa and Gardens by the Bay, looking to draw on HDB experience for Macao’s urban renewal push. Hengqin culture & heritage: The Macao Museum of Art opened “Lucidity in a Prosperous Era: Guangdong Paintings of the Qing Dynasty,” while the Macau Artist Society marked its 70th anniversary with a major exhibition at Sands Macao. Tourism & entertainment: Paradise Entertainment outlined plans for its LT Game supplier arm to return to the US market after a 1H26 loss, and a Hengqin Cultural Art Centre comedy premiere “The New Tale of the Peach Blossom Spring” runs from Sept 11. Disaster aid: Macao will donate 30 million yuan via the Macao Foundation to support rescue and recovery after the Gyirong Port mudslide in Xizang. Cross-border travel update: Hong Kong’s Huanggang Port will let residents use a single document for entry/exit once it opens, with e-channel arrangements including permits for Macao residents.

Chief Executive diplomacy: Sam Hou Fai met Singapore’s Ong Ye Kung in Singapore, discussing public health, traditional Chinese medicine and ageing-society governance, as the CE’s eight-day trip to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia pushes the Third Five-Year Plan and “Down South” strategy. Hengqin focus: A new report highlights how Hengqin’s Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone is becoming a space for Macao’s diversified, tech-driven development, with research-to-industry platforms like the Macao Institute of Materials Science and Engineering. Disaster relief: Macao will donate 30 million yuan to Xizang for rescue and post-disaster recovery after the Gyirong Port mudslide, with medical support and a public appeal for help. Tourism snapshot: Macao hotel occupancy rose to 91.6% in July, but total guests fell, while international visitors increased. Gaming & policy watch: A study warns AI-assisted baccarat side-bet advantage play is spreading across Asia, while Macao’s diversification targets are framed as ambitious yet increasingly achievable. Cross-border legal ties: China’s revised Lawyers Law (effective Sept 1) boosts foreign-related legal services and formalises GBA practice rules for Hong Kong and Macao lawyers. Sports & culture: UM student Edward Daniel Belza Alfaro won a major public speaking title at UM’s World Universities Invitational, and a Macau-linked cycling squad is among teams at the Track Asia Cup.

Disaster Relief: Macao will donate RMB30 million via the Macao Foundation to support rescue and post-disaster recovery in Gyirong County, Xizang, after a deadly mudslide on the Nepal side of the border, with the SAR also pledging medical assistance and urging local support. Regional Integration (Hengqin): A new China Focus piece highlights how Hengqin is helping Macao diversify under the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, pointing to space for lab-to-production industries and cross-disciplinary innovation platforms. CE Diplomacy (SEA): Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai has begun an eight-day visit to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, aiming to promote opportunities under Macao’s Third Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) and attract international resources, with meetings and business matchmaking planned. Education & Talent: UM crowned Edward Daniel Belza Alfaro champion at the World Universities Public Speaking Invitational Championship 2026, bringing together students from major global universities. Tourism Snapshot: Macao’s hotel occupancy rate in July rose to 91.6%, up year-on-year, though total guests fell.