AGP Executive Report

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.

Macau Crime Crackdown: Macau Judiciary Police smashed a prostitution ring allegedly run under the cover of sauna premises, sealing three venues and arresting 26 people, including three active-duty PSP officers, with investigators seizing account books and items linked to sexual transactions. Gaming Integrity Check: The DICJ urged the public not to trust rumours about “electronic card shoes” after questions spread online, stressing all casino gaming equipment is independently tested, certified, and subject to regular and surprise inspections, with a recent special check finding no issues. Cross-Border Finance: Bank of Communications’ Macau branch became an early mBridge participant and processed real cross-border transactions in e-MOP and digital yuan, as Macau officially went live on the platform for CBDC payments. Local Governance & Safety: Northern District councillors pushed for safer zebra crossings after a boy’s fatal crash, calling for stronger traffic safety measures and follow-through. Diplomacy Shockwaves: China imposed a one-year travel ban on four New Zealand MPs over a Taiwan visit, with New Zealand officials saying they will raise concerns—an issue that also directly affects Hong Kong and Macau entry. Tourism & Events: Galaxy Macau signed a three-year partnership with Trip.com Group (2026-2029) to expand event curation and distribution, including Galaxy Arena show-viewing perks. Weather Watch: Macau’s observatory said a tropical depression is unlikely to trigger cyclone warnings locally, but warned of worsening conditions and extreme heat.

Hot Weather & Storm Watch: Macau’s Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau said a tropical depression in the northeastern South China Sea is unlikely to trigger tropical cyclone warnings for the city, but outer bands may still bring worse conditions, while an “Orange” hot weather alert warns temperatures could hit 36°C or above. Road Safety Push: Northern District councillors renewed calls for safer zebra crossings after a boy was killed on a crossing in the north, urging stronger action to meet “safe travel” goals. Tourism & Retail: One Central Macau unveiled a revamped second-floor lifestyle space with new dining and retail, including a “Brunch Society” theme and new brands such as COVA, plus the return of Morton’s Grille. Digital Finance: Macau officially went live on mBridge for cross-border CBDC payments, with 11 banks connected and early transactions already processed, while the digital Macao pataca remains in sandbox for domestic use. Cross-border Business Deal: Galaxy Macau signed a three-year partnership with Trip.com Group (2026-2029) to expand event curation and distribution via Trip.com’s global membership ecosystem. Public Integrity: CCAC reported a case involving an education institution accused of defrauding subsidies under the Continuing Education Development Plan, with the matter referred to prosecutors. International Tensions: China imposed a one-year travel ban on four New Zealand lawmakers over a Taiwan visit, and New Zealand said it will raise concerns with Beijing; the ban covers mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

China-Taiwan Tensions: Beijing has barred four New Zealand MPs from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau for a year after a May Taiwan trip, with the bans potentially lifted if they apologise; Diplomatic Fallout: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters ordered officials to raise the issue with China, while Australia said it will also protest; Macau Business & Tourism: Galaxy Macau and Trip.com Group signed a three-year strategic alliance to expand global live events, concerts and sports experiences at Galaxy Arena; Local Governance & Public Health: Macau’s Food Safety Publicity Week kicked off with forums and a public talk on food safety basics; Environment Watch: Macau urged residents and businesses to join World Environment Day energy-saving moves, including a citywide lights-off hour; Weather Alert: The observatory warned of very hot conditions with temperatures around 33–34°C and possible thunderstorms; Aviation Appointments: Macau government appointed former Economy and Finance secretary Anton Tai Kin Ip and former Sports Bureau chief Pun Weng Kun to the board of airport operator CAM.

Food Safety Publicity Week: The Municipal Affairs Bureau says the month-long 15th Food Safety Publicity Week runs this month alongside World Food Safety Day, with a “Technological Supervision of Food Safety Progress” forum at Crowne Plaza and a free public talk at the Patane Municipal Market Complex. Border & wildlife enforcement: Zhuhai’s Gongbei Customs seized 1.31 kg of stony coral smuggled by a Macau resident, warning that endangered species require proper import-export certificates. Environment Day push: The Environmental Protection Bureau urges residents and businesses to join a lights-off “Switch Off for One Hour” campaign tomorrow and a summer energy-saving programme through Aug 31. Heat alert: The Macao Observatory warns very hot weather will persist, with temperatures around 33°C+ and possible thunderstorms, urging hydration and heatstroke prevention. Local appointments: Former Economy and Finance secretary Anton Tai Kin Ip and former Sports Bureau chief Pun Weng Kun were appointed to the board of Macau International Airport for a three-year term. Tourism & culture: MGTO lists 38 events for “June, Month of Portugal,” while the Cultural Affairs Bureau opens submissions for the 2026 Macau Annual Visual Arts Exhibition (June 12-14) with cash prizes. Sports & entertainment: Galaxy Macau wrapped UFC Fight Week with Song Yadong’s sold-out main event win over Deiveson Figueiredo, as fans and the city keep leaning into “City of Sports” branding. Business & tech: Macau’s MACAU Pass says it is expanding AI-powered digital payments, and Galaxy Macau announced a three-year Trip.com partnership to scale global live events.

UFC in Macau: Galaxy Macau wrapped a packed UFC Fight Week with ROAD TO UFC bouts and the UFC FIGHT NIGHT main event “Song vs Figueiredo,” drawing nearly 20,000 fans to Galaxy Arena and boosting the city’s “City of Sports” tourism push. Gaming M&A Watch: Analysts say Barry Diller’s People Inc. takeover bid for MGM Resorts could trigger scrutiny of MGM’s Macau and Japan assets, with MGM China seen as a key “puzzle piece” that might be divested later. Local Transport: Macau’s Transport and Public Works Secretary Raymond Tam outlined plans to connect the city’s LRT with Hengqin’s future light rail, detailing how the existing Taipa, Seac Pai Van and Hengqin lines fit into the cross-border setup. Digital Currency & Payments: Macau is set to deepen its CBDC cross-border push, joining Project mBridge with Digital Pataca for wider payment interoperability. Public Safety: A lawmaker called for zebra-crossing “black spot” fixes after a fatal pedestrian crash, urging faster improvements to pedestrian safety design. Tech & Privacy: iFlytek unveiled AI smart glasses at BEYOND Expo 2026 in Macau, positioning them for real-time translation while privacy concerns grow. Business & Jobs: The Labour Affairs Bureau opened applications for its 2026 Career Development Internship Programme, offering 850 placements across sectors including tourism, finance and technology.

Macau Economy & Tourism: Gaming revenue hit MOP22.61 billion in May, up 6.7% year-on-year, with the month’s strongest performance since the pandemic as holiday demand and the UFC Fight Night at Galaxy Arena helped lift results. Cross-border Finance: Macau has joined Project mBridge, with 11 local banks integrated and ready to transact via the CBDC settlement platform; AMCM also said the “Digital Pataca” is in sandbox testing for later e-government, public transport and campus use. Transport & Safety: After a 10-year-old boy died on a zebra crossing “black spot,” lawmaker José Maria Pereira Coutinho urged road-safety reforms; meanwhile, Transport Secretary Raymond Tam outlined plans to connect Macau’s LRT with Hengqin’s future light rail. Local Business Support: DSEDT launched the “Macau Signature Brand Plan” to help local products and livestream influencers expand overseas, with first selections expected in October. Tech & Education: UTM hosted a webinar on “Sustainable Hospitality,” while DSAL opened applications for a 2026 internship programme for university graduates. Sports: UFC Macau’s Song Yadong capped the event with a second-round guillotine submission over Deiveson Figueiredo, while Angela Hill and Rodrigo Vera also won on the card. Health & Industry: Kent Imaging named JCare as sole distributor of SnapshotNIR in Hong Kong and Macau, bringing portable near-infrared tissue oxygenation imaging to clinicians.

Digital Finance & Trade: Macau’s 11 banks have started using the cross-border central bank digital currency platform Project mBridge after AMCM completed system integration, with e-MOP moving from sandbox testing toward wider e-government, transport and campus use. Typhoon Preparedness: Researchers say Macau’s improved coastal resilience came less from massive seawalls and more from earlier warnings, color-coded storm-surge alerts and clearer evacuation guidance that boosted public trust. Gaming Economy: Macau posted its strongest May since the pandemic, with GGR rising 6.7% y-o-y to MOP22.61 billion (US$2.8b), supported by holiday demand and events including UFC Fight Night. Local Business Going Global: DSEDT launched the “Macau Signature Brand Plan” to help local brands and livestream influencers expand overseas, selecting up to 20 enterprises and 10 influencers in the first round. Tech & Innovation: BEYOND Expo 2026 wrapped up in Cotai with an “AI: Digital to Physical” focus, drawing 30,000+ visitors and showcasing demos from humanoids to real-world AI. Sports Spotlight: UFC returned to Macau with Song Yadong delivering a main-event submission win over Deiveson Figueiredo, saving a tough night for local fighters. Corporate Watch: MGM Resorts confirmed receiving a takeover offer from People Inc (Barry Diller) valuing the company at about US$18b.

Macau Gaming Update: Macau’s six casinos took MOP22.61 billion (US$2.8b) in May, up 6.7% year-on-year, helped by the Labour Day holiday surge; for the first five months, GGR reached MOP108.37b. BEYOND Expo 2026: The 6th BEYOND Expo wrapped up at The Venetian Cotai Expo with an “AI: Digital to Physical” focus, drawing 30,000+ visitors from 120+ countries and nearly 800 exhibitors. Local Brand Push: The “MARCA✦MACAU Plan” was launched to help Macau enterprises build a shared Macau identity and expand overseas, including via cross-border e-commerce and live-streaming influencers. Digital Finance Talk: AMCM hosted a seminar on central bank digital currencies and cross-border use with Portuguese-speaking countries, discussing the e-MOP and links to PBOC cross-border transfer services. Culture & Tourism Calendar: Free activities and workshops are set for China Cultural and Natural Heritage Day on June 13, while the 26th Macao Lotus Flower Festival runs June 12 to July 17 with 9,000+ lotus pots across the city. Road Safety: A cyclist died after being hit by a bus in Kwai Chung; the driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death. Business Watch: Barry Diller’s People Inc proposed buying the rest of MGM Resorts for $48.30 a share, valuing it at about $18.8b including debt.

UFC Macau Spotlight: Song Yadong saved a tough night for Chinese fighters by submitting former flyweight champ Deiveson Figueiredo with a guillotine choke in the second round at Galaxy Arena, while Kai Asakura snapped a skid with a fast bantamweight knockout and Sergei Pavlovich blasted Tallison Teixeira in 39 seconds. Local Public Safety: Macau’s Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai ordered a thorough probe after a 10-year-old boy was killed on a zebra crossing, with the driver arrested for negligent homicide. Gaming & Tourism Numbers: Hotel occupancy hit 90.2% in April as international guests rose, but gaming spend per visitor lagged, with analysts pointing to a changing visitor mix. Cross-Border Yacht Policy: Hong Kong and Macao welcomed a “milestone” plan that waives guarantee deposits and temporary ship nationality registration for yachts entering nine Greater Bay Area mainland cities via designated ports. Business/Tech: ZTE says it’s aiming to build an AI-era “digital tropical rainforest” ecosystem overseas, and ReNerve signed an exclusive distribution deal to commercialise NervAlign across Hong Kong, Macau and the GBA.

Customs Crackdown: Macau Customs seized 2.4 tonnes of cooked chicken feet worth about 50,000 patacas in a parallel-trading den, arresting a 20-year-old man; the case is being followed up by the IAM and DSF over suspected food-safety and licensing breaches. Wealth-Sharing Update: 2026 cash handouts will start on July 1, with eligibility generally tied to a 183-day stay rule in 2025; permanent residents get 10,000 patacas and non-permanent residents 6,000, with exemptions available from June 15 for defined reasons. Road Safety: CE Sam Hou Fai ordered a thorough investigation after a 10-year-old died on a zebra crossing; the driver was arrested for negligent homicide. GBA Yacht Policy: China’s State Council approved a guarantee-free, temporary nationality registration scheme for Hong Kong and Macao yachts entering nine Guangdong cities via designated ports, cutting costs and paperwork—welcomed as a milestone for the yacht economy. Tourism Numbers: Macau hotel occupancy hit 90.2% in April, up 2.4 points year-on-year, driven by stronger 5-star demand and more international guests. UFC Macau Spotlight: Song Yadong submitted Deiveson Figueiredo in the second round to keep China’s hopes alive, while Alex Perez was taken to hospital after a brutal low blow ended in a No Contest. Tech & Events: BEYOND Expo 2026 showcased “AI: Digital to Physical” with nearly 800 exhibitors, and the Macao Grand Prix Museum marks its 5th anniversary with free admission and Formula 4-themed activities on June 1.

UFC Macau Spotlight: Song Yadong delivered for the home crowd at Galaxy Arena, submitting former UFC flyweight champ Deiveson Figueiredo with a guillotine choke at 4:42 of Round 2 in the bantamweight main event. Event Bonuses: UFC also handed out $100,000 performance bonuses to Song, Kai Asakura, and co-main brawler Alonzo Menifield and Mingyang Zhang. Local Tourism Numbers: Macau hotels logged 4.86 million guests in Jan–Apr, up 1.9% year-on-year, with foreign guests rising 13.8% to 453,000. Greater Bay Area Yacht Access: Hong Kong welcomed Beijing’s approval of an “exempt from guarantees” policy and temporary ship nationality registration for Hong Kong and Macao yachts entering nine mainland GBA cities via designated ports. Education & Culture: UM held Congregation 2026, with Secretary O praising the university as a global gateway for China’s higher education. Tech Showcase in Macau: BEYOND Expo 2026 highlighted “AI: Digital to Physical,” including iFLYTEK’s AI glasses with real-time translation in 122 languages.