AGP Executive Report

EV & Energy Infrastructure: Macau’s first EV supercharging station in Cotai is completed and moving into gradual trial operation, with the government planning ~20% more fast chargers this year and adding scooter charging points in 50+ public carparks, while optimizing the charging-station app with CEM for real-time availability. Green Transition: Macau launched its Environment Day 2026 programme and “energy saving and carbon reduction for all” campaign, including school education, online livestreams, and citywide actions like “lights off one hour,” as emissions are said to have stabilized. Startup & Tech Ecosystem: The 929 Challenge expands into AIE Expo Macao (Dec 3-4 at Cotai Expo), adding a new acceleration programme to help startups enter the Greater Bay Area, with access to 900+ exhibitors and 50,000 professionals. Food Safety & Retail Compliance: IAM says its AI-enabled food safety risk monitoring and early alert platform is expanding, and that takeaway shops must be registered—4,267 shops have valid certificates, with thousands of inspections since 2025. Macao Business & Tourism Push: MGTO is actively courting Southeast Asia via Malaysia and Thailand travel marts to update trade partners on Macao’s “tourism +” products and MICE offerings.

Environment & Public Health: Macao kicked off its Environment Day 2026 programme and a citywide “energy saving and carbon reduction for all” push, including school education, online livestreams, and “lights off one hour,” while authorities also flagged rising mosquito risk and released updated gravidtrap indexes, with Macau exploring smarter mosquito-trap imports as an alternative to broad chemical spraying. Food Safety & Regulation: The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) says its AI-enabled food safety risk monitoring and early alert platform is expanding, with data submission and instant electronic alerts for pre-packaged foods, and it continues tightening takeaway hygiene via a registration system now covering 4,267 shops. Cross-border Finance: Macao went live on the mBridge CBDC platform, with local banks completing 23 cross-border transactions on day one worth about MOP13 billion, supporting faster settlements and remittances. Tourism & MICE Growth: MGTO is actively courting Southeast Asia, running Macao Tourism Product Updates Seminars and Travel Marts in Malaysia and Thailand to push “tourism +” offerings. Tech & Trade Compliance: Washington’s latest AI chip export guidance targets advanced processors sold to entities headquartered in China or Macau, closing a loophole that had reportedly enabled chip buying via overseas subsidiaries. Entertainment & Culture: Damai Entertainment confirmed the international rollout of the Teochew drama “Dear You,” with Macau among the first wave territories starting June 18.

Environment & Energy: Macao kicked off its Environment Day 2026 programme and “energy saving and carbon reduction for all” campaign, with school education, online livestreams, and “lights off one hour,” plus a donation linked to the plastic bag charging scheme; officials said land transport has reached its carbon peak. Tourism & MICE: MGTO pushed Southeast Asia demand with Macao Tourism Product Updates Seminars and a Travel Mart in Malaysia and Thailand, pitching “tourism +” and new products to travel trade partners. Food Safety Tech: IAM expanded a smart early-warning platform for food safety risk monitoring, using AI to speed alerts, while also reinforcing takeaway shop registration and hygiene supervision. Cross-border Finance: Macao went live on mBridge for cross-border CBDC payments; three banks completed 23 transactions on day one, totaling about MOP13 billion across China, Hong Kong and the UAE. Public Health: Authorities flagged rising mosquito breeding conditions and discussed smarter trap trials as part of dengue/chikungunya risk management. Regulation Watch (Global): US BIS closed a China AI chip “loophole,” tightening licensing expectations for advanced chips routed via overseas entities—an issue that can ripple into regional data centres and supply chains. Catholic Centre: The Macau Catholic Centre’s June 12 opening was postponed due to technical construction issues.

Tourism Trade Push: MGTO is taking Macao’s “tourism +” pitch to Southeast Asia, running a Tourism Product Updates Seminar and Travel Mart in Malaysia and Thailand to line up travel trade partners and boost inbound interest. Cross-Border Finance: Macao officially went live on mBridge, with local banks completing 23 cross-border CBDC transactions on day one, including settlements involving China, Hong Kong and the UAE—an early test of faster, lower-fee digital payments. Food Safety Tech: IAM is expanding its AI-enabled Food Safety Risk Monitoring and Early Alert Platform, while also tightening takeaway oversight via the registration system (4,267 registered shops; 3,650+ inspections since 2025). Public Health Watch: FEHD released updated mosquito gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus, showing rising breeding conditions and reinforcing community participation in control measures. Energy & Renewables Signals: SNEC 2026 in Shanghai drew major regional energy storage and battery-swapping discussions, with a strategic cooperation agreement signed around projects in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Global Currency Angle: Standard Chartered data says global yuan use has more than doubled over the past decade, with Macao and Hong Kong policy initiatives cited as supporting factors.

Food Safety Tech in Focus: Macao’s IAM is rolling out a smart “Food Safety Risk Monitoring and Assessment” early-alert platform with AI support, and it says takeaway registration rules are now enforced via inspections and sampling—4,267 registered shops and 26 illegal operators fined since the system began. Public Health & Vector Control: FEHD in Hong Kong released updated mosquito gravid-trap and density indexes, warning that rising breeding conditions could push authorities toward stronger citywide chemical control if needed. Cross-Border Finance Upgrade: Macao officially went live on mBridge, with local banks completing first-day cross-border CBDC transactions worth nearly MOP13 billion across China, Hong Kong and the UAE. Green Transition Push: Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao jointly marked Environment Day 2026 in Guangzhou, pledging green, low-carbon transformation for the Greater Bay Area. Macao Tech & Talent Links: CE Sam Hou Fai met Hebei’s governor to deepen cooperation and align Macao’s next five-year plan with national priorities. Entertainment Export: Damai Entertainment set an international theatrical rollout for “Dear You,” with Hong Kong and Macau among the first territories starting June 18.

World Environment Day: Macau’s Environmental Protection Bureau is urging a “Switch Off for One Hour” lights-off push (8:30–9:30pm) and a summer energy-saving drive through Aug 31, with residents and businesses asked to cut non-essential power use and keep AC at 25°C or higher. Cross-border finance: Macau officially went live on the BIS-backed mBridge CBDC cross-border payment platform, with Bank of Communications Macau Branch completing e-MOP remittance and RMB digital yuan collection transactions—while the digital Macao pataca remains in domestic sandbox testing. Tourism & hospitality: Galaxy Macau is rolling out “As Summer Comes to Play” for its 15th anniversary, while a new hotel law framework allows shared rooms and “sleeping spaces” to diversify accommodation as room supply tops 45,000. Local governance & labor: IAM municipal restructuring took effect June 1 with new leadership and a stronger “follow-up” mandate; authorities also reiterated the non-resident worker cap stays strict, with 3,700+ locals hired as of April. Tech & automation: China’s “robot-served hotel” plan in Shenzhen signals deeper automation in hospitality, echoing Macau’s push toward tourism + technology. Construction pipeline: The Macau Catholic Centre’s June 12 opening ceremony was postponed due to technical construction issues.

mBridge Rollout in Macau: Bank of Communications’ Macau branch has completed its first two real-world mBridge transactions—an e-MOP remittance and a RMB 500 million digital yuan cross-border collection—after joining the regulator’s first mBridge cohort, signaling faster, lower-fee CBDC settlement for local firms. Digital Finance & Sandbox Testing: Macau has also joined the mBridge project, with the digital Macanese pataca moving through stable sandbox testing and planned expansion into scenarios like e-government and public transport. Hospitality Policy Shift: A new hotel framework in Macau now allows “low-cost accommodation” with shared rooms and “sleeping spaces,” as authorities push tourism + technology while room supply tops 45,000. Public Sector Restructure: Macau’s Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) has been streamlined into eight departments and 19 divisions, with new municipal leadership sworn in and a pledge to follow up on every public request. Energy-Saving Drive: The city is urging participation in World Environment Day initiatives, including a citywide lights-off hour and a summer energy conservation programme. Construction & Infrastructure: The Macau Catholic Centre has postponed its June opening due to “technical construction issues,” while DSAT launched a tender for 14 eight-year taxi operating licenses as ride-hailing legislation moves forward. Greater Bay Area Alignment: Xia Baolong visited Zhuhai and Hengqin to stress HK-Macau alignment with the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan and deeper GBA integration, including a look at the Hengqin cargo terminal slated for 2027. Robotics in Hospitality: China’s “robot-served hotel” project in Shenzhen (by Pudu Robotics) points to a new wave of fully automated guest services. Cross-border Enforcement Watch: Hong Kong Customs seized about 52.8 million illicit cigarettes in major sea smuggling cases, underscoring ongoing regional trade security risks.

Macau Infrastructure & Trade: The 17th IIICF will run in Macao from 10–12 June, pushing the city’s role as a “precise connector” between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, with 60 minister-level guests and US$19.5bn in signed partnership deals so far. Smart City & Payments: MACAU Pass is expanding AI-powered digital payments in Macao with Ant Bank (Macao) and Alibaba ecosystem partners, serving nearly 90% of residents and enabling cross-border wallet payments via Alipay+. Energy Saving Drive: Macau’s Environmental Protection Bureau is urging participation in World Environment Day activities, including a lights-off “Switch Off for One Hour” on 4 June and a summer “Casual Summer, Save Energy Together” programme through 31 August. Transport & Urban Planning: Lawmakers renewed calls for a fifth Macau–Taipa link, while the government says any new crossing must be prudently planned with LRT elements; separate talks also target QR-based fare gate upgrades to support future LRT–bus transfer discounts. Robotics & Expo Momentum: BEYOND Expo 2026 in Macao highlighted embodied intelligence and service robots, with local firms showcasing overseas ambitions even as industry leaders warn major breakthroughs may take years. Healthcare & Medtech in the Region: Kent Imaging signed a distribution deal with JCare Medical Technology for SnapshotNIR in Hong Kong and Macau, aiming to bring non-invasive tissue oxygenation imaging to clinicians.

Macao Smart Payments: MACAU Pass is rolling out more AI-powered digital payment services in Macao with Ant Bank (Macao) and Alibaba ecosystem partners, expanding MPay’s e-wallet reach (now covering nearly 90% of residents and 100+ daily scenarios) and adding an AI payment assistant for small businesses. Macao Transport & Infrastructure: Lawmakers renewed calls for a fifth Macau–Taipa link, while the government reiterated its “LRT as the backbone” approach; officials also discussed using new LRT fare gates and QR payment options (MPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay, Easy Pay) to support future integrated ticketing and possible transfer discounts. Macao Tech & Robotics at BEYOND Expo: Chinese embodied AI firms used BEYOND Expo in Macao to showcase robots and overseas plans, but industry leaders warned a major breakthrough may still be years away. Macao Hospitality ESG: Macao University of Tourism hosted a webinar on sustainable hospitality, focusing on ESG reporting, climate risk, and how AI can cut waste and improve resource efficiency. Global Business Ties via Macao: Galaxy Macau signed a three-year strategic partnership with Trip.com Group to scale global live events and premium travel experiences, positioning the city as a “City of Performing Arts.” Healthcare & Biotech (Global, with Macao links): Eli Lilly and Ascidian Therapeutics agreed a $1.9bn RNA exon editor collaboration targeting inherited kidney diseases; meanwhile, a bladder cancer study lists Macau University of Science and Technology and the Macau Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine among contributors.

Robotics & Smart Hospitality: Pudu Robotics unveiled a “full-scenario” robot-serviced hotel project, with robots handling reception, room service, cleaning, security patrols and guest interaction—an automation push that signals how Macau’s MICE and hospitality ecosystem is getting tech-forward. AI Wearables & Privacy: iFlytek launched AI smart glasses at BEYOND Expo Macau, pitching real-time translation across 122 languages while facing growing scrutiny over camera-equipped wearables. Macau Mobility Planning: Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raymond Tam outlined plans to connect Macau’s LRT with Hengqin’s future light rail, reinforcing the Greater Bay Area integration story around cross-border checkpoints and rail links. Local Business Support: DSAL opened applications for its 2026 Career Development Internship Programme, offering 850 placements across sectors including tourism, finance, technology, construction and engineering. Healthcare & Research: A Macau University of Science and Technology-linked study explored how autophagy may drive ferroptosis in bladder cancer, pointing to new therapeutic angles. Gaming Outlook: Analysts expect Macau’s year-long growth cycle to cool, with June GGR forecast to flatten year-on-year. Trade & Compliance: Kent Imaging appointed JCare Medical Technology as sole distributor of SnapshotNIR in Hong Kong and Macau, expanding near-infrared tissue oxygenation imaging access. Finance & Regulation: Tiger Brokers said it will suspend deposit and buying services for existing mainland investment accounts after China’s regulator accused it of unlicensed cross-border securities and futures activity.

Labour & Jobs: DSAL opened applications for its “Career Development Internship Programme 2026”, offering 3-month placements for university graduates across nine sectors, with 850 spots backed by 77 companies and a monthly allowance of 8,000 patacas. Transport & Integration: Transport chief Raymond Tam outlined plans to connect Macau’s LRT with Hengqin’s future light rail, detailing the current lines and the Hengqin joint checkpoint governance setup. Local Branding & Trade: DSEDT launched the “MARCA✦MACAU Plan” to help Macau products and livestream influencers expand overseas, with a first-round shortlist capped at 20 enterprises and 10 influencers. Hospitality Sustainability: Macao University of Tourism hosted a webinar on “Sustainable Hospitality”, focusing on ESG reporting, climate risk, and how AI can cut waste and improve resource efficiency. Gaming Outlook: Analysts expect Macau’s GGR growth to cool in June after a year-long run, with forecasts pointing to near-flat year-on-year performance. Workplace Safety: DSAL reported 5,102 workplace accident victims in 2025 (nine deaths), with falls the top cause. Digital Currency Testing: AMCM said e-MOP has moved into sandbox transaction testing via a whitelist, targeting phased rollout beyond retail. Construction Standards (GBA): Guangdong and Hong Kong signed an agreement to standardise construction practices across the Greater Bay Area.

Digital Finance & Payments: AMCM has moved e-MOP into sandbox testing with a whitelist of users, aiming for a 2027 launch and wider cross-border trade and public-service use of the digital pataca. Local Business Going Global: DSEDT launched the “Macau Signature Brand Plan” to back “Made/Designed in Macau” products and livestream influencers for overseas expansion, with up to 20 enterprises and 10 influencers selected in the first round. Tech & Innovation in Macau: BEYOND Expo 2026 wrapped up with “AI: Digital to Physical,” drawing 30,000+ visitors and nearly 800 exhibitors, while LINKER debuted OttoBox, an AI-native video creation assistant. Gaming Market Watch: Macau’s May GGR rose 6.7% YoY to MOP22.6bn, and analysts expect June growth to flatten as the city’s year-long momentum cools. Workplace Safety: Macau recorded 5,102 work-accident victims in 2025 (nine deaths), with falls the top cause, alongside thousands of inspections and recommendations. Construction Legal Services: Hong Kong law firm Ince added a senior construction expert to strengthen contentious and non-contentious capability across Hong Kong, Macau and the mainland.

Gaming Economy: Macau’s six casinos took MOP22.61 billion (US$2.8bn) in May, up 6.7% year-on-year and the best May since 2019, helped by a strong Labor Day holiday; investors pushed casino stocks higher as GGR rose to MOP108.37 billion year-to-date. Tech & Innovation: BEYOND Expo 2026 in Cotai wrapped up with “AI: Digital to Physical,” drawing 30,000+ visitors from 120+ countries, nearly 800 exhibitors and 400 speakers, with big emphasis on humanoids, robotics and AI agents. Digital Finance: A Macao seminar brought together officials and experts to discuss central bank digital currencies and cross-border use, highlighting the digital pataca (e-MOP) and links to PBOC transfer services. Cross-border Mobility: New mainland yacht rules for Hong Kong and Macao cut the “guarantee” and temporary registration burden for trips via designated GBA ports, a boost for the yacht economy. Health & Safety: Macau’s authorities flagged two bottled water brands over enterococci contamination, ordering affected batches pulled and consumers to stop drinking. Business Expansion: ReNerve signed a distribution deal to commercialise NervAlign across Hong Kong, Macau and the Greater Bay Area via STC. Public Infrastructure: Hong Kong’s Highways Department marked its 40th anniversary, underscoring long-term transport investment and network upkeep.

Greater Bay Area Yacht Policy: Hong Kong and Macao welcomed a State Council move that waives the “guarantee” requirement and removes “temporary ship nationality registration” for private yachts temporarily entering/exiting nine mainland GBA cities via designated ports—cutting costs and paperwork for solo yacht tourism. Macao Tourism Demand: DSEC reported Macau hotels logged 4.86 million guests in Jan–Apr, up 1.9% YoY, with mainland/HKSAR/Taiwan visitors still dominating and room occupancy averaging 91.8%. SME Trade & Logistics: HKPC and DHL will co-host an SME-focused “Blueprint for Global Expansion” forum on 12 June, targeting barriers like customs complexity and high logistics costs; survey results show most air traders remain neutral or positive on overseas trade. Tech & Smart City at BEYOND Expo: At BEYOND Expo 2026 in Macau, ZTE framed overseas growth around an “open ecosystem” for computing power and data centers, while iFLYTEK showcased AI glasses with real-time translation in 122 languages. Medical & Biotech Signals: Ascentage Pharma presented new ASCO 2026 data for olverembatinib in CML settings, while Kelun-Biotech’s sacituzumab tirumotecan plus pembrolizumab results were published in The Lancet. Food Safety Alert: Macau’s IAM ordered a stop-sell and stop-drink for two bottled water brands found to contain enterococci. Local Culture: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival returns June 30–Aug with performances, exhibitions and family activities.

Food Safety & Retail: 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 above Macau hygiene standards, urging buyers to stop drinking and for sellers to halt supply. Tech & Innovation: BEYOND Expo 2026 in Cotai put “AI: Digital to Physical” front and centre, with nearly 800 exhibitors and launches including iFLYTEK’s AI glasses offering real-time translation in 122 languages. Cross-border Marine Policy: Macau and Hong Kong welcomed Beijing’s “exempt from guarantees” yacht access for nine Greater Bay Area mainland cities, cutting financial barriers and enabling temporary ship nationality registration. Tourism & Hospitality: DSEC reported Macau hotels welcomed 4.86 million guests in Jan–Apr (+1.9% YoY), with mainland/HKSAR/Taiwan visitors still dominating and room occupancy averaging 91.8%. Culture for Families: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival returns June 30–Aug with performances, exhibitions, film screenings and workshops. Gaming Industry People Moves: Sands China named former MGM China president Hubert Wang as COO from June 1, overseeing gaming and resort operations.

Greater Bay Area Yacht Rules: HKSAR welcomed Beijing’s approval of “exempt from guarantees” and temporary ship nationality registration for Hong Kong and Macao yachts, letting them enter nine GBA mainland cities via designated ports under temporary certificates—aimed at cutting owners’ cross-border costs and easing procedures. Tourism Demand: Macau hotels logged 4.86 million guests in Jan–Apr, up 1.9% year-on-year, with foreign guests up 13.8% to 453,000; occupancy rose to 91.8%. Smart City & AI in Practice: BEYOND Expo 2026 in Macao showcased “AI: Digital to Physical,” including iFLYTEK’s AI glasses with real-time 122-language translation and on-lens display, plus humanoid robot demos from MATRIX-3 and other physical AI exhibits. Gaming Ops Leadership: Sands China named former MGM China president/COO Hubert Wang as COO from June 1, tasking him with casino and hospitality operations, marketing, loyalty and strategy. Gaming Supply Chain: Cartamundi’s Bee Macau playing card factory entered full-scale production in early May, described as a strategic addition to its global network for local and international demand. Retail & Jobs Signals: DSEC data showed April restaurant transaction value up 1.6% and retail trade up 12.0% year-on-year; manpower survey flagged growth in restaurant, manufacturing and elderly care employment.