AGP Executive Report

GGR Watch: Macau’s gross gaming revenue is expected to rebound in September after a third straight monthly dip, with analysts split on how strong the recovery will be following August’s 1.2% year-on-year fall to MOP21.89 billion. ASEAN Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai is in Indonesia pressing for deeper Macau-ASEAN links on trade, investment, tourism and business cooperation, pointing to Hengqin and the Greater Bay Area as the bridge. Drone Medical Pilot: Macau is targeting 10–15 minute drone deliveries for medical samples between Conde de São Januário Hospital and Peking Union Medical College Hospital’s Macao Medical Center, while stressing airspace and standards hurdles. Legal Reform for Associations: A 45-day public consultation is underway on a unified legal regime for Macau’s 12,400-plus associations, aiming to fix long-standing overlaps and regulatory gaps. Back-to-School Traffic: DSAT says nearly 80% of schools started amid Signal No. 1, with buses carrying 120,000–130,000 passengers in peak morning hours and extra services added. 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. Business & Gaming Tech: Asia Pioneer Entertainment reported a 47.3% H1 revenue jump to HK$33.9m, driven by demand for gaming equipment upgrades, and is eyeing overseas expansion. Finance: Shenzhen plans to issue RMB1 billion offshore yuan municipal bonds in Macau to deepen Greater Bay Area financial cooperation.

Macao-Indonesia Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai is in Jakarta for a four-day push to deepen Macao ties with Indonesia, with trade, tourism, culture and people-to-people cooperation on the agenda; the reception drew about 350 guests and produced 80+ cooperation agreements after 120 business matching sessions. Local Governance & Heritage: Pátio do Espinho near the Ruins of St. Paul’s is set for a phased urban renewal under the Third Five-Year Plan, with a task force focused on conservation, safety and revitalisation options inside the World Heritage buffer zone. Education Disruption: Despite Tropical Storm Saudel and Signal No. 1, most schools reopened, but the first day was marred by an alleged teacher assault involving a corrosive substance. Gaming & Finance: Macau Legend warned it may not meet loan obligations even after turning adjusted EBITDA positive, while Seaport expects a September rebound in gross gaming revenue after August fell short. Business Watch: Asia Pioneer Entertainment (8400.HK) reported a 90-fold jump in H1 profit and revenue growth, citing demand for integrated resort equipment upgrades. Cross-border Compliance Concern: A political scientist says China’s proposed cross-border corruption law could reach Macau-linked companies and illicit assets, raising compliance questions for operators.

Macau Gaming Watch: Macau’s 20 casinos posted August gross gaming revenue of MOP21.89 billion, down 1.2% year-on-year but up 8.1% from July, with analysts pointing to steadier premium mass spending even as overall momentum softens. Macau-Finance & Bonds: The AMCM said Shenzhen will issue RMB1 billion in offshore yuan municipal bonds in Macau, aiming to boost the local bond market and support economic diversification. Hengqin & Education/Start-ups: Macau media toured Hengqin facilities focused on schools and youth start-ups, highlighting how the Guangdong-Macao cooperation zone is turning education and early-stage ideas into real projects. Macao-Indonesia Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai told Jakarta that China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Macau’s 3rd plan will open new opportunities for Macau-Indonesia cooperation tied to the Maritime Silk Road. Local Culture & Industry: Macau’s Film and Television Industry Service Centre begins trial operations, offering mainland-facing consultation and referrals to help local productions expand. Tourism-Tech: UTM and Xia Ding Technology launched an AR smart-dining project using smart glasses to test how AI can reshape the dining experience for Macau visitors. Regional Sports: EASL’s 2026–27 season tips off in Cebu on Oct 3, with Macau Hou Chon set for its league debut.

Gaming Watch: Macau’s casino gross gaming revenue slipped 1.2% year-on-year to MOP21.89 billion in August, though it rose 8.1% from July; for the first eight months, GGR is up 3.7% to MOP169.05 billion. Tourism-Tech: UTM and Xia Ding Technology launched an AI-assisted dining project using AR smart glasses, aiming to reshape service experiences for Macao’s tourism and hospitality. Local Policy: The government guidance fund is moving from plan to framework, with a “patient capital” approach to steer private money into diversification and local jobs, targeting a fund size around MOP20 billion. Urban Renewal & Housing: Temporary housing rents at Areia Preta’s MUR units were set from MOP3,430 to MOP9,240 per month, as displaced residents transition during renewal works. Health Alert: Medical experts warn cancer patients and the immunocompromised face higher shingles risk, urging early assessment and prevention. Culture & Events: Macau’s MGM Cup lion dance championship returns Oct 10-11 at Barra Square, with a record 25 teams from 14 countries/regions. Regional Links: PM Lawrence Wong met CE Sam Hou Fai in Singapore, discussing Hengqin and Greater Bay Area opportunities.

Macau Economic Diversification: The government has set up the operating system for a new “guidance fund” to steer private money into priority sectors, using “patient capital” and a risk-controlled framework aimed at industrial upgrading and higher-quality local jobs. Urban Renewal & Housing: CE Sam Hou Fai says Singapore’s “old-for-new” public housing model offers lessons for Macau’s aging-city renewal push, while Areia Preta temporary housing rents at MUR units are set from MOP3,430 to MOP9,240 per month for displaced residents. Property Watch: Guangzhou’s rebound is gaining momentum after its “Eight-Measure Housing Policy,” and it has eased purchase rules for Hong Kong and Macau residents—potentially easing demand hurdles for Macau buyers. Health: Macau Yin Kui Hospital warns cancer patients and the immunocompromised face higher shingles risk, with serious complications possible. Tourism & Hospitality: Hotel occupancy stayed above 90% in July, but room rates in some districts fell as Zhuhai and Hengqin competition bites. Weather: Signal No. 1 is in effect as Cyclone Saudel approaches, with a possible upgrade to Signal No. 3. Local Life: The Senior Sports Games are set for Sept 13 at Tap Seac, with activities tailored for older residents. Business & Gaming: Macau Legend says it’s in talks with lenders after 1H26 losses narrowed but loan obligations remain a concern; Melco parent reports slight revenue growth but profit down on higher costs.

Macao-Singapore Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, on an eight-day Singapore-Indonesia-Malaysia trip, told Singapore PM Lawrence Wong and Deputy PM Gan Kim Yong that China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Macao’s Third Five-Year Plan will unlock fresh Macao-Singapore cooperation, with talks also covering trade, digital economy, higher education and industrial transformation. Patient-Capital Fund: Macao’s government is drafting legislation to set up a “guidance fund” for non-gaming diversification, using “patient capital” and long-term, policy-led investment principles. Public Health Upgrade: Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong received accreditation under China’s International Hospital Accreditation Standards (2021 version), the fifth public hospital to do so. Cross-Border Enforcement: Hong Kong Customs seized about US$8.5 million of suspected smuggled goods from river trade vessels bound for Macao, including pharmaceutical products and cosmetic injection vials. Healthcare Access: Hong Kong’s seasonal influenza vaccination programme starts Sept 17, with high-risk groups urged to get shots early. Local Daily Life: Barra’s heavy passenger vehicle carpark offers one-hour free parking from midnight until Dec 31. Business Watch: Paradise Entertainment plans to return to the North American casino market via its supplier arm after a 1H25 loss and satellite casino closure; Success Universe also reported a wider 1H26 loss tied to Ponte 16’s shutdown.

CE Southeast Asia Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai has kicked off an eight-day visit to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, pitching Macau’s Third Five-Year Plan and Hengqin as a bridge for trade, investment and shared growth, with a business delegation of about 120 entrepreneurs in tow. Macau Finances: The MSAR recorded a surplus of about MOP166.4 billion in 2025, driven by a bigger services account surplus as travel services exports rose. Cross-Border Travel Update: Hong Kong’s revamped Huanggang Port will let residents use a single document for entry and exit once it opens, simplifying the current two-document system. Customs Crackdown: Macau Customs seized 950 kg of frozen beef worth about 30,000 patacas in a parallel-trading case, citing food safety violations. Culture & Community: The Cultural Affairs Bureau will launch a creative design competition tied to a six-month “Ancient China in Creative Products” exhibition, while a “Filial Piety Culture Promotion” event highlighted care for seniors. Gaming Business Watch: Paradise Entertainment is planning a return to the US market via its supplier arm after losses tied to satellite casino closures, and Success Universe reported a wider 1H26 loss linked to Ponte 16’s shutdown. Disaster Aid: Macau will donate RMB30 million to Tibet mudslide relief and recovery, with medical rescue support pledged as needed.

Macao-SEA Diplomacy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai is in Singapore to kick off an eight-day official trip to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, aiming to push Macao’s Third Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), attract international resources for Macao and Hengqin, and deepen practical cooperation across public health, science, TCM, tourism and trade. Hengqin Integration: A new focus on Hengqin’s role in Macao’s diversification continues, with the island described as a commercialization platform for research and mass production—key to turning innovation into industry. Disaster Solidarity: Macao has pledged 30 million yuan via the Macao Foundation to support rescue and post-disaster recovery in Xizang after the Gyirong Port mudslide, with medical and other assistance promised. Cross-Boundary Readiness: Hong Kong and Shenzhen completed a second Huanggang Port stress test ahead of opening, including “joint one-stop” vehicle lanes and large-scale clearance drills. Gaming & Risk Watch: A study warns AI-backed advantage play using baccarat side bets is spreading across Asia, potentially costing operators hundreds of millions annually, while Macao’s gaming diversification push is framed as ambitious but increasingly achievable. Public Health Talks: CE meetings in Singapore also highlighted cooperation on ageing-related governance, public health and traditional Chinese medicine.

Macao–Hengqin Development: A new Xinhua focus highlights how Hengqin’s Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone is giving Macao room to diversify, with science-to-industry platforms like the Macao Institute of Materials Science and Engineering helping turn research into products. Chief Executive Diplomacy: CE Sam Hou Fai met the Chinese Ambassador to Singapore and kicked off an eight-day trip to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, aiming to push the Third Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), attract resources, and strengthen Macao’s “Down South” bridge role. Disaster Aid: Macao will donate 30 million yuan via the Macao Foundation to support rescue and recovery after the Gyirong Port mudslide disaster in Xizang, with medical and other assistance promised. Local Education & Talent: UM hosted the World Universities Public Speaking Invitational Championship, where UM student Edward Daniel Belza Alfaro won, while UM also ran a smart grid forum and launched a Master’s intake in Smart Power Grid. Cross-Boundary Readiness: Hong Kong and Shenzhen completed a second Huanggang Port stress test, including “joint one-stop” vehicle lanes, to prepare for the port’s opening.

Disaster Relief: The Macao SAR government will donate 30 million yuan via the Macao Foundation to Xizang (Tibet) for rescue and post-disaster recovery after a mudslide hit Gyirong County, with Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai also calling for medical and other support and urging Macao residents and groups to help affected people resume normal life. Diplomacy & Trade: Sam Hou Fai has departed for an eight-day official trip to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, aiming to promote opportunities under the 3rd Five-Year Plan, attract international resources for Macao and Hengqin, and strengthen practical cooperation through meetings and business matchmaking. Cross-Boundary Readiness: Hong Kong and Shenzhen completed a second large-scale stress test at Huanggang Port, including trials of “joint one-stop” vehicle lanes and emergency response coordination ahead of the port’s opening. Regional Aid Coordination: Hong Kong’s government and local groups have also pledged HK$50 million for Nepal-Tibet flood victims, with Macao’s donation highlighted among the support. Local Governance & Planning: Macao’s push to deepen integration with Hengqin and Southeast Asia continues alongside broader policy and development messaging tied to the 3rd Five-Year Plan.

Greater Bay Area Tech Links: A Xinhua report says Hong Kong and Macao researchers are again heading to Dongguan as the Pearl River Delta deepens integration through new research facilities and tech collaboration. Macao Leadership Abroad: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai will visit Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia from Aug 29 to Sept 5, with roadshows, matchmaking and meetings aimed at boosting trade, tourism, science and education ties. Hengqin-Macao Momentum: Macao’s postal cooperation continues with the 7th joint postal meeting in Kunming, while local integrity-building efforts in Hengqin draw a CCAC delegation. Local Economy Watch: AMCM released Macao’s 2025 balance of payments preliminary figures, showing a current account surplus, and DSEC data points to rising July electronic payments in restaurants and retail. Tourism Push: MGTO is promoting Macao in Southeast Asia via multilingual mini drama series and a travel trade delegation to Singapore, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur. Public Safety: Hong Kong Customs jailed an incoming passenger for duty-not-paid cigarettes, warning against law defiance.

Southeast Asia Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai will lead a Macao delegation to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia from Aug 29 to Sept 5, with roadshows and business matchmaking to deepen trade, tourism, science and education ties. Integrity & Governance: The Commissioner Against Corruption Ao Ieong Seong led a CCAC delegation to Foshan, Zhongshan and the Guangdong-Macao Hengqin In-Depth Cooperation Zone to learn integrity-education practices. Smart Grid Talent: UM held a forum in the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town on smart grid development and talent strategies, launching a Master’s intake for smart power grid studies. Tourism Branding: MGTO is rolling out multilingual mini drama series for Southeast Asia destination branding, including a co-production with iQIYI set to debut Aug 30. Economy Watch: AMCM released Macao’s 2025 balance of payments preliminary estimate, showing a current account surplus and service exports growth. Daily Life & Transport: DSAT and partners plan extra bus and traffic support for the Sept 1 back-to-school surge, while LRT extends a weekend bicycle-on-trains trial to Dec 31. Gaming Business: CBRE says SJM cut staff by 10% amid satellite casino closures, as margins remain under pressure. Public Safety: Customs reported a passenger jailed for smuggling duty-not-paid cigarettes after failing to declare them.

Public Safety & National Security: Chief Secretary for Security Chan Tsz King briefed association reps on the MSAR 3rd Five-Year Plan security portfolio, stressing safeguarding national security and building a high-level safe city. Mental Health Access: The Health Bureau and Kai Fong (UGAMM) launched a mobile mental health support service vehicle, bringing community tours, on-the-spot counselling, and emotional-management mini-lectures. Transport & Mobility: LRT extended its weekend bicycle access trial through Dec 31, letting folded bikes (or bikes with one wheel removed) enter stations and trains. Hengqin Cargo Push: Macau International Airport began pilot air-cargo palletizing in Hengqin, with customs “one lock” and aviation security controls, as the upstream cargo terminal targets official operations in 1H 2027. Gaming Economy Watch: Investment banks cut August gaming revenue forecasts amid softer daily play, though upcoming concerts are expected to help later in the month. Tourism & Events: The 34th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest (Sept 12- Oct 4) will feature drones for the first time, with 3,400 drones in two featured shows. Sports Spotlight: CE Sam Hou Fai presented the MSAR flag to local delegations for the 20th Asian Games and 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Youth & Community: Macau’s drug dependency cases rose to 88 in 1H 2026, with “Ice” still the most used substance.

Macau Governance Reform: The government announced mergers and restructuring of several public entities and bureaus, with changes taking effect next week (Sept. 1), including moving the Macau Conservatory under the Education and Youth Development Bureau to streamline responsibilities and cut posts. Macau Tourism & Events: The 34th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest runs Sept. 12, 19, 25 and Oct. 1 and 4, adding drones for the first time—more than 3,400 drones will power two featured shows. Hengqin–Macao Logistics: Macao International Airport launched a pilot air-cargo palletizing operation in Hengqin, a step toward the Hengqin Upstream Cargo Terminal expected to be completed by end-2026 and operational in 1H 2027. Local Economy & Gaming: Investment banks trimmed August gaming revenue forecasts as daily GGR softened, though analysts point to upcoming arena concerts as support. UM & Innovation: UM wrapped up the 2026 Bank of China Trophy UltiMater Entrepreneur Competition, awarding six teams and drawing nearly 100 teams. AI & Finance (HK–Macao region): Manulife Hong Kong was selected for the GenA.I. Sandbox++ to test GenAI use cases for insurance and MPF claims experience and anti-fraud risk management. Culture & Entertainment: “MasterChef Asia” returns after a decade, with filming in Macao’s UNESCO gastronomy city and a Sept. 22 premiere. Public Safety Pulse: A community policing survey by UM for API found 78.66% of residents rate community security positively.

Government Reshuffle: Macau will merge and streamline several public entities from Sept. 1, aiming to cut bureaucracy and posts, including combining the Consumer Council and FDCT into the Economic and Technological Development Bureau and moving the Macau Conservatory to the Education and Youth Development Bureau. Fireworks Upgrade: The 34th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest runs Sept. 12–Oct. 4 and will feature drones alongside fireworks for the first time, with 3,400 drones in two signature shows. Hengqin Cargo Push: Macau International Airport launched pilot cargo palletization in Hengqin, extending security screening and palletizing upstream; the Hengqin terminal is set for completion by end-2026 and official operation in 1H 2027. Public Safety Survey: A UM-backed community policing survey found 78.66% of residents rate community security positively, with tech-empowered policing supported by 63.09%. Drug Dependency Update: IAS reported 88 drug dependency cases in 1H 2026, up 3.5%, with “Ice” still the most common drug. Gaming Watch: Investment banks trimmed August GGR forecasts after softer daily figures, though analysts expect concerts to help later in the month. Tourism + Culture: The IC will launch a free “Macau Historical Discovery Tour” shuttle with weekend character performances, plus a separate “Discovering the History of Macao” cultural tour linking key sites.

Macao–Hengqin Air Cargo Boost: Macao International Airport has launched pilot cargo palletization on Hengqin island in Zhuhai, gradually extending security screening and palletization from MIA to Hengqin to speed mainland-to-overseas shipments; the Hengqin cargo terminal is under construction, aiming for completion by end-2026 and full operation in the first half of 2027. Hengqin Incentives for Diversification: The Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone rolled out incentives to strengthen Macau’s role as an international air cargo hub, including per-kilo subsidies for freight using the Hengqin upstream cargo terminal and support for handling, warehousing, and talent, running to Dec. 31, 2028. Tourism & Events: The 34th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest will run from 12 September to 4 October, adding fireworks plus drone shows under the theme “Set Sail for Macao, where the Silk Road Sparkles.” Local Governance & Economy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai outlined priorities in Macao’s 2026–2030 Third Five-Year Plan, framing it as a roadmap to move ahead while deepening integration with Hengqin. Business & Finance: Melco Resorts Finance will redeem USD600 million of 5.625% notes on Sept. 23, nearly 10 months early, as part of its debt-management moves. Culture & Media: China’s box-office hit “Once Upon a Time in the Middle East” is set for overseas rollout, with screenings in Hong Kong and Macao on 18 September.