AGP Executive Report

National Security Case: Former lawmaker Au Kam San was sentenced to 12½ years in Macao’s first national security conviction. The trial was held behind closed doors; the US condemned the sentence, while Macao authorities defended the court’s ruling. Travel: Macao SAR passport holders can apply for a Kuwait visa on arrival for stays of up to three months. From Nov. 11, Swiss and Belgian nationals can register to use Macao’s automated immigration channels. Culture and Education: A two-day civilisations forum in Macao concluded with more than 300 participants and nearly 40 keynote speeches, alongside a new publishing partnership with a Portuguese university press. University of Macau students won first prize in a national data journalism competition with a project on inclusive education in Macao. Pandas: Macao-born giant pandas Jian Jian and Kang Kang have begun quarantine in Chengdu before a period of training; Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said he hopes they will return.

National Security Trial: Former lawmaker Au Kam San was sentenced to 12 years and six months in Macao’s first publicly known national security case. The court convicted him on charges including subversion and breach of secrecy; Human Rights Watch called for his release and condemned the prosecution. Cultural Exchange: More than 300 delegates from over 20 countries and regions gathered in Macao for a forum on dialogue among civilisations, with sessions on China–Portuguese-speaking country ties and AI. Public Safety: Police plan to add 40 cameras to the citywide CCTV network, bringing the total to 1,751 by year-end. Tourism: Macao made its debut at London’s World Travel Market, promoting its cultural appeal to European travel businesses. Panda Farewell: Giant panda twins Jian Jian and Kang Kang arrived safely in Chengdu for quarantine and further training; Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said he hopes they will return. Research: University of Macau researchers developed a robotic-grasping framework designed to work across different robotic hands and complex settings.

National Security Case: Former lawmaker Au Kam San was sentenced to 12½ years in Macao’s first national security case, involving charges of subversion, contact with outside groups and breach of secrecy. Cultural Exchange: Macao opened an international forum on Monday, drawing nearly 300 participants from more than 20 countries to discuss cultural ties, the Silk Road and AI. Tourism: The city made its debut in China’s pavilion at World Travel Market London, promoting its East-meets-West appeal to European travel businesses. Local Life: The Hometown Carnival brought together 83 associations and more than 110 stalls, showcasing regional heritage alongside smart glasses and robot dogs. Panda Move: Macao-born twins Jian Jian and Kang Kang arrived in Chengdu for quarantine and further care after a decade in the SAR. Gaming Industry: Galaxy Entertainment’s Francis Lui topped the 2026 Asian Gaming Power 50; Pansy Ho ranked third and Lawrence Ho fourth. Population: Macao’s population reached 688,000, buoyed by immigration, while live births fell 4.4%.

Cultural Exchange: Macao hosts an international forum opening today, bringing nearly 300 delegates from more than 20 countries to discuss heritage, cultural exchange and the challenges of the digital age. Panda Farewell: Macao-born twins Jian Jian and Kang Kang left for Chengdu on Sunday, where they will undergo health checks and prepare for life in a more natural habitat. Population: The city’s population rose 0.2% year on year to 688,000 at the end of September, driven by immigration; live births fell 4.4% in the first nine months. National Security Case: Former lawmaker Au Kam San was sentenced to 12½ years in prison in Macao’s first case under its expanded national security laws. The court convicted him of subversion after a closed-door trial. Grand Prix: The family carnival opened at Tap Seac Square, ahead of the 73rd Macau Grand Prix on Nov. 19–22.

Tourism & Culture: Macao-born giant panda twins Jian Jian and Kang Kang left for Chengdu on Sunday, ending a decade in the city as they begin conservation training. An international forum on cultural exchange and the digital age opens in Macao on Nov. 9, bringing nearly 300 participants from more than 20 countries. Population: The city’s population reached 688,000 at the end of September, up 0.2% year on year on immigration; births fell 4.4% in the first nine months. Justice: Former lawmaker Au Kam San was sentenced to 12½ years in Macao’s first national security case. The court convicted him of subversion after a closed-door trial; overseas criticism of the case drew strong objections from the SAR government. Grand Prix: The family carnival opened at Tap Seac Square, ahead of the 73rd Macau Grand Prix on Nov. 19–22.

Population: Macao’s population reached 688,000 at the end of September, up 0.2% year on year, as immigration offset a 4.4% drop in live births. National Security Case: Former lawmaker and democracy campaigner Au Kam San, 69, was sentenced to 12 years and six months in the city’s first national security case. He was convicted of subversion, links with outside groups and breaching confidentiality after a closed-door trial; rights groups condemned the prosecution, while the government rejected outside criticism. Grand Prix: The family carnival opened at Tap Seac Square on November 7, ahead of the 73rd Macau Grand Prix, set for November 19–22. Cultural Exchange: Macao will host an international forum on mutual learning among civilizations on November 9–10, bringing nearly 300 participants from more than 20 countries.

National Security Case: Former lawmaker Au Kam San was sentenced to 12½ years in Macao’s first national security trial. The closed-door case drew criticism from his family and overseas groups, while the SAR government defended the court’s ruling and rejected outside criticism. Grand Prix: The family carnival opened at Tap Seac Square on Saturday, offering racing-themed activities ahead of the Macau Grand Prix, set for November 19–22. Gaming: October casino revenue fell 10% to 2.68 billion patacas, marking a fifth consecutive monthly decline despite rising visitor numbers. Cultural Exchange: Macao will host an international forum on mutual learning among civilizations on November 9–10, bringing nearly 300 participants from more than 20 countries.

National Security Case: Former lawmaker and democracy campaigner Au Kam San, 69, was sentenced to 12 years and six months in Macao’s first national security trial. The court convicted him of subversion, links with outside organisations and breach of secrecy; Macao’s government backed the ruling, while critics questioned the closed-door trial. Gaming: Galaxy Entertainment chairman Francis Lui topped the Asian Gaming Power 50 for an eighth consecutive year. Galaxy’s third-quarter adjusted EBITDA rose 10% to HK$3.7 billion, while Wynn Resorts reported lower revenue and profit, including declines at both Macao properties. Tourism & Events: A family carnival for the 73rd Macau Grand Prix runs at Tap Seac Square this weekend, ahead of the races on Nov. 19–22. Macao will also host an international forum on cultural exchange on Nov. 9–10. Travel: The Identification Services Bureau says Macao passport holders remain eligible for visa-free entry to Mexico, after reports of passengers being denied boarding.

National Security Case: Former lawmaker and democracy campaigner Au Kam San, 69, was sentenced to 12 years and six months in Macao’s first national security trial. The court convicted him of subversion, links with outside organisations and breaching secrecy, while acquitting him on two other counts. His wife called the case a political persecution; the government said it respected the ruling. Tourism Spending: Visitors spent MOP67.56 billion on non-gaming activities in the first nine months, up 16% year on year. Per-capita spending rose 6.9%, with same-day visitor spending climbing 59.9%. Grand Prix: A free family carnival at Tap Seac Square on November 7–8 will offer racing-themed activities ahead of the November 19–22 Macau Grand Prix. Casino Business: Galaxy Entertainment reported third-quarter adjusted EBITDA up 10% to HK$3.7 billion, though results excluding favourable gaming outcomes fell 7% year on year.

National Security: Former lawmaker and democracy campaigner Au Kam San, 69, was sentenced to 12 years and six months in Macao’s first conviction under the national security law expanded in 2023. The closed-door trial concluded in September; Au had co-organised annual vigils for victims of the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown. Family Support: A survey of 651 residents found housing assistance, secure jobs and more flexible childcare among their key concerns. Two-thirds backed dedicated parental leave, while more than half supported stronger paternity leave. Economy: Macao’s GDP grew 2.9% in the first nine months of 2026, but just 0.1% year-on-year in the third quarter. October casino revenue fell 10% to MOP21.68 billion, the fifth monthly decline in a row, despite rising visitor numbers.

Regional Engagement: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai is in Shanghai for the China International Import Expo, where Macao businesses are showcasing local and Portuguese-speaking-country products and services. Tourism and Events: Galaxy Resort has agreed a three-year partnership with Damai and Fliggy to bring more concerts and sports events to Macao and bundle tickets with travel offers. Gaming: October casino revenue fell 10% year on year to MOP21.68 billion, the fifth consecutive monthly decline, despite rising visitor numbers. Melco’s third-quarter revenue also dropped 10% to US$1.17 billion, while adjusted property EBITDA fell 24%. Economic Outlook: Macao’s GDP grew 2.9% in the first nine months, but just 0.1% year on year in the third quarter. Higher Education: The University of Macau climbed six places to 96th in the QS Asia rankings, breaking into the region’s top 100.

Tourism and Events: Galaxy Resort has signed a three-year partnership with Alibaba platforms Damai and Fliggy to bring more concerts, sports and cultural events to Macao and sell bundled tickets and travel packages. Gaming: October casino revenue fell 10% year on year to MOP21.68 billion, marking a fifth straight monthly decline despite higher visitor numbers. Melco’s third-quarter revenue also dropped 10% to US$1.17 billion, as weaker gaming and non-gaming results weighed on performance. Economic Outlook: Macao’s GDP grew 2.9% in the first nine months of 2026, but just 0.1% in the third quarter. A new government working group will advance airline market liberalisation and plans for a regional air transport hub. Regional Ties: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai is attending the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, where a Macao business delegation is showcasing local products and services, including goods from Portuguese-speaking countries.

Tourism and Gaming: Macau’s October casino revenue fell 10% year on year to MOP21.68 billion, the fifth monthly decline in a row, despite rising visitor numbers. GDP grew 2.9% in the first nine months. Trade Links: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai travelled to Shanghai for the China International Import Expo, where a Macao delegation will showcase local products and Portuguese-speaking countries’ goods and services. Aviation Plans: A new government working group has begun planning to open the market to more home-based airlines and develop Macau as an international air transport hub on the Pearl River’s west bank. Jobs and Skills: The University of Macau’s career fair in Hengqin brought together 30 companies offering nearly 230 jobs and internships in technology and engineering. Tourism Promotion: Macao joined China’s largest-ever pavilion at London’s World Travel Market, presenting the city to international tourism buyers.

Greater Bay Area: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai urged businesses to seize regional opportunities, saying Macao is advancing economic diversification while strengthening its tourism and leisure sector. Economic Outlook: GDP grew 2.9% in the first nine months to MOP316.13 billion, but third-quarter growth was just 0.1%. Visitor numbers lifted exports of other tourism services, while gaming-service exports fell. Hengqin Campus: Two universities received a combined MOP1.77 billion from the Macao Foundation to buy land for a planned joint campus, part of a project expected to accommodate up to 10,000 students. Tourism Promotion: Macao joined China’s pavilion at London’s World Travel Market for the first time, alongside representatives from 14 regions. Gaming: October casino revenue fell 10% to MOP21.68 billion despite rising visitor numbers, marking a fifth consecutive monthly decline. Separately, the expiry of a key LT Game patent could clear the way for rival suppliers to introduce electronic gaming tables.

Greater Bay Area: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai urged businesses to invest across the region at a GBA investment conference in Guangzhou, highlighting Macao’s role and its “1+4” economic diversification strategy. Gaming and economy: October casino revenue fell 10% year on year to MOP21.68 billion, marking a fifth straight monthly decline despite rising visitor numbers. Macao’s GDP grew 0.1% year on year in the third quarter. Cross-border links: A tender has been launched to design a new checkpoint connecting the University of Macau campus directly with Hengqin. Travel alert: Macao’s Identification Services Bureau is investigating reports that residents were denied boarding for a Mexico-bound flight while transiting Beijing; Mexico’s consulate said it had no information of a change to visa-free entry for Macao passport holders. Tourism: MGTO is inviting entries to a community-tourism photography contest through November 30, while Macao is also expanding halal services to attract more Muslim visitors.

Travel Alert: Macao’s Identification Services Bureau is investigating reports that residents holding SAR passports were denied boarding for a Mexico-bound flight while transiting in Beijing. Mexico’s consulate said it knew of no change to visa-free entry rules for Macao passport holders. Cross-Border Links: A design tender has been launched for a new checkpoint connecting the University of Macau campus on Hengqin directly with the island, adding a route alongside the existing checkpoint and tunnel links. Economic Outlook: October casino revenue fell 10% year-on-year to MOP21.68 billion, its fifth consecutive monthly decline, though it rose 20% from September. GDP grew 2.9% in the first nine months, but just 0.1% in the third quarter. Youth and Tourism: A pair of citywide IT contests drew 436 secondary students, while the tourism office is inviting residents and visitors to submit community-themed photos by November 30.