AGP Executive Report

Urban Renewal & 2027 Policy Input: Transport and Public Works Secretary Tam Vai Man met local associations to shape the 2027 Policy Address, stressing old-building redevelopment, an integrated transport system, smart mobility, and eco-friendly neighbourhood planning. Disability Access Plan: Lawmaker Ho Ion Sang backed the 2026-2035 rehabilitation action plan but urged broader barrier-free access, including more private-sector participation and an expanded Barrier-Free Restaurant Award scheme. ASEAN Outreach & Air Links: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai wrapped up an eight-day Southeast Asia tour, saying demand is strong for restoring direct Macau–Jakarta flights and highlighting nearly 40 events and close cooperation with ASEAN. Higher Education Talent Push: Macau plans scholarships and academic recognition to attract Southeast Asian students, with Malaysia singled out as a growing source market for UM and USJ. WTT Ticket Discounts for ZAPE: Government departments launched “Ticket Stub Privileges” for WTT Macau Championship 2026, offering up to MOP150 in vouchers redeemable at about 500 ZAPE merchants. Public Health Training in Macau: Orbis Flying Eye Hospital returned for simulation-based ophthalmology training, with a two-week programme for partner hospitals across China. Mudslide Relief Donations: Macau’s six casino concessionaires pledged MOP40 million to Xigaze’s Gyirong County for emergency relief and reconstruction. MIMF Culture Calendar: The 38th Macao International Music Festival runs Oct 2–Nov 29 with 10 programmes and citywide “Floating Notes” activities, with tickets via Enjoy Macao from Sept 13.

WTT & Zape Retail Push: The government rolled out “Ticket Perks x WTT Champions Macao 2026,” letting ticket holders claim up to MOP150 in vouchers across about 500 Zape shops in three phases (Sept 7-9, 10-11, 12-13), aiming to turn the table tennis crowd into longer local spending. Cultural Calendar: The 38th Macao International Music Festival (Oct 2–Nov 29) announced 10 programmes and 12 “Floating Notes Across the City” activities; tickets go on sale Sept 13 via Enjoy Macao. Public Health & Training: Orbis Flying Eye Hospital returns with its first simulation-based training project in Macau (until Sept 23), bringing 70 ophthalmologists and nurses for two weeks of onboard and local mentorship. Urban Renewal Planning: Officials briefed associations on the 3rd Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) with a citywide survey of old buildings and a proposed feasibility study for a dedicated urban renewal fund. Aerospace Outreach: A new Macau government aerospace-themed website highlights Shenzhou-23 updates and interactive “Macau Letters,” tying local youth engagement to national space development. Regional Diplomacy: CE Sam Hou Fai wrapped an eight-day Malaysia–Singapore–Indonesia trip, citing 189 signed agreements and broader ASEAN cooperation. Disaster Relief: Macau’s six casino operators donated a combined MOP40 million to mudslide-hit Gyirong, Xizang.

APAC Media Cooperation: Sixteen Chinese and international outlets formed the Preparatory Committee for the Asia-Pacific Media Partnership Programme at the Asia-Pacific Media Forum in Shenzhen, where delegates backed the “Shenzhen Consensus” on openness, innovation and digital transformation—highlighting the Greater Bay Area’s role (including Hong Kong and Macau) ahead of APEC in November. Macao-ASEAN Economic Push: Macao’s official mission to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia wrapped up after eight days, delivering 370+ business matching sessions and 189 signed agreements, aiming to strengthen trade and tourism links with ASEAN under the “Belt and Road” framework. CE Malaysia Visit: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai concluded a four-day working visit to Malaysia and previously met PM/Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with both sides stressing practical cooperation spanning trade, tourism, finance, tech, education and conventions—plus leveraging Macau and Hengqin for Malaysian business opportunities. Healthcare Diplomacy: Macao Union Medical Center (Peking Union Medical College Hospital) deepened Southeast Asia ties via hospital and research exchanges in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, positioning “Healthcare + Tourism” for broader international collaboration. Public Policy & Legal Watch: A Singapore High Court ruling said gambling debts from other jurisdictions can’t be enforced in Singapore on public-policy grounds, raising questions for cross-border casino credit practices involving Venetian Macau Ltd. Aerospace Education: Hong Kong and Macau are set to hold a “Tiangong Class” live session with Shenzhou-23 astronauts, bringing space science demonstrations and Q&A to students and teachers.

Chief Executive Diplomacy: Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai wrapped up a four-day working visit to Malaysia and departed Kuala Lumpur, after co-chairing a Macau Business Leaders meeting and meeting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to push deeper cooperation across trade, investment, finance, tech, education, and MICE, with special emphasis on leveraging Macau–Hengqin links to the Greater Bay Area. Healthcare + International Links: The Macao Union Medical Center (Peking Union Medical College Hospital) joined Sam’s Southeast Asia delegation to deepen healthcare cooperation with Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, focusing on critical and complex disease treatment and expanding “healthcare + tourism” ties. Regional Media Cooperation: The Asia-Pacific Media Forum opened in Shenzhen, unveiling a “Shenzhen Consensus” calling for stronger media collaboration to support shared prosperity, openness, and regional connectivity ahead of APEC leaders’ meetings. Aerospace Education for Youth: Hong Kong and Macau are set to hold a “Tiangong Class” live session with Shenzhou-23 astronauts, including an expert lecture, in-orbit demonstration, and Q&A for students and teachers. Macao–Malaysia Business Push: A “Study in Macao” education fair in Kuala Lumpur drew over 1,000 visitors, while separate Macao economic and tourism promotion events in Malaysia reported large-scale business matching and dozens of cooperation agreements. Sports & Culture (Local Interest): The 38th Macao International Music Festival (Oct 2–Nov 29) will run under “Silk Resonances,” with citywide “Floating Notes Across the City” activities and ticket sales starting Sept 13.

Macao-Malaysia Diplomacy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai wrapped up a four-day Malaysia visit, meeting Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim and reaffirming plans to lift Macao-Malaysia cooperation in trade, tourism, finance, science and technology, education, and MICE, with both sides pointing to Macau–Hengqin as a Greater Bay Area bridge for Malaysian firms. Bilateral Dealmaking: In Kuala Lumpur, Macao’s Economic, Trade and Tourism Investment Promotion Seminar drew 300+ participants, ran nearly 120 business matching sessions, and secured 54 cooperation agreements across high-tech & AI, biomedicine, halal food, and tourism, including pharma registration and multi-destination tourism layouts. Economic Diversification Focus: A long read on Macao’s “1+4” strategy highlights the push to grow non-gaming sectors toward about 60% of GDP by 2030, using Hengqin to ease space limits and investing around 130 billion patacas in major projects. International Mobility: Angola and Macao signed a mutual visa exemption deal, allowing eligible citizens to enter without visas for up to 30 days after a 90-day implementation period. Regional Media Cooperation: Asia-Pacific media leaders convened in Shenzhen under an APEC-linked forum calling for stronger media collaboration and responsible communication to support regional stability and shared prosperity.

Macao-Malaysia diplomacy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Malaysian PM and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, pushing higher-level cooperation across trade, tourism, culture and finance, and positioning Macao and Hengqin as Greater Bay Area gateways for Malaysian firms. Bilateral business push: A Macao-hosted Kuala Lumpur seminar drew 350 guests, 120+ business matching sessions and 60+ signed agreements spanning tourism/MICE, high-tech & AI, TCM & big health, and Muslim-friendly initiatives. Regional outreach: Sam also met Malaysia’s Chinese business council and chambers, while meeting the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing to discuss practical Macao-Malaysia connectivity. Disaster relief: Macao’s six casino concessionaires donated a combined MOP$40 million to Gyirong, Tibet after deadly mudslides. Public safety warning: A Taiwan-linked warning flagged youth-targeted Chinese scams, including job and “united front” influence schemes. Education branding: “Study in Macao” launched a Malaysia promotion drive after an education fair in Kuala Lumpur. Culture calendar: The 38th Macao International Music Festival (Oct 2–Nov 29) debuts under “Silk Resonances,” with citywide “Floating Notes” activities. Governance & society: Macau’s LegCo transport panel (via Beijing visit) explored autonomous driving legislation and testing.

Macao-Malaysia High-Level Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, with both sides stressing deeper cooperation in trade, investment, finance, tech, education and MICE, and leveraging Macau–Hengqin links to the Greater Bay Area for Malaysian firms to reach ASEAN. Bilateral Deal-Making: A Macao Economic, Trade and Tourism Investment Promotion Seminar in Kuala Lumpur drew 350 guests, delivered 120+ business matching sessions and ended with 60+ signed agreements across tourism, AI/high-tech, TCM and “Muslim-friendly” initiatives, including pharma registration and distribution. LegCo Transport Policy Watch: Hong Kong’s LegCo Transport Panel visited Beijing to study autonomous driving legislation and technology, including discussions with Beijing’s People’s Congress and a Didi Chuxing visit, aiming to inform future local guidance. Public Safety & Health: Hong Kong’s Department of Health ran a cross-region smoking cessation training for over 130 healthcare professionals including from Macao, while a contractor in Hong Kong was fined $640,000 over a fatal site safety incident. Local Governance & Crime: Macau Judiciary Police arrested a fugitive security manager in Zhongshan linked to casino extortion and “protection fees,” coordinating with INTERPOL liaison channels. Economy & Property: JLL said Macau’s property recovery lost momentum in mid-2026, with cautious conditions expected through year-end. Industry Spotlight: Wynn Macau marked its 20th anniversary with a one-time share award for over 11,000 employees, and Wynn Palace was ranked on the World’s 50 Best Hotels Extended 51–100 list.

Greater Bay Area Connectivity: Hong Kong hosted the Greater Bay Area Conference 2026, with officials stressing Hong Kong’s “super connector” role as GBA integration deepens amid geopolitical and tech shifts. Macao-ASEAN Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in Jakarta, pitching Macau-Hengqin as a bridge for tourism, trade, investment and MICE links with Southeast Asia. Macao Governance & Law: The government is consulting publicly on a unified legal regime for Macau associations, aiming to fix long-standing overlaps and regulatory gaps. Disaster Relief: GEG and the Lui Che Woo Family Charitable Foundation donated 10 million patacas to support Gyirong Port relief and reconstruction in Xizang after a mudslide. Public Services Tech: Macau is piloting drone delivery of medical samples to cut transport times to 10–15 minutes, while working through airspace, customs and standards hurdles. Sports & Culture: WTT Champions Macao 2026 (8–13 Sept) returns to the East Asian Games Dome, and a Chinese anti-war film premiered in Macao ahead of a Sept 11 release. Responsible Gaming: Sands China trained 42 staff as responsible gaming ambassadors to better spot and respond to problem gambling signs.

Macau-ASEAN Diplomacy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in Jakarta, pitching deeper “pragmatic” cooperation on trade, investment, tourism and MICE, and urging ASEAN firms to use the Macau–Hengqin platform to reach mainland and regional markets. Cross-border Governance Reform: Macau launched a 45-day public consultation on a unified legal regime for associations, aiming to fix long-standing overlaps and regulatory gaps affecting the city’s 12,400-strong associative sector. Low-altitude Delivery Pilot: Macau is pushing a drone-delivery pilot for medical samples between Conde de São Januário Hospital and Peking Union Medical College Hospital’s Macao Medical Center, targeting 10–15 minute trips while working through airspace, customs and standards constraints. Public Administration & Mobility: With back-to-school traffic rising, Macau’s transport authorities boosted bus capacity and added special services and on-site staff to manage peak congestion. Housing Acquisition Update: The Housing Bureau said it will continue acquiring Wang Chi House (Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po) after 75.8% of owners signed the sale-and-purchase agreement, with title procedures to be completed progressively.

Legal Reform: Macau’s government is consulting publicly on a unified legal regime for associations, aiming to fix long-standing overlaps and regulatory gaps affecting thousands of civic groups. ASEAN Diplomacy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai wrapped up talks in Indonesia with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, pledging to strengthen “pragmatic” Macau–ASEAN cooperation as part of the 15th Five-Year Plan and Macau’s Third Five-Year Plan. Malaysia Outreach: Sam begins a four-day working visit to Malaysia, expected to meet Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and review cooperation in trade, tourism, culture and people-to-people ties. Cross-Border Governance Watch: A political scientist warns China’s proposed anti–cross-border corruption law could reach Macau-linked companies and assets, raising compliance concerns for firms operating across mainland and international markets. Urban Renewal: Pátio do Espinho near the Ruins of St. Paul’s is set for phased conservation and renewal under the Third Five-Year Plan, with a dedicated task force overseeing safety and revitalisation planning. Public Transport Pressure: DSAT says back-to-school demand is driving heavier morning traffic; bus capacity and special services have been boosted to manage peak flows. Finance Link-Up: Shenzhen plans offshore RMB municipal bond issuance in Macau, supported by the Ministry of Finance, to deepen Greater Bay Area financial cooperation and expand Macau’s green finance options.

Macao-ASEAN Diplomacy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met China’s ASEAN mission head Wang Qing in Jakarta, stressing Macao’s role in aligning the Greater Bay Area with ASEAN cooperation and expanding people-to-people links. Macao-Malaysia Ties: Sam begins a four-day Malaysia visit (Sept 2-5), including a courtesy call on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with talks expected to cover trade, tourism, culture and bilateral cooperation under “One Country, Two Systems.” Continental Law Exchange: A Forum on the Inheritance and Development of Continental Law opened at the University of Macao, bringing together senior scholars for discussions and sub-forums on local practice and sustainable development. Cross-border Governance Watch: A political scientist warns China’s proposed cross-border anti-corruption law could reach Macau-linked companies and illicit assets, raising compliance concerns for operators with mainland and international exposure. Urban Renewal (Heritage): Pátio do Espinho near the Ruins of St. Paul’s is set for a phased “protective conservation and renewal” pilot under the Third Five-Year Plan, with a dedicated task force overseeing safety and revitalization planning. Finance & Markets: Shenzhen will issue RMB1billion offshore yuan-denominated municipal bonds in Macau in early September, themed on the Greater Bay Area and aimed at boosting Macau’s green and sustainable bond market. Public Security: Police arrested a Macao Customs officer suspected of repeatedly vandalising a resident’s car and deflating tyres; the case has been transferred for further investigation.

Macao-Indonesia Cooperation: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai told a Jakarta reception that China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Macao’s 3rd plan will “unleash” new opportunities for Macao-Indonesia ties, framing both as key nodes in the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road. Cultural Diplomacy: Macao’s Cultural Affairs Bureau opened in Jakarta the exhibition “Splendor of the Mirrored Sea,” spotlighting Macao’s role on the Maritime Silk Road and staging performances linking Macao and Indonesian culture. Finance & Diversification: The AMCM said Shenzhen will issue RMB 1 billion offshore RMB municipal bonds in Macao (3-year, sustainable, Greater Bay Area-themed) for professional investors—aimed at boosting Macao’s bond market and non-gaming diversification. Public Security: PSP arrested a Macao Customs officer for repeatedly vandalising a parked car, with the case transferred to prosecutors and facing up to three years. Smart Tourism Tech: UTM and Xia Ding Technology launched an AR smart-dining research project using AI-enabled glasses to test new service experiences for Macao’s tourism sector. Regional Governance & Housing: CE Sam visited Singapore housing projects and said the “old-for-new” renewal model could inform Macao’s urban renewal under the Third Five-Year Plan. Gaming Economy: Macau’s August casino GGR fell 1.2% year-on-year to MOP 21.89 billion, though it rose month-on-month. Tourism Events: MGTO set the 34th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest dates (Sept 12/19/25 and Oct 1/4), with drone shows on opening and closing nights.

Innovation & Industry Upgrade: Xinhua’s “China Economic Roundtable” highlights Beijing, Shanghai and the Greater Bay Area as three sci-tech hubs, pushing lab-to-market links and regional coordination to power “new quality productive forces.” Macao-Singapore Ties: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai meets PM Lawrence Wong in Singapore, focusing on culture, finance, healthcare and tourism, and how Hengqin and the wider Greater Bay Area can create new opportunities. Smart Tourism Tech: UTM and Xia Ding Technology launch an AR smart-glasses project to study AI-assisted dining and improve Macao’s tourism service experience. Finance for Diversification: The Macao government sets up the operating system for a “guidance fund” using “patient capital” to steer private investment into emerging industries and jobs. RMB Bond Link: AMCM welcomes Shenzhen’s plan to issue RMB1b offshore RMB municipal bonds in Macao, themed for Greater Bay Area development. Gaming Economy: Macau’s August casino GGR fell 1.2% to MOP21.89b, while the first eight months still show 3.7% growth. Tourism & Culture: MGM’s 2026 International Lion Dance Championship returns to Barra with a record 25 teams; the 34th fireworks contest runs Sept 12–Oct 4 with 3,400 drones on opening and closing nights. Public Services & Livelihoods: CE Sam studies Singapore’s “old-for-new” housing renewal model as a reference for Macao’s urban renewal push. Health: Macau Yin Kui Hospital warns shingles risk is higher for cancer and immunocompromised patients, urging early prevention. Sports & Community: Macau Senior Sports Games are set for Sept 13 at Tap Seac, targeting home-based exercise for older residents.

Guidance Fund Setup: Macao’s government has established the operating system for a new “guidance fund” to steer private capital into non-gaming and emerging industries, with an expected MOP11 billion initial allocation from fiscal reserve returns and a target of MOP20 billion after the first private tranche, using “patient capital” and long-term, policy-led evaluation. CE-Singapore Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai wrapped up meetings in Singapore with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, agreeing to deepen practical cooperation and explore new opportunities tied to China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Macao’s Third Five-Year Plan, with a business delegation of about 120 entrepreneurs. Senior Sports Games: The Sports Bureau announced the Macau Senior Sports Games on Sept 13 at Tap Seac, featuring home-item exercise games, health performances, and a lucky draw to promote lifelong fitness. Healthcare Quality: Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong received accreditation under China’s International Hospital Accreditation Standards (2021 version), reinforcing public-hospital service quality alignment with national and international benchmarks. Macau Finances: The MSAR recorded a preliminary 2025 balance of payments surplus of about MOP166.4 billion, driven by a larger services account surplus, especially travel services. Cultural Calendar: The Cultural Affairs Bureau will launch a creative design competition and a six-month exhibition starting Sept 15, using Chinese history-themed products to engage residents and visitors.

Macao-Singapore Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai is in Singapore for an eight-day trip, pitching China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Macao’s 2026–2030 Third Five-Year Plan as fresh momentum for Macao-Singapore cooperation, including high-level talks with PM/Finance Minister Lawrence Wong and Deputy PM/Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong, plus meetings with Singapore’s Chinese business and community groups. Hengqin Integration & Talent: The government and partners highlighted Hengqin-Macao University Town progress and youth entrepreneurship in Hengqin, while education authorities detailed 2026/27 schooling capacity and UTM’s postgraduate welcome for “dual-city learning.” Patient-Capital Diversification: Macao plans a guidance fund to steer investment into non-gaming priorities, using “patient capital” and long-term evaluation to support industrial upgrading and Greater Bay Area/Hengqin-aligned development. Trade & Compliance Pressure: A US transshipment crackdown is raising documentation and origin-proof demands for exporters, a reminder for Macao-linked supply chains. Public Health & Community: Separate Hong Kong updates include the start of seasonal influenza vaccination from Sept 17 and a home-school cooperation committee appointment—signals of wider regional policy focus on health and social cohesion. Cross-border Enforcement: Hong Kong Customs reported major seizures from river trade vessels departing for Macao, underscoring ongoing smuggling risks along the corridor.

Huanggang Port Prep for New Cross-Boundary Rules: Hong Kong and Shenzhen completed a second major stress test at Huanggang Port, including “joint one-stop” vehicle lanes and five-party clearance drills, ahead of the opening. Single-Document Travel for HK Residents: Once Huanggang Port opens, Hong Kong residents using e-channels can clear immigration in both directions with just one document—either their Mainland Travel Permit (including for non-Chinese HK and Macao permanent residents) or their HK identity card. CE Sam Hou Fai in Singapore: Macau’s Chief Executive met Singapore’s Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Health Ong Ye Kung, focusing on public health, traditional Chinese medicine, and ageing-society governance, while also touring housing and tourism facilities to inform Macau’s urban renewal push. Hengqin as Macau’s Diversification Engine: A policy-focused report highlights how Hengqin’s Guangdong-Macao Cooperation Zone is accelerating tech and research commercialization to support Macau’s non-gaming diversification. Customs Crackdown: Macau Customs seized 950 kg of frozen beef worth about 30,000 patacas from a parallel-trading den, citing food safety breaches and illegal external trade activity. Community & Culture: A “Filial Piety Culture Promotion” event drew seniors-focused services and health checks as Macau continues to grapple with population ageing. AI in Journalism Debate: An editorial argues AI can boost reporting, but only if humans stay in the loop.