AGP Executive Report

Philippines–China Tensions: China has sanctioned Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his family, banning them from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao, and barring Chinese entities from dealing with them, after Beijing accused him of “irresponsible remarks” amid the West Philippine Sea dispute. Teodoro hit back, saying he will keep doing his duty and linking the move to Philippine efforts against alleged Chinese-linked illegal activities. Macao Policy Update: The Macao Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) has eased entry rules for pet dogs and cats from rabies-affected places: quarantine is no longer required if pre-entry checks are met and an IAM vet inspection is passed on arrival. Macao as a Regional Hub: Macao hosted major international gatherings this week, including the 17th IIICF on green digital infrastructure connectivity and the Skal Asia Congress, reinforcing the city’s role as a “precise connector.” Cross-border Logistics: Cathay Cargo extended its Air-Land Fresh Lane for perishables to Macao, using a single air waybill via Hong Kong to speed cold-chain delivery. Infrastructure & Water Security: Pakistan’s WAPDA chairman urged strict adherence to shared-water treaties while speaking at the IIICF in Macao.

Philippines-China Tensions: China slammed Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. after Beijing sanctioned him and his spouse and child, banning entry to mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao and blocking Chinese transactions with them; Manila called it “unfriendly,” while Teodoro vowed to keep defending Philippine interests. Macao Customs & Health: Macao’s Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) exempted eligible dogs and cats from mandatory quarantine from 12 June, replacing it with pre-entry checks and an IAM veterinary inspection on arrival for animals from rabies-affected areas. Macao Events & Culture: The “City in Rephotography” exhibition opened in Macao, pairing historical archives photos with modern rephotographs, with guided tours running on weekends. Infrastructure & Tourism Platform: Macao’s 17th IIICF opened with 3,500+ guests and a focus on green digital infrastructure connectivity, while the Skal Asia Congress also kicked off, reinforcing Macao as an international tourism meeting hub. Cross-border Logistics: Cathay Cargo expanded its Air-Land Fresh Lane for perishables into Macao, enabling faster cold-chain delivery via Hong Kong. Regional Cooperation: Macao’s MGTO attended UN Tourism meetings in Spain to boost international exchange and recognition.

Philippines-China Tensions: China has barred Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., along with his spouse and child, from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao, and banned Chinese entities from dealing with them, accusing Teodoro of “irresponsible remarks” that Beijing says undermine its interests amid South China Sea disputes. Teodoro Response: Teodoro shrugged off the sanctions, saying Beijing’s move is how it punishes those who “speak the truth,” and vowed to keep doing his duty. Macao Travel Update: Cambodia will offer visa-free entry to Chinese nationals (including Macau SAR passport holders) from 15 June to 15 October for up to 14 days per entry, with travellers required to complete an E-Arrival Card. Local Mobility: Air Macau says it will resume the Macau–Manila route on 2 July (five flights weekly at first) and relaunch Macau–Fukuoka from 1 July to 31 August. Regional Spotlight on Macau: Macau’s IIICF continues to push infrastructure connectivity with Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking nations, with Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai highlighting the forum’s role in linking projects and partners.

Aviation & Tourism: Air Macau will restart its Macau–Manila route on July 2, with five weekly flights (NX952 departs 11:20am; NX951 departs 3:10pm). It will also relaunch Macau–Fukuoka for the summer peak from July 1 to Aug 31, with three weekly flights. Local Economy & Hospitality: Macau Hotel Association vice chairman Rutger Verschuren says June hotel occupancy is slower (with the World Cup weighing on travel), but expects a pickup in the second half of July and most of August, with room nights rising though rates may stay below last year. Infrastructure & Regional Connectivity: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai opened the 17th IIICF, calling Macao a “precise connector” for infrastructure links between China and Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries. Transport chief Raymond Tam highlighted the government’s “1+4” diversification push and four flagship projects, under a theme of green digital infrastructure connectivity. Education & Cooperation: Macao Polytechnic University and the University of Coimbra signed an agreement to develop a joint global campus in the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, supporting degree, training, research and exchange ties. Culture & Community: The 26th Macao Lotus Flower Festival starts tomorrow (June 12) in Taipa, running to July 17 with 9,000+ lotus pots and multiple activities. International Relations: China announced sanctions against Philippine defence chief Gilberto Teodoro and his family, banning them from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao. Sports & Trade: Hong Kong customs seized about 230,000 suspected counterfeit World Cup items worth nearly US$20m, including 30,000 fake jerseys—some bound for overseas markets.

World Cup & Macau gaming: Citi says the expanded 2026 World Cup could hit Macau GGR harder than past tournaments, forecasting a 10% year-on-year drop in June and 5% in July before a quick rebound after the event. Sports crime watch: Macau lawmakers and the Judiciary Police warn youth about illegal World Cup betting schemes using social media, messaging apps, ads and “free tips,” urging the public to report suspicious activity. Immigration upgrade: From 11 June, eligible non-resident workers and non-resident students in Macao can use the iris automated clearance service at multiple checkpoints, building on the system’s growing use by residents. Portugal ties: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai praised Macau’s Portuguese and Macanese communities as key to the city’s multicultural stability, and reiterated Macau’s role as a platform for China–Portuguese-speaking cooperation. Infrastructure forum: The 17th IIICF opened at Cotai Expo, with a focus on boosting green digital infrastructure connectivity and promoting Macao as a connector for China and Portuguese/Spanish-speaking markets. Local governance: A labour law amendment bill on maternity and annual leave passed its first reading, proposing longer maternity leave and a phased increase to annual paid leave.

Portugal National Day & food tourism: The Portuguese Gourmet Feast 2026 at Sofitel Macau (Ponte 16) kicked off “June, Month of Portugal,” with 35 Macau restaurants offering Portuguese menus and a 10.6% discount, plus a wine and egg tart showcase ahead of June 10. World Cup build-up in Cotai: Macau Slot’s “Classic Revival: World Football History Exhibition” opened at Lisboeta Macau, featuring 70+ football relics and interactive photo spots running to July 19. Macau crime crackdown: The Judiciary Police said it busted Macau’s biggest-ever cannabis smuggling case, seizing about 34.9 kg worth around 34.95 million patacas from a Hong Kong man arriving from Southeast Asia. Local governance & labour: A bill to amend Macau’s Labour Relations Law passed its first reading, proposing longer maternity leave (70 to 90 days) and a mechanism to gradually raise annual paid leave up to 12 days. Tourism transport update: MGTO, DSEDT and DICJ will optimise the “Tourism and Leisure Bus” from Saturday, adding a new two-way “Macau Peninsula to Cotai” route and extending the Zape route to regular weekends. Education in Hengqin: Macao Polytechnic University said it will push partnerships with QS top-100 universities and expand science/engineering focus at its Hengqin campus. Regional finance outlook: Fitch upgraded its 2026 sector outlook for the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan to “neutral,” citing resilient growth and improving price dynamics.

Public Safety: Macau police busted the territory’s largest-ever cannabis smuggling case, seizing about 34.9 kg worth roughly MOP35 million after a flight arrival and two suitcases were intercepted. Law & Society: Lawmakers advanced Labor Relations Law amendments, including raising maternity leave from 70 to 90 days and a plan to grow annual paid leave up to 12 days, though leave-speed and benefit details sparked debate. Gambling Watch: Ahead of the FIFA World Cup, Judiciary Police warned of illegal betting schemes targeting youth via social media, messaging apps, ads, e-payments and “free tips,” urging the public to report suspicious activity. Education & Hengqin: Macao Polytechnic University said it will pursue partnerships with top 100 QS universities and use its Hengqin campus to strengthen engineering, science, smart transportation, robotics and AI. Tourism Transport: The government plans route and frequency optimisation for the Tourism and Leisure Bus, including a new two-way “Macau Peninsula to Cotai” route and expanded weekend service for the Zape route. Economy & Integration: A report says Macau SMEs are feeling pressure as more residents shop and dine across the border in Guangdong, even as the SAR pushes local consumption campaigns. Health Snapshot: Macau’s life expectancy hit 83.5 years in 2025, with men at 80.6 and women at 86.3, citing higher public health investment. Culture & Events: Galaxy Entertainment Group opened “Dazzling Galaxy – Crystalline Art Exhibition” at GalaxyArt in Cotai, running to Sept 13.

Public Safety: Macau Judiciary Police (PJ) said it busted the city’s largest-ever cannabis smuggling case, seizing about 34.9 kg worth roughly MOP35 million, arresting a 25-year-old man from Hong Kong who allegedly was paid to transport the drugs from a Southeast Asian flight. Transport & Tourism: The government plans to optimise the “Tourism and Leisure Bus” with route and frequency changes, including a new two-way “Macau Peninsula to Cotai” service and extending the Zape route to regular weekend operations. Education & Community: Macao Polytechnic University held its 2025/2026 graduation ceremonies for nearly 1,700 students, with the SAR government pledging continued support, including campus development in the Hengqin Cooperation Zone. Higher Education Exchange: UM will co-host the 35th AULP annual meeting in Macao from 15–17 June, bringing together about 150 representatives from Portuguese-speaking universities. Health & Lifestyle: Macau residents’ average life expectancy reached 83.5 years in 2025, with men at 80.6 and women at 86.3, according to government figures. Culture & Sports: GalaxyArt at Galaxy Macau opened the “Dazzling Galaxy – Crystalline Art Exhibition” (over 60 works) and the SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races’ blessing ceremony was held ahead of races on 13, 14 and 19 June.

Macau Life & Health: Macau’s residents’ average life expectancy hit 83.5 years in 2025, with men at 80.6 and women at 86.3, as the government points to sustained public health spending since the 1999 handover. Public Safety & Crime: Judiciary Police arrested a local businessman over alleged rape of a Myanmar domestic helper, after coercion tied to her work permit process; police also arrested four men in a drug-trafficking case linked to smuggling from Southeast Asia to Macau and Zhuhai, targeting casino gamblers. Gaming & Culture: Galaxy Entertainment Group opened “Dazzling Galaxy – Crystalline Art Exhibition” at GalaxyArt in Cotai, running to Sept 13, blending translucent art with “Technology + Art + Eastern Culture.” Local Governance & Transport: Macau awarded the management and operation of the Taipa Ferry Terminal Heliport to Macau Heliport Services Co Ltd via direct award, citing special technical qualifications, as helicopter services prepare to start. International Tech/Policy: The US BIS issued guidance on advanced computing export license requirements involving entities in Macau and China. Arts & Community: UM held its Long Service and Outstanding Administrative Staff awards, while a Nobel Laureate lecture on climate change is set for June 15.

Public Health & Safety: Macau’s life expectancy hit 83.5 years in 2025, with the government citing rising healthcare spending since the 1999 handover. Crime & Justice: Judiciary Police arrested a local businessman over alleged rape of a Myanmar domestic helper, and also detained four men in a drug-trafficking case linked to smuggling routes targeting Macau casino gamblers. Social Order Crackdown: Authorities dismantled organized prostitution operations, arresting 26 people in raids that reportedly involved serving and retired police officers. Arts & Culture: Galaxy Entertainment Group opened “Dazzling Galaxy – Crystalline Art Exhibition” at GalaxyArt, running until Sept 13, featuring 60+ works using translucent, crystalline materials. Community & Events: A blessing ceremony was held for the 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races on June 13, 14 and 19 at Nam Van Lake. Local Governance & Transport: The government awarded management of the Taipa Ferry Terminal Heliport to Macau Heliport Services Co Ltd, citing special technical qualifications, as the facility prepares for operations. Labour & Weather: The Labour Department urged employers to make flexible work arrangements after rainstorm and tropical cyclone warnings are cancelled. Health Alerts (Region): Hong Kong is investigating a confirmed local mpox case and urged high-risk groups to get vaccinated.

Biotech Deal for Greater China: LENZ Therapeutics said Everest Medicines has bought rights from Corxel Pharmaceuticals to develop, manufacture and commercialize VIZZ® (LNZ100) across mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, with an NDA approval expected in Q1 2027. Macao Healthcare Readiness: Macao Union Hospital’s ICU is set to start later this month, while the emergency department will gradually become fully operational in the second half of 2026, including handling more ambulance cases and ending the need for local radiotherapy patients to travel out. Startup Push at AIE Expo Macao: The 929 Challenge and 929 Summit will run Dec 3-4 at Cotai Expo as part of AIE Expo 2026, adding an acceleration programme to help startups enter the Greater Bay Area market. Green Transport Upgrade: Macau’s first EV supercharging station in Cotai is completed and moving into trial operations, with plans to add more fast chargers and scooter charging points this year. Public Safety Crackdown: Judiciary Police dismantled a sauna-based prostitution ring, arresting 26 including active-duty PSP officers, in a case involving over MOP790 million in illicit proceeds. Local Culture & Lifestyle: Cha Yu, a Macau tea beverage brand, unveiled a refreshed identity and its signature cloud milk tea, while MGTO promoted Macao tourism products in Malaysia and Thailand to attract more Southeast Asian visitors.

Healthcare Upgrade: Macao Union Hospital in Cotai held a public open day, with its ICU set to come online later this month and the emergency department gradually fully operational in the second half of the year, eventually handling all ambulance cases from Coloane, Cotai and parts of Taipa. EV Charging Push: Macau’s first EV supercharging station in Rua da Patinagem, Cotai, has completed construction and will move into gradual trial operation after commissioning; the government also plans about a 20% rise in fast chargers this year and more scooter charging points across public carparks. Startup & Tech Expo: The 929 Challenge is being folded into AIE Expo Macao 2026 at Cotai Expo on Dec 3-4, adding a new acceleration programme to help startups enter the Greater Bay Area market, with access to hundreds of exhibitors and tens of thousands of professionals. Public Safety Crackdown: Judiciary Police dismantled a sauna-linked prostitution ring, arresting 26 people including three active-duty PSP officers and two retired PJ officers, with authorities citing over MOP790 million in illicit proceeds across multiple streams. Tourism Market-Building: MGTO is promoting Macao’s tourism and MICE offerings in Malaysia and Thailand via product update seminars and travel marts to expand Southeast Asian visitor interest. Community & Culture: The Archives of Macao will host “City in Rephotography” from June 13 to Sept 30, pairing historical photos with modern rephotographs, with free admission.

Environment Day push: Macao launched its Environment Day 2026 programme and a public energy-saving and carbon-reduction campaign, with schools and online activities plus “lights off one hour,” as the city reports carbon emissions have stabilised. Tourism & culture: MGTO is taking Macao’s latest “tourism +” products to Malaysia and Thailand via a tourism product updates seminar and travel mart, while the Archives of Macao announced a free mid-June exhibition, “City in Rephotography,” running to late September. Public health & food safety: The city’s food safety drive continues with FEHD releasing updated mosquito gravidtrap indexes and IAM expanding its smart food safety risk monitoring and takeaway shop registration enforcement. Law & order: Macau Judiciary Police arrested 26 people in a prostitution crackdown targeting syndicates operating disguised as “saunas,” seizing account books and paraphernalia. Regional business ties: Macau’s links with Portuguese-speaking education and healthcare also moved forward as MUST welcomed medical students from Timor-Leste for intensive training. Tech & policy watch: Separately, US export controls on advanced AI chips and China’s response are drawing attention for how they may affect regional tech supply chains.

Environment Day & Carbon Cuts: Macao kicked off its Environment Day 2026 programme and a public “energy saving and carbon reduction for all” campaign, with activities including school education, online livestreams and an “lights off one hour” push, as officials said the city’s total carbon emissions have stabilized and land transport has reached its carbon peak. Culture & Archives: The Archives of Macao will host “City in Rephotography — Exhibition of Historical Photographs from the Archives of Macao” from 13 June to 30 September, pairing old images with new rephotographs; admission is free and the opening is 12 June. Tourism Push: MGTO is expanding Southeast Asia outreach, running Macao Tourism Product Updates Seminar and Travel Mart in Malaysia and Thailand to promote Macao’s “tourism +” offerings to international travel trade. Public Health Tech: IAM says its food safety risk monitoring and early alert platform is being built with AI support, while the takeaway registration system has 4,267 registered shops and stepped-up inspections. Law & Order: Judiciary Police arrested 26 people in a prostitution crackdown on “sauna/spa” fronts, including active-duty and retired officers, after raids across 23 locations. International Context: China defended its one-year entry ban on four New Zealand lawmakers over a Taiwan visit, warning “anyone who crosses the red line” will face consequences.

Tourism Push: MGTO is taking Macao’s “tourism +” pitch to Southeast Asia, running a Macao Tourism Product Updates Seminar and Travel Mart in Malaysia and Thailand to refresh trade partners on the city’s latest tourism, MICE and event offerings. Public Health & Food Safety: IAM says its “Food Safety Risk Alert Platform” is now recording data on 109,907 pre-packaged food items, while the takeaway registration system has 4,267 registered shops and has stepped up inspections and sampling. Mosquito Control: FEHD released updated gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus for May, noting indexes tend to rise from April/May and urging public participation in control measures. Law & Order: Macau Judiciary Police arrested 26 suspects in a prostitution crackdown using “sauna” fronts, including three active-duty PSP officers and two retired PJ officers, after raids across 23 premises. Sports & Community: The draw and technical meeting for the 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races was held, with local races set for June 13, 14 and 19 at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre. International Spotlight: Washington’s latest AI chip export guidance would require licences for advanced computing items to entities headquartered in mainland China or Macau, even via overseas subsidiaries—sparking fresh scrutiny of China-linked tech supply chains.

Prostitution Crackdown: Macau Judiciary Police arrested 26 people, including three active-duty PSP officers and two retired PJ officers, after raids on 23 locations tied to prostitution run under “sauna/spa and massage” cover; police seized account books and price lists, with alleged earnings last year estimated at 240–320 million patacas. Food Safety Tech: IAM rolled out a smart “Food Safety Risk Alert Platform” and reported 4,267 registered takeaway shops, while launching the 15th Food Safety Week with a forum on technological supervision using AI and remote monitoring. Mosquito Control: FEHD released updated gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus, urging public participation as breeding conditions rise with earlier warming and heavier spring rainfall. Cross-border Finance: AMCM said Macau banks completed 23 mBridge cross-border transactions on June 3, totaling nearly MOP13 billion, as the CBDC platform moves toward wider participation. Youth Support: Macao plans its first mainland “Youth Home” in Guangzhou in Q3 to help Macau students with a one-stop service for internships and career pathways. Public Info Integrity: Authorities warned a viral claim about PLA trucks “malfunctioning” in Macau was false; the footage came from an obstacle-course exercise where vehicles were pushed by hand.