AGP Executive Report

Macao–Hengqin Integration: A new Xinhua profile shows how Macao residents are increasingly living and working across the border, with over 30,000 Macao people now based in Hengqin’s cooperation zone and commutes often under 40 minutes, underscoring the push to expand Macao’s living and job space. Tourism Momentum: Macau’s visitor arrivals topped 20 million in 2026, reaching the milestone 18 days earlier than last year, but analysts warn higher arrivals may not translate into stronger gaming spend due to more day-trippers and limited hotel supply. APEC Tourism Push: Macau will host the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting and related working group sessions from June 24–28, with MGTO saying the agenda will highlight hospitality, cuisine, creative industries and the Macao–China culture blend. Gaming Sentiment: Citi flags a 38% year-on-year drop in Macau premium mass table wager observed in June, citing the World Cup and a tough comparison versus last year’s Jacky Cheung concert. Sustainability in Logistics & Retail: DHL Express and Hong Kong designer Eric Wong launch an upcycled accessories line made from retired courier uniforms, with proceeds supporting Redress and DHL using GoGreen Plus shipping to cut emissions. Biotech Deal Watch: Antengene signed an exclusive license with K2 Therapeutics for ATG-106 (outside Greater China), adding upfront/near-term consideration of about USD 20 million and potential future milestones. Compliance Focus: New anti-corruption rules tightening criminal thresholds for food, drug and healthcare are set to raise the bar for pharmaceutical compliance frameworks.

Macau Public Safety: Macau’s total crimes rose 1.3% year-on-year to 3,332 in Q1, with non-locals accounting for 31.7% (1,057 cases), as the Security Office said it will hold the next crime-statistics press briefing for H1 when needed. Education & Talent: Macau Saint Paul School students stood out at the 22nd FLTRP Cup National English Competition in Wuxi, with teachers citing strong training and a growing national-stage performance. Gaming & Tech Policy: Sands China and Macao Polytechnic University hosted an AI symposium where tech leaders warned Macau’s digital ambitions may be slowed by rules barring integrated resort operators from using standard public cloud services, forcing costly on-premise setups. Labour & Compliance: Authorities reported 117 suspected illegal workers found at 304 sites in May, up sharply from the prior month, highlighting ongoing enforcement against illegal employment. Regional Business Links: A Macao ASEAN International Chamber delegation met China’s consul general in Ho Chi Minh City to push Macau’s role as a gateway between the Greater Bay Area and ASEAN, including visa and regulatory hurdles. Cross-border Diplomacy: China’s sanctions on Philippine defence chief Gibo Teodoro and family were described by local media as crossing into unilateral coercive measures, with Manila pushing back.

Macao-Adjacent Policy & Economy: Macao is preparing for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24-28), with the Government Tourism Office saying staff training, sideline events and cross-agency work are in place to showcase the city’s hospitality, cuisine and creative industries. Digital Infrastructure Constraint: Tech leaders at a Macau AI symposium warned that data-residency rules bar integrated resort operators from using standard public cloud services, pushing them toward costly on-premise setups and raising concerns about slower AI deployment versus Hong Kong and Guangdong. Cross-Border Business Links: A Macao ASEAN International Chamber of Commerce delegation met China’s consul general in Ho Chi Minh City to deepen trade, investment and tourism ties, including visa and regulatory hurdles for Vietnamese visitors. Labour & Compliance: Macau saw a rise in suspected illegal workers detected—117 at 304 sites in May—prompting renewed calls for tighter oversight of online job ads and MICE-related work. Regional Finance & Markets: Separate coverage highlights MGM’s stock momentum tied to MGM China and MGM Digital, while broader China-to-overseas capital outflow concerns continue to shape investor sentiment. Tourism & Culture: The 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races wrapped up with 180+ teams, including a debut Hengqin team aimed at boosting sports and cultural exchange.

APEC Tourism Push: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24-28), with the Tourism Office saying preparations include staff training and sideline events, positioning the city to showcase hospitality, cuisine and creative industries. Digital Policy Friction: Tech leaders warn Macau’s cloud ban for integrated resort operators forces costly on-premise AI setups, raising costs and slowing deployment versus Hong Kong and Guangdong. Cross-border Business Links: A Macao ASEAN International Chamber delegation met China’s consul general in Ho Chi Minh City to deepen trade, investment and tourism ties, including visa and partnership hurdles. Local Economy Leadership: Ng Wai Han was sworn in as Macao’s new Secretary for Economy and Finance, pledging support for non-gaming diversification. Workforce Crackdown: Authorities reported 117 suspected illegal workers found across 304 sites last month, up sharply from the prior month. Tourism & Culture: The 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races concluded with 180+ teams, including a debut Hengqin team aimed at boosting neighbor exchanges.

Macau Tourism Diplomacy: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24-28), with the Government Tourism Office saying preparations include staff training and sideline events, positioning the city to showcase its “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure” role and its mix of Chinese and Western culture. Digital Economy & Regulation: Tech leaders and resort executives warn Macau’s AI ambitions face a cloud-computing gap, saying strict data residency rules force integrated resort operators to run AI on-premise, raising costs and slowing deployment versus Hong Kong and Guangdong. Cross-border Business Links: A Macao ASEAN business delegation met China’s consul general in Ho Chi Minh City to deepen trade, investment and tourism ties, pitching Macau as a gateway between the Greater Bay Area and ASEAN while raising visa and business-flow hurdles. Local Diversification Push: IPIM and partners held a “Policy Empowerment & Tech Synergy” matchmaking session in Macau to help tech firms commercialise R&D and expand networks under the city’s diversification strategy. APAC Talent & Education: Macao University of Tourism held its 2026 graduation, awarding 521 graduates, as the CE urged graduates to support the tourism-and-leisure positioning. Gaming & Culture: Melco Resorts hosted a youth engagement programme with violinist Leia Zhu, aiming to nurture local talent through cultural events.

APEC Tourism Push: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24-28), with the Tourism Office saying preparations include staff training and sideline events to showcase Macao’s “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure” role and hospitality. Digital Policy Pressure: Tech leaders warn Macau’s integrated resort operators face a cloud constraint tied to data residency rules, forcing costly on-premise AI setups and risking a competitive disadvantage versus Hong Kong and Guangdong’s faster cloud-based deployments. Cross-border Business Links: A Macao business delegation met China’s consul general in Ho Chi Minh City to deepen trade, investment and tourism ties, positioning Macau as a gateway between the Greater Bay Area and ASEAN while flagging visa frictions. Workforce Crackdown: Security data shows a jump in suspected illegal workers—117 found at 304 sites in May—prompting renewed calls for tighter oversight of online job ads. Tourism & Culture Calendar: Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade drew hundreds to Tai O, supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club since 2012, reinforcing Macau/HK’s wider regional tourism and heritage momentum. Corporate Updates: Epsium launched a new investor relations website; IPIM ran “Policy Empowerment & Tech Synergy” matchmaking to help tech firms commercialise projects and expand networks.

APEC Tourism Push: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24-28), with the Tourism Office saying staff training, sideline events and cross-agency coordination are in place to showcase Macao’s “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure” credentials. Macao Platform Expansion: IPIM led a four-day visit to Suzhou and Nanjing to run “Seminar on Macao’s Platform Advantages,” drawing 200+ business representatives and targeting Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking market expansion. Tech-Industry Matchmaking: IPIM and MAPST held a “Policy Empowerment & Tech Synergy” sci-tech matchmaking session in Macao to help firms commercialise R&D and speed up project implementation under the city’s diversification strategy. Local Business & Talent: UTM held its 2026 graduation ceremony, awarding 521 degrees and reaffirming its role in tourism education. Public Safety & Scams: Authorities warned residents about impersonators posing as Care Team members to scam elderly people, urging verification via hotline 182 111. Regional Business Context: A major Macau junket-linked case in Australia saw former Star CEO Matt Bekier fined A$700,000 and banned from corporate leadership for six years.

APEC Tourism Push: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24-28) with staff training, sideline-event prep and a plan to showcase the city’s “One Centre” tourism model and China-backed development momentum. Tourism Industry Networking: The APEC tourism working group and senior delegates are expected to use the meetings to deepen Asia-Pacific tourism cooperation, with Macao positioning itself as a hospitality and culture bridge. Corporate & Compliance Watch: Former Star Entertainment CEO Matt Bekier was fined A$700,000 and barred from corporate leadership for six years over failures tied to Macau junket-related legal and regulatory risks. Public Safety & Fraud Alerts: Hong Kong’s Home Affairs Department warned residents about impersonators posing as Care Team members to scam elderly people, urging verification via 182 111 and use of the 24-hour anti-scam hotline 18222. Aviation Cooperation: Civil Aviation chief Victor Liu visited Beijing to strengthen aviation collaboration, including air traffic management links for the Greater Bay Area. Macao Economy & Policy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai flagged public order and stability, including tighter pedestrian-flow management in major gathering areas, as second-half priorities. Urban Renewal: Lawmakers heard a “comprehensive urban renewal model” for Macau’s 5,000+ aging buildings, combining government leadership, market mechanisms and district-specific revitalisation. Healthcare & Regulation: A sentinel-event root cause analysis was released after an 85-year-old patient’s stoma surgery error in Hong Kong, while authorities also reported jail sentences for duty-not-paid cigarette smuggling.

Macao–Lusophone Education Link: Macao’s Education and Youth Development Bureau and the Chinese–Portuguese Bilingual Talent Training Alliance co-organised the 4th Forum for Rectors of Higher Education Institutions of China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries (15–17 June), focusing on Macao–Hengqin higher-education synergy and topics from bilingual training to AI and TCM culture. APEC Tourism Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai ordered closer coordination to ensure smooth hosting of the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Macao (June 24–28), aiming to showcase Macao’s tourism and convention strengths. Gaming & Talent: Sands China unveiled an AI up-skilling programme for management at The Londoner Macao, while MGM China and a wushu group signed a strategic deal to expand youth and community development for Lingnan lion dance heritage. Finance & Payments: In Shanghai, 26 institutions signed direct-participant agreements for CBETS, the cross-border e-CNY platform, with Standard Chartered (China) among the first batch including Hong Kong and Macao branches. Regional Business Outlook: Hong Kong and Macao were urged to complement rather than compete in tourism, with industry leaders citing bridge connectivity and multi-destination travel benefits.

Macau Economy & Policy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai told the Legislative Assembly that 1H26 delivered “stable and positive development,” with GDP at MOP 107.5 billion (+7.1% y/y in real terms) and the city’s social situation “harmonious,” while the government targets publishing the final 3rd Five-Year Plan in August and aligning the 2027 Policy Address with it. New Leadership: Ng Wai Han was sworn in as Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, saying appropriate economic diversification is a “must-answer question” as she takes over from Anton Tai Kin Ip. Tourism & Regional Positioning: Pansy Ho Chiu-king said the APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Macao (June 24-28) will spotlight the SAR’s multicultural tourism strengths and push new Asia-Pacific cooperation. Gaming Business Snapshot: Macau Slot reported 2025 net profit of MOP 126.9 million (US$15.7m), and noted its one-year concession renewal with a local-employment priority condition. Cross-border Finance Tech: PBOC research chief Wang Xin urged closer monitoring of stablecoins as China expands the digital yuan cross-border platform, with 26 institutions signing up for CBETS—among them banks with Hong Kong and Macao links. Culture & Talent in Resorts: MGM China and Macau’s wushu group signed a strategic pact to expand Lingnan lion dance heritage via youth training and a planned Lion Dance Cultural Centre; Sands China meanwhile staged a “New Norm · New Mindset” talent showcase at The Londoner Macao. Trade & Compliance: Gongbei Customs at HZMB seized 10 musk turtles (24kg) on May 25, warning that transporting endangered species across the border without proper certificates is prohibited.

Macau Economy Update: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai told the Legislative Assembly that 1H26 showed “stable and positive development,” with GDP at MOP107.5 billion in Q1 (+7.1% y/y in real terms) and the overall social situation “harmonious,” while the government targets publication of the 3rd Five-Year Plan’s final version in August and implementation thereafter. New Economic Leadership: Ng Wai Han was sworn in as Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, saying economic diversification is a “must-answer question” and outlining plans to push portfolio tasks and policy objectives. Gaming & Jobs: Macau Slot reported 2025 net profit of MOP126.9 million (US$15.7m, -3%), and said its renewed concession includes a requirement to prioritise local employment and invest in local talent. Anti-Corruption: The CCAC’s 2025 annual report was published in the Official Gazette, listing 427 cases filed, including election-related integrity work and thousands of inspections. Cross-border Finance Tech: China’s e-CNY push moves outward as 26 banks sign up for CBETS cross-border e-CNY transfer services, starting with Hong Kong and Macau among other markets. MICE & Tourism Business: Macau positions itself as a business events hub, highlighting its venues and Greater Bay Area connectivity as it competes for international conventions and exhibitions. Corporate Deals: Everest Medicines secured an exclusive licensing agreement with Dimerix for DMX-200 across Greater China, South Korea and parts of Southeast Asia, with upfront and milestone payments plus royalties.

New Economy Leadership: Ng Wai Han, newly appointed Macau Secretary for Economy and Finance, told lawmakers economic diversification is a “must-answer question” to strengthen resilience, after taking office this week. Five-Year Plan Update: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said the final version of Macau’s 3rd Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) is due in August, with government departments aligning next year’s work to the plan. Regional Power & AI Energy: The 13th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Power Industry Summit opened at Galaxy Macau, focusing on AI and high-quality energy development as China’s 15th Five-Year Plan spotlights the energy sector. Trade Platform Expansion: Macau plans to expand its Portuguese-speaking trade platform to include Spanish-speaking economies across Europe and Latin America under the 15th Five-Year Plan. Macao Financial Snapshot: AMCM said Macau’s foreign exchange reserves rose 1.1% to 235.3 billion patacas at end-May. Business & Community: The 3rd Deignan Award for Responsible Entrepreneurship opened applications for SMEs in Hong Kong and Macau, with results expected mid-January. Health Monitoring: FEHD released June gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus across 19 survey areas. Life Sciences Deal: Dimerix granted Everest Medicines an exclusive license to commercialise DMX-200 across Greater China and parts of Southeast Asia.

Macao Economy Leadership: The State Council has appointed Ng Wai Han as Macao SAR Secretary for Economy and Finance, effective immediately, tasking her with pushing economic diversification and aligning policy with the 15th Five-Year Plan. Macao Trade & Markets: Macao plans to expand its Portuguese-speaking trade platform to Spanish-speaking economies across Europe and Latin America, aiming to strengthen its role as a bridge for overseas market access. Infrastructure Dealmaking: The 17th IIICF in Macao wrapped up with 21 partnership agreements worth US$9.9 billion, highlighting transport, construction, energy and mining links between China and Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries. Public Finance & Banking: Macao’s foreign exchange reserves rose to MOP235.3 billion at end-May (+1.1% month-on-month), while April mortgage lending data showed new residential mortgage approvals up 5.2% month-on-month. Health Watch: Hong Kong’s CHP reported four new community-acquired Legionnaires’ disease cases (ages 60–74), urging proper maintenance of man-made water systems. Business & Investment: Dimerix signed an exclusive licensing deal with Everest Medicines for Phase 3 DMX-200 commercialisation across Greater China, including Macao, with US$10 million upfront and up to US$330 million in milestones plus royalties. Regional Business Climate: Hong Kong launched public consultation on its first five-year plan, with officials saying it will align city development with national priorities while keeping the free-market approach.

Macao Economy Leadership: Ng Wai Han was sworn in as Macau’s new Secretary for Economy and Finance, pledging economic diversification, resilience and alignment with the national 15th Five-Year Plan. Foreign Exchange & Banking: Macao’s foreign exchange reserves rose 1.1% in May to MOP235.3 billion, while the pataca’s trade-weighted effective exchange rate index eased, and April data showed new mortgage approvals up month-on-month. Urban Planning & Risk Management: Taipa’s revised Northern Zone Urban Development Plan shifts from land-revenue focus to “liveability first,” with higher green space standards, a housing-employment balance, and prioritised flood control plus green mobility. Health Watch: Hong Kong’s CHP reported four new community-acquired Legionnaires’ disease cases and urged proper maintenance of man-made water systems. Cross-border Mobility: Hengqin Port vehicle crossings topped 2 million this year, with Macao-registered single-plate vehicles driving growth. Regional Business & Talent: Macau launched an allowance for internships placing young locals in mainland firms serving Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets, supporting diversification and skills-building. Infrastructure Dealmaking: The 17th IIICF in Macao concluded with 21 agreements worth US$9.9b across transport, construction, energy and digital-enabled infrastructure. Public Services & Preparedness: Macau’s Health Bureau set up an Emergency Medicine Training Centre and a Stroke Centre to boost first-aid and emergency response capacity.

Macau Economy Leadership: The State Council has appointed Ng Wai Han as Macau’s new Secretary for Economy and Finance, a senior civil servant who previously led the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, signaling continuity in the SAR’s push to tighten governance while supporting growth. Macau Talent & Finance Diversification: Macau has launched a tailored internship allowance scheme placing young locals in mainland Chinese enterprises tied to Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets, with placements in Hengqin aimed at building finance and cross-border skills. Infrastructure Deal-Making: The 17th IIICF in Macau wrapped up with 21 cooperation deals worth US$9.9 billion across transport, energy and digital-driven infrastructure, drawing 3,500+ leaders from 70+ economies and highlighting green and low-carbon themes. Health Services Upgrade: Macau’s Health Bureau inaugurated an Emergency Medicine Training Centre and a Stroke Centre to expand first-aid training and improve community emergency response capacity. Gaming & Tourism Promotion: Macau Sporting Club rolled out a World Cup 2026 promotion via MSCcasino.com as it expands online, while Macau’s broader tourism and gaming ecosystem continues to brace for major-event demand. Regional Business Context: Hong Kong opened consultation on its first five-year plan, aligning with the national 15th plan while aiming to strengthen finance, maritime and trade—an important comparator for Macau’s own economic planning.

Macau-Hengqin Integration & Policy Signals: Xia Baolong, head of the CPC’s Hong Kong and Macao Work Office, told Macau officials in Beijing that central authorities have “full confidence” in the SAR’s future, as public administration reform and Macau-Hengqin integrated development stay on the agenda. Infrastructure Deal-Making: The 17th IIICF in Macau wrapped up with 21 cooperation agreements worth US$9.9 billion, spanning transport, construction, energy and mining, with a strong green and digital focus. Local Talent for Cross-Border Finance: Macau’s DSAL launched a tailored internship scheme placing young locals into mainland Chinese enterprises tied to Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets, with 12-week placements in Hengqin. Mainland Finance Pathway: A separate DSAL plan with Luso International Banking opens applications for cross-border finance internships in Guangzhou, aiming to build modern finance talent for Macau. Health & Emergency Readiness: The Health Bureau inaugurated an Emergency Medicine Training Centre and a Stroke Centre, rolling out first-aid learning and CPR/AED community promotion. Pet Travel Convenience: IAM adjusted import inspection rules for dogs and cats, removing mandatory 30-day quarantine for rabies-risk countries if pre-entry checks are met. Gaming/Business Governance: Macau’s Paradise Entertainment appointed Hong Kong solicitor Eric Ho King Fung as an independent non-executive director. Regional Geopolitics With Business Ripples: China’s sanctions on Philippine Defense chief Teodoro and his family triggered broad pushback from Manila, with potential knock-on effects for regional cooperation and cross-border dealings.