AGP Executive Report

Court & Governance: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai inaugurated the new Court of Final Appeal building, moving the top court from Nam Van Lake to the Old Courthouse complex in the city centre, with the former Nam Van Lake premises now used by the Court of Second Instance. Public Health: The Health Department said it will keep following up infants who consumed a lead-flagged batch of Frisolac Prestige Stage 1, with a hotline running and cases referred to the Hospital Authority for monitoring. Food Safety & Trade Watch: China’s customs issued a consumer alert after Macao flagged the same infant formula batch for lead levels above local limits, while noting no such batch has been found entering the mainland so far. Emergency Care: Macao Union Hospital (PUMCH) carried out its first emergency heart procedure, saving a mainland tourist after cardiac arrest and shock. Tourism & Shopping: The 2026 Sands Shopping Carnival wrapped up with nearly 160,000 visits over four days, adding new sports and cultural zones and boosting local SME participation. Community & Culture: The Travelling Dolls exhibition opened at the Rui Cunha Foundation, blending art and anthropology through intercultural storytelling. Sports Spotlight: Türkiye beat Brazil 3-1 to win the Women’s Volleyball Nations League title in Macau, with Melissa Vargas named MVP.

Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Finale: Türkiye beat Brazil 3-1 at the Macau East Asian Games Dome to win the VNL title for the second time, with Melissa Vargas taking MVP and match-high 33 points. Local Sports & Tourism Boost: Citi said Galaxy Macau’s non-gaming sports push around the VNL Finals helped draw a “lively crowd,” including a reported 43% premium mass share during the event period. Typhoon Noul Aftermath: Macau’s Signal No. 3 lasted over 20 hours as Noul approached from the east; Hong Kong raised to Signal No. 9 before downgrading earlier. Public Safety—Food Alert: Macao authorities flagged a Frisolac Prestige Stage 1 infant formula batch (1W07KPJ) for lead above local limits; consumers were urged to stop and monitor infants’ health. Education: Macao University of Tourism launched a Dual Bachelor’s Degree Programme with Australia’s The University of Queensland; the first cohort has departed. Transport & Cross-border: HKIA launched “Park & Visit” for eligible GBA visitors to drive via HZMB and park at Hong Kong Port before visiting the city. Community & Leisure: MINISO opened Macau’s first MINISO LAND at Shoppes at Venetian, while MTRC’s Beyblade tournament is set for Aug 9. Law & Order: PSP uncovered illegal accommodation in Taipa Old Village, finding eight mainland Chinese renting bed spaces.

Transport & Travel: HKIA launched “Park & Visit”, letting eligible GBA visitors and Macao residents drive via the HZMB, park at the Hong Kong Port’s automated car park, clear immigration by shuttle, then continue by public transport. Community & Leisure: Macao LRT will host a “Speeding on the Rails – Beyblade Tournament” on Aug 9 at Barra Station, with Open and Pairs categories plus parent-child activities; registration runs until Aug 5. Sports (VNL Finals): Türkiye beat Brazil 3-1 to win the Women’s Volleyball Nations League title at the Macau East Asian Games Dome, with Melissa Vargas named MVP after a 33-point performance; Italy took bronze by defeating China 3-1. Culture: “Echo the Wind Wanderer” opens in Macao with interactive sections at the Macao Museum of Art and MGM COTAI, running until Oct 11. Weather & Safety: Macao hoisted Strong Wind Signal No. 3 as Typhoon “Noul” approaches; organizers say VNL finals on July 26 will proceed unless stronger signals are issued. Tourism Support: The government assisted Macau passengers stranded in Nanning after an Osaka–Macao flight diversion due to severe weather.

Women’s Volleyball Nations League in Macao: Türkiye beat hosts China 3-0 in the semifinals at the East Asian Games Dome, setting up a gold-medal showdown with Brazil after Brazil dethroned Italy 3-2; organizers say the finals on 26 July will go ahead as scheduled but are tracking Tropical Cyclone “Noul” closely. Weather & event updates: Macao’s Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau hoisted Strong Wind Signal No. 3, warning of sustained winds and gusts that could exceed 110 km/h, with heavy showers and thunderstorms expected; the VNL finals team urged spectators to check the latest travel and weather updates. Local sports rebound: Macau’s Ramon Cao powered a 132-126 comeback win over Titan Ultra in the PBA Governors’ Cup, snapping a 0-4 start and ending a losing skid. Youth basketball spotlight: Cebu City All-Stars captured the inaugural EASL Future Champions Elite title by beating Macau 61-52, with several players set to train in Okinawa with the Ryukyu Golden Kings. Business & regional ties: A China–Portuguese-speaking countries entrepreneurs meeting in Maputo saw 24 cooperation agreements signed, totaling about USD 150 million, with Macao highlighted as a liaison hub. Food safety alert: Macau’s Centre for Food Safety urged residents not to consume a specific batch of Frisolac Prestige Stage 1 infant formula after lead levels were found to possibly exceed limits. E-pay momentum: Macau Business magazine reports cashless payments and e-commerce are accelerating, with mobile payments reaching full saturation levels by 2025.

Sports Spotlight: Türkiye booked the Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals gold-medal match in Macao after a straight-sets 3-0 win over hosts China, led by Melissa Vargas’ 23 points; the Sultans of the Net will face Brazil after Brazil edged Italy 3-2, with China and Italy set for the bronze match. Weather Watch: Macau’s Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau kept Strong Wind Signal No. 3 in place and warned Tropical Cyclone “Noul” could bring heavy showers and stronger winds, with a low-to-moderate chance of Signal No. 8; event organisers said the VNL finals on 26 July will go ahead unless a stronger storm signal is issued. Public Health: The Centre for Food Safety urged residents not to consume a specific batch of Netherlands-made Frisolac Prestige Stage 1 infant formula after lead levels were found to possibly exceed limits, and called for affected trade to stop selling or using it. Regional Business: More than 350 representatives, including from Macao, met in Maputo to push China–Portuguese-speaking country cooperation, signing 24 deals worth about US$150 million, focused on logistics infrastructure. Local Economy & Lifestyle: Macau continues accelerating cashless payments, while the city also faces ongoing summer heat risks, with health authorities reminding the public to hydrate and avoid strenuous outdoor activity. Youth Sports: Cebu City All-Stars beat Macau 61-52 to win the inaugural EASL Future Elite title, with several players heading to train in Okinawa.

Typhoon Noul Disrupts Region: Macau’s observatory hoisted Standby Signal No. 1 at 10pm as Tropical Cyclone “Noul” approaches, with a medium-to-relatively high chance of Strong Wind Signal No. 3 between tomorrow night and early Sunday; winds are expected to intensify tomorrow evening, and the bureau said storm surge risk is relatively low. Local Sports Update: Organisers of the Women’s Volleyball Nations League – Finals Macao 2026 (Galaxy) said all matches will proceed as planned for now, while monitoring Noul and urging visitors to check official weather updates. EASL Youth Basketball: Cebu City All-Stars beat Macau 61-52 to win the inaugural EASL Future Champions Elite title in Hong Kong, with MVP Kent Labitad leading a late surge; Macau coach Garrett Kelly said it was tough but praised the Philippines’ spirit. E-Pay Push: A Macau Business report says cashless payments have surged, with mobile payment transactions reaching 390 million in 2025 (MOP33.32b), and government support including “Tap” tech and SME digital services. Population Census Starts: Macau’s 2026 Population By-Census begins 25 July, with online completion via Macao One Account from 25 July to 10 August and follow-up visits from 1 to 15 August.

Weather & Health: Macau’s observatory hoisted Standby Signal No. 1 for Tropical Cyclone “Noul”, with a medium-to-relatively high chance of Strong Wind Signal No. 3 later Sunday; the Health Bureau also urged residents to beat the heat by hydrating, avoiding strenuous outdoor activity, and taking extra care for children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses. Public Safety & Health Services: SSM is testing 30 smart mosquito traps after yellow-alert ovitrap readings stayed high in May and June, with dengue and chikungunya risks rising as summer tourism peaks. Local Governance & Data: The 2026 Population By-Census starts on 25 July, with households encouraged to complete online via Macao One Account and enumerators visiting non-respondents from 1–15 August. Macau Economy & Tourism: Las Vegas Sands said it will renovate all 2,900 rooms at The Venetian Macao by Chinese New Year 2028 as VIP and premium mass demand remains key to recovery. Culture & Community: Ok Taecyeon of 2PM announced fan meetups in Macao in November. Sports (Macau-linked): China reached the VNL semi-finals after a 3-2 upset of the USA at Macau’s East Asian Games Dome.

Macau Sports Spotlight: Host China stunned top-seeded USA 3-2 in the Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals at the East Asian Games Dome, booking a semifinal against Türkiye after a dramatic 15-13 fifth set. Gaming & Regulation: Macau casino operators held an emergency meeting with the regulator over a surge in illegal proxy betting, as police continue arresting Mainland suspects livestreaming baccarat for remote gamblers. Public Health: The Health Bureau is trialing 30 smart mosquito traps after two months of yellow-alert ovitrap readings, with dengue and chikungunya risks rising during peak summer travel. Tourism & Retail: Sands Shopping Carnival kicked off at Venetian Macao with a new Sports Experience zone and an expanded Cultural and Creative area, while Miniso opened Macau’s first Miniso Land IP-driven store at The Shoppes at Venetian. Property Update: Macau approved Wynn Palace’s expansion, clearing the way for a new hotel tower, theatre and events centre under revised land concession terms. Culture & Community: The International Youth Dance Festival 2026 wrapped up at Macao Forum, bringing troupes from multiple countries and regions to showcase youth dance exchanges.

Wynn Palace Expansion: Macao has green-lit Wynn’s Cotai expansion, approving a revised land concession that clears the way for a new hotel tower, theatre and events centre under Wynn Macau’s non-gaming commitments. Public Health: The Health Bureau is stepping up mosquito control and community inspections as dengue and chikungunya risks rise in summer, with more frequent operations at hygiene “black spots.” Drugs at Airport: Judiciary Police arrested a 32-year-old Malaysian woman at Macau airport over a cannabis haul worth about 6.7 million patacas, with police tracing the origin and possible accomplices. Sports Spotlight (VNL): China stunned the US 3-2 to reach the VNL semi-finals, setting up a last-four clash with Türkiye after Türkiye beat Canada 3-1. Academic & Culture: MUST hosted an international push for respiratory disease AI research with an expanded international advisory team, while UM welcomed the 18th International Society for Utilitarian Studies conference—its first in China. Youth & Community: The International Youth Dance Festival 2026 wrapped up with performances at Macao Forum, bringing troupes from multiple regions to showcase cultural exchange.

Macau Governance & Public Services: The Government Information Bureau (GCS) launched its official “macaogcs” Threads account to reach younger residents with faster policy updates. Cross-border Livelihoods: Macau’s central provident fund transfers to Guangdong bank accounts are now operational, with a one-time registration enabling automatic ongoing payments for eligible residents in Hengqin. Health & Social Support: Authorities said a citywide assessment found over 1,500 seniors with unusual emotional symptoms, including 270 high-risk cases, and announced expanded community care plus a self-check link via the Macao One Account platform. Smoking Law Update: Macau will roll out its first official outdoor no-smoking zones at Dr. Carlos d’Assumpção Park, Border Gate Square and the Ruins of St. Paul’s precinct, after LegCo approved amendments to the Tobacco Prevention and Control Law. Gaming Industry Oversight: Lawmaker José Pereira Coutinho criticised authorities’ response to casino crimes, saying illegal betting networks operate with cross-border logistics. Tourism & Events: The 2026 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair returns Aug 6-9 at Cotai Expo, with silver economy and healthy living themes, and free public access from day two. Regional Sports Spotlight: Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals Macao 2026 continued with quarterfinals including Türkiye vs Canada and China vs USA. Weather Watch: China’s meteorological authorities forecast a developing typhoon may affect Macau and Hong Kong around July 25-26.

Pension & benefits upgrade: Macao’s central provident fund transfers to Guangdong bank accounts are now fully operational under a one-stop Hengqin channel, letting eligible residents register once in Macao and receive payments automatically in Guangdong. Gaming & tourism development: The government has green-lit Wynn Palace’s Cotai expansion, approving a new hotel tower plus theatre and entertainment centre, while Wynn Macau also rolled out a dengue prevention campaign after a visitor-linked case. Public finance: Fiscal reserves hit a record 702.26 billion patacas at end-May, up 5.3% from end-2025. Social security adjustment: Lawmakers backed topping up the civil service pension fund, and the Social Security Fund plans to lower the periodic benefit adjustment trigger to 2% from 3%. Culture & community ties: MSAR hosted Portuguese-speaking countries cultural officials in Macao, and the “Echo the Wind Wanderer” children’s arts exhibition opens Sunday. Sports spotlight: Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals in Macao begin, with quarterfinals set for Thursday (China vs USA at 7:30pm). Health & hygiene: FEHD released new July Aedes albopictus gravidtrap/density indexes across 19 survey areas, and IAM held mosquito/rodent prevention talks for foreign residents. Regional links: A forum at Wynn Macau focused on the 15th Five-Year Plan and opportunities for Macau. Cross-border enforcement: Hong Kong Customs seized drugs in airport cases involving incoming passengers, including cocaine and methamphetamine.

Wynn Palace Expansion: Macau’s government has approved Wynn to proceed with a new luxury hotel at Wynn Palace, requiring a MOP652 million contract premium, with plans for a 432-room all-suite tower plus added theatre and event facilities. Public Health: After a dengue case linked to a Wynn Macau visitor, the Health Bureau and resort management launched targeted mosquito control within about 100 metres, alongside inspections and standing-water removal. Community Prevention: IAM and the Health Bureau held a mosquito-and-rodent prevention talk for Vietnamese residents, focusing on practical “three no’s” for safer home hygiene. Social Security: Lawmakers backed a plan to top up the civil service pension fund using budget surpluses, while the Social Security Fund also moved to lower the benefits adjustment trigger to 2% and cap old-age pension review intervals at three years. Education & Youth: The Macau-Hengqin University Town project is set to receive about MOP20 billion, aiming for 20,000 students by 2030. Trade & Business: Applications are open for the 31st MIF “Macao Local Enterprise Sales Area” (Oct 21-24), with a reduced exhibition fee of MOP2,700 for eligible firms. Sports & Tourism: The Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals kick off in Cotai today, with Macau positioning itself as a “City of Sports” alongside a volleyball carnival and cultural activities.

Social Security Update: Macau’s Social Security Fund will lower the trigger for periodic benefit adjustments, cutting the cumulative CPI change threshold from 3% to 2%, and will set a flexible rule so old-age pension reviews happen at least every three years. Regional Policy Forum: An “Ask China – Macau Edition 2026” forum at Wynn Macau focused on how the 15th Five-Year Plan and Macau’s 2026-2030 development plan could open new opportunities for the city and the wider business community. Sports & Tourism Spotlight: The Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals Macao 2026 presented by Galaxy Entertainment Group kicks off today at the East Asian Games Dome, with China set to face the US in the quarterfinals and organisers touting a week of matches plus a volleyball-themed carnival. Culture & Heritage: The Macau Cello Ensemble will bring “Macau Imagery” to Hengqin and Shenzhen, highlighting Macau’s classical music growth and cultural reflection through a Greater Bay Area tour. Event Call: The 17th AFA Autumn Salon 2026 is inviting submissions for Macau’s edition (Oct-Nov) and will also debut in Shanghai in 2027, aiming to showcase Macau artists to mainland and international audiences. Court Move: Macau’s Court of Final Appeal will relocate to the Old Courthouse next Monday in the city centre.

Social Security Update: Macau’s Social Security Fund backed changes to the Periodic Adjustment Mechanism, including lowering the activation threshold to 2% and setting old-age pension adjustments at intervals of no more than 3 years, after a UM study linked adjustments to the minimum subsistence index. Judicial Relocation: The Court of Final Appeal will move from Nam Van Lake to the Old Courthouse complex next Monday, with new addresses and updated phone numbers. Transport & Payments: A new seven-year concession for metered public parking will bring electronic payments to around 10,000 spaces, including “Easy Transfer,” plus app/website tools for real-time availability and remote payment. Sports & Events: Macau will host the Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals (22-26 July) at the East Asian Games Dome, with China set to play the US on Thursday; meanwhile, Macau’s U17 women’s team has been drawn into Group F for AFC qualifiers. Tourism & Culture: MGTO and Flyday HK launch “MACAO, GET, SET, GLOW 2026,” and local artist Julia Lam’s “Hua of Casa” exhibition runs for six months at Mandarin Oriental. Gaming Watch: Citi estimates GGR rose about 9% week-on-week after the World Cup ended, with daily average GGR around MOP679 million.

Court Relocation: Macao’s Court of Final Appeal will move to the Old Courthouse complex in the city centre next Monday, with the new address at Avenida da Praia Grande No. 459 and updated phone numbers. Women’s Volleyball in Cotai: China’s women’s team arrived in Macau ahead of the Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Finals Macao 2026 at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, running 22-26 July, with tickets now on sale. Arts & Culture: Local artist Julia Lam Tsz Kwan’s “Hua of Casa” exhibition opens for six months at Mandarin Oriental, Macau, blending Macau landmarks with Portuguese “home” themes. Food & Tourism: Wynn Macau’s Drunken Fish debuts on 50 Best Discovery, adding another global spotlight to Macao’s dining scene. Digital Inclusion: A seminar on “Digital Inclusion – Innovation and Application of Accessible Technologies” drew about 120 participants to promote accessible ICT for seniors and people with disabilities. Public Safety & Cyber: Judiciary Police upgrade plans include new vulnerability management technical specs and a review of cyber security rules amid deepfake and cross-border fraud risks. Visitor Numbers: Macau logged nearly 21 million visitor arrivals in H1, up 9% year-on-year, while international arrivals grew more slowly. Drugs at Airport: A Malaysian man was arrested at Macau International Airport for allegedly smuggling 3.4kg of cannabis worth about MOP3.41 million.

Digital Inclusion: Macao held a seminar on “Digital Inclusion – Innovation and Application of Accessible Technologies” on July 17, co-organised by the Post and Telecommunications Bureau (CTT) and the Social Welfare Bureau, to boost adoption of accessible ICT and bridge the digital divide for seniors and people with disabilities, with around 120 participants attending. Youth & Culture: The International Youth Dance Festival 2026 kicked off with a parade at the Ruins of St Paul’s, drawing over 800 dancers from 33 groups, and will run until July 23 with performances and flashmobs also staged in Hengqin. Local Talent on the Move: Macao will send 24 young competitors to Shanghai in September for the 48th WorldSkills Competition after a selection process involving hundreds of applicants and intensive training. Tourism & Business: The 2026 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair is set for Aug 6-9 at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo, featuring zones including silver economy wellness and healthy living, plus forums and business matching. Public Safety/Crime: Judiciary Police arrested a 26-year-old Malaysian man at the airport for smuggling about 3.4kg of cannabis worth 3.41 million patacas, with investigations continuing. Gaming Integrity: Macau’s regulator DICJ reiterated oversight rules after online rumours about “electronic baccarat shoes,” stressing testing, certification, approval and inspections.