AGP Executive Report

Environment & Energy: Macao kicked off its 2026 Environment Day programme and “energy saving and carbon reduction for all” campaign, with schools, online livestreams and “lights off one hour” among planned activities, as officials said local carbon emissions have stabilized and land transport has hit its carbon peak. Tourism Push: MGTO is stepping up Southeast Asia outreach, running Macao Tourism Product Updates Seminars and a Travel Mart in Malaysia and Thailand to refresh trade partners on “tourism +” offerings, including MICE and Muslim-friendly elements. Cross-border Finance: Macao’s banks completed 23 first-day mBridge cross-border CBDC transactions, totaling nearly MOP13 billion, linking China, Hong Kong and the UAE, with more banks preparing to join. Food Safety Tech: IAM rolled out and expanded its smart food-safety supervision tools, including a registration system for takeaway outlets (4,267 registered as of mid-May) and a Food Safety Week forum focused on AI and remote monitoring. Public Order: Macau Judiciary Police arrested 26 suspects in a prostitution crackdown on “sauna” fronts, seizing price lists and paraphernalia and estimating last year’s illicit earnings at 240–320 million patacas. Global Tech/Trade: The US BIS closed a China-linked AI chip compliance loophole, tightening licence requirements that could affect chip supply chains across Asia-Pacific, including Macau-linked entities.

US-China Tech Controls: Washington says licences are needed for advanced AI chips when the buyer is headquartered in mainland China or Macau—even if purchases route through overseas subsidiaries—raising new compliance pressure on Chinese tech firms and their Southeast Asia data-centre pivots. Yuan Use: Standard Chartered data shows global yuan use has more than doubled since 2015, with the index rebounding in early 2026 amid Middle East-driven demand and RMB policy support in the mainland and Hong Kong. Macao Tourism Push: MGTO is expanding Southeast Asia reach, running a Macao Tourism Product Updates Seminar and Travel Mart in Malaysia and Thailand to sell “tourism +” packages to trade partners and travellers. Food Safety Tech: IAM launched the 15th Food Safety Week and highlighted an AI-enabled food safety risk monitoring and early alert platform, while also tightening takeaway shop registration and inspections. Prostitution Crackdown: Macau Judiciary Police arrested 26 suspects in raids targeting prostitution rings disguised as “saunas,” seizing price lists and paraphernalia and estimating illicit earnings in the hundreds of millions of patacas. mBridge Banking: Local banks completed first-day cross-border mBridge CBDC transactions, with deals involving China, Hong Kong and the UAE worth nearly MOP13 billion. Health Deal: Everest Medicines secured an Asia-Pacific commercialization licence for Bejescin(R) with Mabworks, including upfront and milestone payments.

mBridge Rollout in Macau: The Monetary Authority of Macao says local banks completed 23 cross-border transactions on the first day after Macau went live on mBridge, with deals involving China, Hong Kong and the UAE worth nearly MOP13 billion, while the remaining participating banks prepare to join. Food Safety Tech Push: IAM launched the 15th Food Safety Week on “Technological Supervision of Food Safety Progress,” highlighting AI and remote monitoring tools, while also expanding its “Food Safety Risk Alert Platform” and tightening takeaway-shop oversight via the registration system (4,267 registered shops; 3,650+ inspections since 2025). Mosquito Control Update: FEHD released the latest gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May, noting a seasonal rise tied to earlier warming and heavier April-May rainfall. Prostitution Crackdown: Macau Judiciary Police arrested 26 suspects, including active-duty and retired officers, in raids targeting prostitution rings disguised as “saunas,” with alleged earnings estimated at 240–320 million patacas last year. Biotech Deal Spotlight: A roundup of major 2026 oncology deals points to big pharma partnering for pipeline expansion, including Everest Medicines’ Asia-Pacific commercialization licensing for Bejescin(R) with Mabworks covering Macau and Hong Kong. Entertainment Export: Damai Entertainment set an international theatrical rollout for “Dear You,” with Macau among the first territories starting June 18.

mBridge Rollout in Macau: The Monetary Authority of Macao has officially brought the city onto the mBridge cross-border CBDC payments platform, with 11 banks participating and BoCom Macau Branch completing two early mBridge deals—an e-MOP remittance and a RMB 500 million digital yuan cross-border collection—marking a practical step toward faster, cheaper settlement for trade and remittances. Hengqin Integration Push: China’s top liaison official for Hong Kong and Macau, Xia Baolong, visited Zhuhai including Hengqin to urge deeper alignment with the 15th Five-Year Plan and Greater Bay Area integration, including a stop at Macau International Airport’s Hengqin cargo terminal project slated for 2027 operations. Macau Traffic Safety Pressure: Northern District councillors renewed calls for safer zebra crossings after a boy’s death on a zebra crossing, arguing enforcement and awareness efforts haven’t yet delivered “safe travel” outcomes. Macau Business & Culture: MGM hosted “Vino Condiviso 2026 Macau, Viva Italia,” bringing more than 100 Italian wine labels and a Michelin-star dining showcase to support Macau’s premium lifestyle and tourism positioning. Regional Policy Watch: China’s one-year travel ban on New Zealand lawmakers after a Taiwan visit is escalating diplomatic friction involving Hong Kong and Macau as well.

CBDC & Cross-border Finance: Macau officially went live on mBridge, with 11 commercial banks connected and BoCom Macau Branch completing two early transactions (e-MOP remittance and RMB 500m digital yuan collection), while the digital Macao pataca remains in sandbox for domestic use. Local Governance & Safety: Northern District councillors pressed the government for safer zebra crossings after a fatal boy death, citing repeated incidents on Avenida do Conselheiro Borja. Tourism & Entertainment: MGM hosted “Vino Condiviso 2026 Macau, Viva Italia” at MGM Cotai, drawing 250+ attendees and 100+ Italian wine labels, alongside Michelin-star Sichuan dining. Policy & Social Services: Lawmakers flagged Macau’s low birthrate impacts on schools and teachers; the government outlined Education Fund subsidies and 2026–27 support measures. Transport & Market Supply: A new tender opens for 14 eight-year taxi operating licences (up to 50 taxis per bidder), as Macau prepares for more corporate-licensed taxis. Gaming & Events: Galaxy Macau’s UFC Fight Week partnership delivered a sell-out UFC Fight Night at Galaxy Arena, reinforcing Macau’s “City of Sports” push.

China-Taiwan Diplomatic Fallout: China has imposed a one-year entry ban on four New Zealand MPs—Maureen Pugh, Duncan Webb, Laura McClure and David Wilson—after their May trip to Taiwan, with Beijing reportedly offering to suspend or lift the sanction if they apologize; New Zealand’s Winston Peters says officials will raise the issue and Australia also plans representations. Macao Gaming & Events: Galaxy Macau wrapped a sell-out UFC Fight Night as part of a new UFC partnership, drawing nearly 20,000 fans across three nights and reinforcing Macau’s “City of Sports” push. Macao Tourism & Partnerships: Galaxy Macau signed a three-year strategic alliance with Trip.com to expand headline concerts, sports events and premium travel experiences for global audiences. Macao Finance & Money Supply: Macau’s broad money supply fell in April as deposits and loans declined month-on-month, with M2 down 0.6% to MOP854.4 billion. Macau Smart Payments: MACAU Pass said it is expanding AI-enabled digital payment services in Macao, with MPay used by nearly 90% of residents and covering 100+ daily scenarios. Cross-border Trade Controls: The US moved to close a loophole that let China-linked firms buy restricted Nvidia AI chips via offshore subsidiaries, tightening export-license requirements tied to ultimate parent companies.

Macau Airport Governance: Former Economy and Finance secretary Anton Tai Kin Ip and ex-sports chief Pun Weng Kun have been appointed to the board of Macau International Airport (CAM), with Chui Sai Cheong named chairman, as the government refreshes CAM’s leadership for a three-year term. Smart-City Energy Push: Ahead of World Environment Day, Macau will run a “Switch Off for One Hour” lights-off drive across bridges, resorts, selected government sites and participating businesses, while a summer energy-saving programme runs through August. Digital Payments & AI Finance: MACAU Pass says its MPay e-wallet—backed by Ant Bank (Macao) and Alibaba ecosystem partners—has expanded AI-powered payment assistance for small businesses, supporting broader smart-finance rollout. Monetary Snapshot: Macau’s broad money supply fell in April, with resident deposits and private-sector loans both down month-on-month, while external loans rose. LRT-Bus Integration Talks: Lawmakers again pressed for transfer discounts between Macau’s LRT and buses; officials say bus contract negotiations and new QR-capable fare gates could move the plan forward. Cross-Border Compliance: Zhuhai Gongbei Customs seized 1.31 kg of protected stony coral smuggled by a Macau resident, warning that endangered species require proper import-export certificates. BEYOND Expo Tech: Chinese embodied AI firms including Pudu Robotics and Matrix Robotics showcased products and overseas plans at BEYOND Expo in Macau, with leaders saying global breakthroughs may still take years. Healthcare Deal Watch: Eli Lilly’s $1.9bn RNA exon-editing collaboration with Ascidian targets inherited kidney diseases, adding momentum to biotech partnerships with regional relevance.

Macau Digital Currency Push: The Monetary Authority of Macao says the city is “pragmatically advancing” toward a Digital Pataca, while stressing no near-term plan to change casino currency use and aiming for a cross-border CBDC platform via mBridge. Gaming & Corporate Moves: Analysts warn a People Inc. takeover bid for MGM Resorts could trigger review or divestment of MGM China and the MGM Osaka project, as Macau’s May gaming revenue rose 7% y/y to US$2.8bn. Cross-border Finance & Compliance: 11 Macau banks sign up for Project mBridge, while HKMA issues alerts on fake e-HKD-related websites and investment schemes. Local Infrastructure Planning: Transport chief Raymond Tam outlines plans to connect Macau’s LRT with Hengqin’s future light rail. Business Climate & Talent: A Career Development Internship Programme 2026 opens with 850 placements across sectors, and Macau’s retail backdrop shows broader momentum with April retail sales up 8.6% (online up sharply). Tech & Robotics at BEYOND Expo: Embodied AI firms including Pudu and Matrix Robotics showcased global plans, with Pudu eyeing a Hong Kong listing amid geopolitical supply-chain pressure.

Digital Pataca & mBridge: Macau is “pragmatically advancing” toward a Digital Pataca, with the digital pataca entering sandbox testing and AMCM saying it will be used for e-government services, public transport and campuses; meanwhile 11 Macau banks have been integrated into Project mBridge so they can start cross-border CBDC transactions from Tuesday. Local Economy Branding: DSEDT launched the “Macau Signature Brand Plan” to help local products and livestream influencers expand overseas, with a first-round cap of up to 20 enterprises and 10 influencers expected to be announced in October. Gaming Momentum: Macau casino gross gaming revenue rose 7% year-on-year in May to MOP22.61 billion, the strongest month since the pandemic, supported by major events including UFC Fight Night at Galaxy. Transport Planning: Transport chief Raymond Tam outlined plans to connect Macau’s LRT with Hengqin’s future light rail, detailing current lines and the Hengqin joint checkpoint governance. Workforce & Youth: The Labour Affairs Bureau opened applications for a 2026 three-month Career Development Internship Programme offering 850 placements across nine sectors, while a youth entrepreneurship survey found policy support is boosting start-up confidence. Public Health: SSM will deploy drones to inspect hard-to-reach dengue hotspots as the mosquito ovitrap index rises.

Digital Finance: Macau’s Monetary Authority says 11 local banks have joined Project mBridge, with system integration completed so participating banks can start transacting via the cross-border central bank digital currency platform; the city’s digital pataca (e-MOP) is also in sandbox testing, with transaction trials running through a user whitelist ahead of a wider rollout. Gaming & Markets: Macau posted its strongest May since the pandemic, with gross gaming revenue at MOP22.61 billion (US$2.8b), up 6.7% year-on-year, lifting investor sentiment across listed casino operators. Branding & Trade: DSEDT launched the “Macau Signature” collective brand plan to help local products and livestream influencers expand overseas, with a first-round selection capped at 20 enterprises and 10 influencers. Entrepreneurship: A survey by the Macau Management Association and Macau Management Institute finds youth entrepreneurship confidence is rising, citing Hengqin integration and Greater Bay Area opportunities. Public Health Ops: SSM will deploy drones to inspect hard-to-reach dengue hotspots as conditions worsen, scaling inspection frequency from July. Global Business Watch: US guidance tightens rules on advanced AI chip access for China- or Macau-headquartered entities, even via overseas subsidiaries.

Macau Gaming Watch: Macau’s six casinos took MOP22.61 billion (US$2.8b) in gross gaming revenue in May, up 6.7% year-on-year and the best May since 2019, helped by Labor Day and Buddha’s Birthday visitor surges; Cross-border Finance: AMCM hosted a seminar on central bank digital currencies and cross-border use, with officials pointing to progress on the e-MOP and tighter connectivity with PBOC transfer services; Tech & Entrepreneurship: BEYOND Expo 2026 wrapped up in Cotai with “AI: Digital to Physical,” drawing 30,000+ visitors and nearly 800 exhibitors, while local brand “MARCA✦MACAU Plan” launched to help Macau products and live-streaming influencers expand overseas; Local Economy & Jobs: Public cleaning outsourcing saw more local hires in Q1 2026, alongside fewer registered jobseekers for cleaning roles; Social & Community: A survey found nearly half of residents want stronger professional training for childcare workers, and lawmakers moved to expedite road safety law changes after a fatal zebra crossing crash; Business & Markets: QBE appointed Andy Tsui to lead underwriting for Hong Kong and Macau and People Risk across Asia, and ReNerve signed a distribution deal to commercialise its NervAlign products in Hong Kong, Macau and the Greater Bay Area.

Greater Bay Area Yacht Policy: China’s State Council approved “guarantee-free” access for Hong Kong and Macao private yachts to nine GBA mainland cities, removing the guarantee deposit and temporary ship nationality registration for designated-port trips—seen as a boost for solo yacht tourism and the yacht economy. Macau Tourism Economics: As visitor numbers keep rising, CreditSights says gaming spend per capita is still lagging, with April GGR spend per visitor down year-on-year, while non-gaming spend jumped in 1Q26. Macau Public Health & Food Safety: The Health Bureau reported a higher ovitrap index in May, prompting building cleanup efforts to curb mosquito-borne risks; meanwhile, IAM flagged two bottled water brands with enterococci and ordered affected batches stopped, and Customs seized 2.4 tonnes of cooked chicken feet in a parallel-trading crackdown. Wealth Sharing: Macau confirmed 2026 cash handouts will start on July 1, with eligibility tied to a 183-day stay rule and an application route for exemptions. Business & Trade Support: HKPC and DHL will co-host an SME-focused “Blueprint for Global Expansion” forum on June 12, targeting common overseas barriers like customs complexity and logistics costs. Tech & Innovation in Macau: BEYOND Expo 2026 in Cotai showcased “AI: Digital to Physical” with nearly 800 exhibitors, including real-time translation AI glasses. Healthcare Deal: ReNerve signed an exclusive distribution agreement via Hong Kong-based STC to commercialise NervAlign products across Hong Kong, Macau and the Greater Bay Area.

Public Health Alert: Macau’s Municipal Affairs Bureau flagged two bottled water brands—UK’s “Still Scottish Mountain Water” (Marks & Spencer) and South Korea’s “LOTTE ICIS Natural Mineral Water 8.0” (Lotte)—after tests found enterococci levels that fail hygiene and quality guidelines, urging buyers to stop drinking and for supply/sales to be halted. Customs Crackdown: Macau Customs seized 2.4 tonnes of cooked chicken feet worth about 50,000 patacas in a parallel-trading den raid, citing violations of food safety and external trade rules, with the case handed to the Municipal Affairs Bureau and Financial Services Bureau. Wealth Sharing Update: The government confirmed 2026 cash handouts will start on July 1, with eligibility tied mainly to a 183-day Macau stay in 2025 and an application route for exemptions from June 15; payouts remain 10,000 patacas for permanent residents and 6,000 for non-permanent residents. Mosquito Control Push: The Health Bureau said the ovitrap index rose year-on-year in May to 57.3%, as it launched building cleanup targeting older districts to curb dengue and chikungunya risk. Greater Bay Area Yacht Policy: China’s State Council approved “guarantee-free” entry and temporary ship nationality registration for Hong Kong and Macao yachts to designated ports in nine Guangdong cities, cutting financial and paperwork burdens and boosting the yacht economy. Tech & Business Spotlight: BEYOND Expo 2026 in Cotai showcased “AI: Digital to Physical” with nearly 800 exhibitors and a growing role for smaller one-person companies, while Macao’s real-world AI applications drew attention. UFC Macau Economy Moment: UFC Macau delivered major local buzz and payouts, with Song Yadong’s win and performance bonuses highlighting how sports events keep generating spending and media attention around Macau’s entertainment hub.

UFC Macau Bonuses: Song Yadong powered a Round 2 guillotine choke over Deiveson Figueiredo to win the night’s top $100,000 performance bonus, while Kai Asakura earned another $100,000 for his first-round stoppage of Cameron Smotherman; Alonzo Menifield and Mingyang Zhang also took $100,000 fight-of-the-night awards after a brawling co-main. GBA 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, aiming to cut owners’ cross-border costs and simplify procedures. Yacht Economy Push: Industry leaders urged Hong Kong to fix immigration bottlenecks, upgrade mooring facilities and tailor niche itineraries to capture new demand as yacht rules ease. APEC Tourism Prep: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai told consuls and officials that “Macau’s strength” will help ensure the success of the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting on June 24–28. Smart City Tech: BEYOND Expo 2026 in Macao showcased real-world AI-to-physical applications, including iFLYTEK’s AI glasses with real-time translation in 122 languages. Gaming Leadership Move: Sands China is set to appoint former MGM China president and COO Hubert Wang as COO from June 1, overseeing gaming and resort operations and marketing. Smart Payments: Fonepay integrated UnionPay into its QR network in Nepal, enabling UnionPay users from markets including Macau to pay at 2 million+ merchants.

Macau Economy & Finance: The Monetary Authority of Macao said composite interest rates for the Macao pataca and Hong Kong dollar eased in Q1 2026, with the pataca rate down to 1.16% and the HKD rate to 2.22% at end-March. Payments & Retail Demand: DSEC data showed April electronic payment values rose 1.6% YoY for restaurants and similar establishments (to MOP1.08b) and 12.0% YoY for retail trade (to MOP4.20b), with cosmetics, watches and jewellery leading growth. Labour Market: Macau’s resident unemployment rate edged up to 2.3% for Feb–Apr 2026, while underemployment also ticked higher. Gaming Business Leadership: Sands China is set to appoint former MGM China president and COO Hubert Wang as Chief Operating Officer from 1 June, tasking him with casino and resort operations, marketing and strategy. Industry Supply Chain: Cartamundi’s “Bee Macau” playing card factory began full-scale production in early May, described as a strategic addition to its global network. Tech & Smart City: BEYOND Expo 2026 in Macao highlighted “AI: Digital to Physical,” including iFLYTEK’s new AI glasses with real-time translation in 122 languages. Corporate Growth (Regional): CHAGEE reported Q1 2026 overseas GMV up 139% YoY to RMB426m, as global expansion accelerates.

Macau Economy & Finance: Macao’s composite interest rates eased in Q1 2026, with the pataca rate down to 1.16% and the HK dollar rate to 2.22% at end-March, while Payments & Retail Pulse: April electronic payment values rose 1.6% YoY for restaurants and 12.0% for retail trade, led by big gains in cosmetics/sanitary (+34.7%) and jewellery (+30.8%). Labour Market Watch: The unemployment rate for local residents edged up to 2.3% (Feb–Apr 2026), with job seekers mainly coming from retail trade and gaming, and Manpower & Wages: employment in restaurants, manufacturing and elderly care increased in the first quarter, while hotel employment stayed flat. BEYOND Expo 2026 (Macao Tech): At BEYOND Expo 2026, iFLYTEK showcased AI glasses with real-time translation in 122 languages, and the expo also highlighted AI-to-physical industrial integration, alongside Smart Manufacturing: Makera previewed its Makera Z1 desktop CNC at the show, touting lower barriers for makers. Gaming Business Personnel: Sands China is set to appoint former MGM China COO Hubert Wang as COO from June 1, overseeing casino and hospitality operations, marketing and strategy. Property Snapshot: Macau home prices slipped slightly in Q1 while rents were broadly stable, with some industry players expecting rent to stay flat. Digital Payments Expansion: Fonepay integrated UnionPay into its QR network, enabling UnionPay users (including from Macau) to pay at over 2 million merchants in Nepal. Trade & Regional Links: A China-Germany economic roundtable in Guangzhou pointed to deeper cooperation in digitalization and decarbonization, with the Greater Bay Area flagged as a key innovation centre.