AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Visitors: Macau logged 20.94 million visitor arrivals in H1, up 9% year-on-year, with mainland visitors driving most growth. Sports (PBA): Converge kept rolling in the Governors’ Cup, crushing Macau 149-124 behind Justin Arana’s career-high 39 points and 12 rebounds, while San Miguel escaped a scare to beat Terrafirma 109-104 and stay unbeaten. Local Culture & Youth: Macau’s International Youth Dance Festival 2026 opened with a parade at the Ruins of St Paul’s, drawing 800+ dancers from 33 groups, running through July 23. Entertainment (K-pop): MAMAMOO’s 4WARD world tour expanded in Macau after rapid sell-outs, adding a second Londoner Arena date. Business/Industry: Macau’s MPay push continues to reshape everyday spending habits, according to a local business report, while Hengqin’s microdrama studio expansion signals more production scale across the border. Public Safety/Crime: Macau-linked cigarette smuggling cases in the region continue to draw tough penalties, underscoring enforcement pressure on illicit tobacco flows.

Tourism Numbers: Macau logged 20.94 million visitor arrivals in the first half of 2026, up 9% year-on-year, with mainland China still the biggest source (15.28 million). Public Security & Crime: Macau’s CCAC said it busted the head of a social service entity over an alleged MOP13 million subsidy fraud scheme, while separate reports note gaming-related crime rose in H1. Local Governance & Services: The government is pushing ahead with acquisition work for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, seeking extra funding to complete long-term housing arrangements for owners. Cross-border Mobility: Macau’s tourism push continues as Hengqin rolls out voucher drives and shuttle routes to boost cross-border travel. Business & Economy: Luxury group Richemont reported “stratospheric” jewellery-led sales growth, underscoring a strong luxury rebound. Culture & Media: A new Hengqin–Macau microdrama studio complex is set to scale up productions, with dozens of sets for fast and premium filming. Sports: In the PBA Governors’ Cup, Converge routed Macau 149-124 as Justin Arana hit a career-high 39 points.

PBA Spotlight: Converge made it 3-0 in the PBA Governors’ Cup, crushing Macau Giant Pandas 149-124 as Justin Arana poured in a career-high 39 points and 12 rebounds, though a heated moment with Archie Concepcion briefly stole the headlines. Local Governance & Housing: Macau’s government-backed housing push moved ahead as officials sought extra funding for the Wang Fuk Court acquisition, aiming to secure long-term arrangements for owners. Tourism Numbers: Macau visitor arrivals rose 9.0% year-on-year to 20.94 million in the first half of 2026, with mainland visitors still driving most of the growth. Public Safety: Macau reported a 29.4% year-on-year rise in rape cases in 1H 2026, while security chief Chan Tsz King warned the figure may be less dramatic than it looks due to the share of non-residents and possible reclassification. Trade & Business: The 2026 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair returns to Cotai Expo Hall A from Aug 6-9, focusing on silver economy and healthy living. Regional Watch: Hong Kong International Airport stayed the world’s busiest cargo hub for the 15th time, handling 5.1 million tonnes.

Tourism & Culture: The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) teams up with Flyday HK for “MACAO, GET, SET, GLOW 2026,” a running-themed campaign that sends visitors into local communities and heritage routes. Public Security: Macau’s total crimes fell 1.1% year-on-year in 1H26, but gaming-related crimes rose 12.2%; rape cases climbed 29.4% (with officials warning the figure may be misleading due to non-resident victims and hotel-room incidents). Anti-Corruption: The CCAC alleges a social service institution fraud scheme involving over MOP13 million in IAS subsidies, including bid-rigging and inflated prices, with custody measures ordered. Local Economy & Tech: CPTTM marks 30 years, saying it has served 20,000 SMEs and is pushing digital transformation and “Made in Macao” branding. Governance & Infrastructure: A new public tender seeks an operator for Cotai’s Macao Outdoor Performance Venue, while a Patane land concession clears the way for a 10-storey two-star hotel. Sports (regional tie-in): Macau’s Giant Pandas face tough early PBA Governors’ Cup results as the league continues in Manila. Entertainment: Gong Yoo announces his first Asia fan meeting tour, including a Macau stop on Nov. 7.

Anti-Corruption: The CCAC says it has busted the head of a social service organisation for allegedly defrauding over MOP13 million in government subsidies, with claims of bid-rigging, inflated procurement prices, and influence over contract awards; the case is now before the courts. Public Safety: Macau’s total crime cases fell 1.1% year-on-year to 6,628 in H1, but gaming-related crimes rose 12.2% to 1,278; fraud cases also dropped 10.8%, while police stress that online investment, romance and fake law-enforcement scams still hit hardest. Local Economy & SMEs: CPTTM marks 30 years, saying it has served 20,000 SMEs through training and support, including 700+ ISO certificates and hundreds of fashion design programmes. Elder Care Tech: MTel signs AI partnerships with Jiangnan University and a Mainland research firm to build smart care solutions for households and senior institutions. Tourism Retail Policy: IPIM’s “First-Store Economy” scheme is pushing brands to open their first Macao outlets; Phase 2 applications close 31 July. Sports (Macao-linked): Macau’s Giant Pandas face tough early PBA results as Converge and Phoenix start 2-0.

Local Tourism Policy: Macau’s Municipal Affairs Bureau is consulting on tighter rules for paid photography at tourist sites, including registration deadlines, operator quotas, trading-hour limits and mandatory ID badges for practitioners. Tourism Boost & Transport: The government is expanding the “Tourism and Leisure Buses” programme with four new one-way free shuttle routes from Ruins of St. Paul’s and Rua do Cunha to community stops, adding Fai Chi Kei, and running through 3 January. Economy Watch: The Macau Economic Association expects moderate 1H26 growth of about 5%, with tourism recovery supporting GDP around MOP209.5 billion, while noting a June slowdown in gaming revenue. Cross-border Spending: Hengqin launched a new RMB10m voucher drive with AlipayHK/MPay to spur cross-border leisure spending, running to Aug. 30. Fraud Alert: Judiciary Police warned of MPay QR-code refund scams, saying 36 residents lost over MOP240,000 in a week. Business & Luxury: Richemont reported strong Q1 sales, with Asia Pacific up and Hong Kong/Macau contributing to double-digit growth in jewellery. Macao First-Store Economy: IPIM’s Phase 2 application deadline for the First-Store Economy scheme is 31 July, aiming to attract brands opening their first stores in Macau.

Tourism Transport: Macau will expand its concessionaire shuttle bus scheme, adding 4 new community routes (from Rua do Cunha and the Ruins of St Paul’s) and a new Fai Chi Kei stop, bringing the total to 14 routes and 10 community drop-offs, running on weekends and key holidays until 3 Jan 2027. Local Economy & Finance: The Monetary Authority of Macao says foreign exchange reserves rose 3.6% month-on-month to MOP243.9 billion at end-June, while the pataca’s trade-weighted effective exchange rate index edged up on a monthly basis. Public Services: The Identification Services Bureau will carry out system maintenance on 19 July, temporarily affecting several Macao One Account and Business & Associations Platform services plus self-service kiosks. Community & Youth: A GBA essay competition drew 400+ students at a Macau youth forum, pushing careers aligned with Greater Bay Area development. Culture & Inclusion: Caritas Macau announced the Macau Abilympics will be held next month at USJ and UTM, featuring 14 skill categories for people with disabilities. Sports (Macau ties): In the PBA Governors’ Cup, San Miguel routed Macau 123-109; Macau’s presence also featured in NLEX’s early-season run and other league updates. Luxury Watch: Richemont’s Q1 sales jumped 20% at constant currency, with jewellery up 24%, boosting the luxury sector’s momentum.

PBA Spotlight: San Miguel Beer opened the 2026 Governors’ Cup with a 123-109 rout of Macau at Ynares Center, turning things around after a slow start despite missing June Mar Fajardo and coach Leo Austria; Rodney Brondial powered the win with 25 rebounds and Jerrick Ahanmisi debuted for 16 points. Local Economy Watch: The Monetary Authority of Macao reported May 2026 mortgage and property lending cooled month-on-month, while foreign exchange reserves rose to MOP243.9 billion at end-June. Money & Safety: Macau’s Social Security “contribution month” urges employers to pay online as thousands of firms are still behind; meanwhile, the Judiciary Police flagged a new MPay QR-code scam that hit 36 residents in a week. Health & Policy: SSM expanded hepatitis B screening and prevention ahead of World Hepatitis Day, and lawmakers advanced revised tobacco rules with tighter e-cigarette controls. Tourism & Culture: Airside’s Scoop & Cone Gelato Fest returns with 200+ treats, and Cinematheque·Passion’s new operator faces criticism over a shortened tender term. Regional Glitz: Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 heads to Wynn in Macau later this month, with the extended 51-100 list already out.

Visa Update: Indonesia has granted visa-free entry for Macao SAR passport holders for up to 30 days per visit, with travellers urged to check changing entry rules before departure. Fraud Alert: The Judiciary Police say 36 residents were hit by MPay QR-code shopping scams in a week, losing 240,000 patacas after fake social media pages tricked victims into linking accounts to fraud-controlled platforms. Public Health & Safety: The Municipal Affairs Bureau ordered an immediate suspension of “Healer Bar” after a follow-up food sampling found Salmonella again, demanding rectification, cleaning and a full review of food handling. Local Governance: Two new interdepartmental coordination groups will oversee Macau’s 10-year elderly and rehabilitation action plans, aiming to tighten cross-department delivery and future planning. Community Space: Cotai’s outdoor venue will trial a rent-free “Enjoy Stage” for local organisations, with a built-in setup for smaller community performances. Sports (Macau in focus): San Miguel beat Macau 123-109 in the PBA Governors’ Cup opener, while NLEX started 3-0 under Jimmy Alapag with a 135-100 win over Titan Ultra. Business & Inclusion: Galaxy Macau says Galaxy Hotel, Galaxy Kidz and Grand Resort Deck have earned Certified Autism Center™ designation, positioning the resort as the first in Asia to receive the certification. Weather: A developing low-pressure system may bring tropical-cyclone conditions near Macau, with gusty winds and heavy showers possible.

Hengqin-Macao Economic Push: Macau’s business community is warning it could be sidelined in ASEAN outreach unless the government steps up, as Hong Kong accelerates official links and trade office expansion. Public Health & Food Safety: The Municipal Affairs Bureau ordered “Healer Bar” in Macau to suspend operations and rectify procedures after a repeat Salmonella finding in a ready-to-eat dish. Elderly & Rehab Governance: Two new cross-department coordination groups have been set up to drive Macau’s 10-year elderly and rehabilitation action plans from 2026-2035. Jobs for Youth: Macau’s Youth Employment Expo at Macau Tower will run for two days with 50+ local and Hengqin firms offering 1,600+ vacancies, including AI-related roles. Tourism Momentum: Qingmao Immigration Center has processed over 20 million customs clearances this year, with arrivals still climbing despite casino revenue pressure. Community Culture: Cotai’s new outdoor “Enjoy Stage” will be offered rent-free to local groups during a trial run. Safety Alert: A low-pressure system near the Pearl River Estuary may bring storms and heavy rain to Macau. Sports Spotlight: The Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals Macao 2026 quarterfinal schedule is out, with top teams set to play in late July.

Elderly & Rehab Overhaul: Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai has set up two cross-department coordination groups to drive the 10-year Elderly Protection and 10-year Rehabilitation action plans (2026-2035), formalised via executive orders in the Official Gazette. Tourism Momentum Despite Gaming Pressure: Macau tourist arrivals keep climbing even as casino revenue forecasts wobble; Qingmao Immigration Center has processed over 20 million customs clearances this year, with daily arrivals running above last July’s pace. Public Health Watch: Hong Kong’s CHP is investigating a human infection of rat Hepatitis E virus in a 72-year-old man with underlying conditions, urging stronger hygiene and rodent control; it also issued heat-illness precautions as temperatures hit 36.2°C in Macau. Gaming Revenue Update: Macau gaming tax revenue rose 13% to MOP51.19 billion in 1H26, about 55% of the annual target. Tourism Branding Push: MGTO launched the Mak Mak Experience Hub at Senado Square, using interactive tech to boost local IP and neighbourhood exploration. Sports Spotlight (Macau ties): In the PBA Governors’ Cup, NLEX under Jimmy Alapag started 2-0, while Macau’s Giant Pandas return as a guest team.

Gaming Economy: Macau’s casino sector posted its toughest quarter since reopening, with Citi pointing to FIFA World Cup diversion and weak VIP hold rates; Public Finance: gaming tax revenue rose 13% to MOP51.19b in 1H26 (55% of the annual target), while the city ran a fiscal surplus; Local Economy Pressure: a lawmaker urged stronger, coordinated action as shop closures spread and spending shifts toward Zhuhai; Tourism & Culture: MGTO opened the Mak Mak Experience Hub in Senado Square to boost IP-led, tech-driven tourism, while a think tank says ZAPE’s post-satellite-casino revamp should prioritize cultural tourism, the night economy, and business support; Governance & Safety: CE Sam chaired a “summer safety” meeting, and the health authority issued heat-illness precautions as temperatures hit 36.2°C; Crime & Enforcement: PJ arrested a retired officer tied to a sauna-linked vice ring, and police stepped up baccarat proxy-betting crackdowns targeting livestream-linked Mainland gamblers; Transport/Policy: DSPA is studying whether to ban new fossil-fuel vehicle registrations, and Macau’s tourism “volume obsession” drew fresh criticism.

Local Safety Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai chaired a “summer safety” meeting, urging public entities to tighten coordination on flood prevention, disaster relief, and accident prevention to protect lives and property. Tourism & Community: The Mak Mak Experience Hub opened at Largo do Senado, with interactive zones and themed products running daily until Jan 3. Childcare Support: The IAS launched the “Baby-Friendly Service Stations” plan, starting with a first station at Patane Municipal Market Complex and service points across six subsidised childcare centres. Crime & Enforcement: Judiciary Police arrested a retired PJ officer accused of helping a sauna evade law enforcement, following a wider crackdown on prostitution syndicates. Road Tragedy: A 73-year-old motorcyclist died after crashing into the rear of a lorry in Taipa; police said speed control was a factor. SME Confidence Boost: Macau SMEs Top 10 Honourable Awards nominations open next month, with 10 categories and cash prizes to strengthen public trust. Gaming Oversight: Suspicious transaction alerts at Macau gaming operators rose 8.7% in H1 amid tighter scrutiny. Business Calendar: PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards expand in 2026, adding sustainability, wellness, smart tech and other categories for Macau, Hong Kong and Mainland China.

Macau Governance: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai urged MSAR officials to fully integrate President Xi Jinping’s July 1 speech into daily work, reaffirming “One Country, Two Systems,” Macao people governing Macao, and high autonomy as the city pushes for high-quality development. Macao Legislature: The Legislative Assembly held a symposium to study Xi’s speech, with lawmakers pledging to turn the lessons into concrete legislation and better public well-being. Macao Culture & Heritage: The Macao Museum opened a thematic exhibition on the city’s first group of classified movable properties, featuring about 100 relics that highlight Macao’s trading-hub role and China-West cultural exchanges. Macao Entertainment: A Macau-set film review for “I Blew Out The Candles Before Making A Wish” spotlights its cinematic charm and debt-and-casino plot, while noting a lack of social critique. Regional Mobility: Germany published a 2026 list of 62 visa-free destinations (including Macao and Hong Kong) for short stays up to 90 days. PBA (Macau link): NLEX began the Governors’ Cup with a 114-75 win over the Macau Giant Pandas in Jimmy Alapag’s coaching debut.

Macao Politics: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai urged MSAR officials to fully integrate President Xi Jinping’s July 1 speech into governance, stressing “One Country, Two Systems,” “Macao people governing Macao,” and high autonomy as Macao pushes high-quality development. Cultural Heritage: The Macao Museum opened “Macao’s 1st Group of Classified Movable Properties Thematic Exhibition,” featuring about 100 relics and launching virtual tours from July 11 to Aug. 16. Gaming Administration: Lio Chi Chong returned as Acting Director of the DICJ for a second time in under two years, stepping in after Ng Wai Han’s promotion to Secretary for Economy and Finance. Regional Mobility: Japan and Saudi Arabia both updated eVisa eligibility lists for 2026, with Macau and Hong Kong included in Saudi’s eligible Asian countries and Japan publishing its own 2026 eVisa country lists. Sports (Macao in spotlight): In the PBA Governors’ Cup, NLEX under new coach Jimmy Alapag routed the Macau Giant Pandas 114-75 in the opener, while the SEA Plus Youth Games were launched with Macau among invited participants.

Macao Governance: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai chaired a symposium urging Macao officials to fully integrate President Xi Jinping’s speech into “One Country, Two Systems” work, stressing autonomy and responsibility as the SAR pushes high-quality development. Cultural Heritage: The Macao Museum opened “Macao’s 1st Group of Classified Movable Properties Thematic Exhibition,” featuring about 100 items and virtual tours running July 11 to Aug. 16. Gaming Regulation: Lio Chi Chong returned as Acting Director of the DICJ for a second time, stepping in after the Secretary for Economy and Finance post was filled and the director role stayed vacant. Tourism & IP: The Mak Mak Experience Hub was inaugurated at Senado Square, with immersive “Mak Moments” zones running until Jan. 3, 2027. Sports (Macao in focus): In the PBA Governors’ Cup, NLEX coach Jimmy Alapag began with a 114-75 rout of the Macau Giant Pandas, while the conference schedule also keeps Macau as a guest team.