AGP Executive Report

Luxury & Culture: Audemars Piguet is bringing a hands-on watchmaking masterclass to AP House Macau in October, letting guests work through a two-part mechanical watch experience built around Calibre 4302. Local Business Pulse: ZAPE merchants want more sustained, creative government-led footfall, including ideas like a dedicated food street or night market, arguing current promotions only bring short bursts. Sports & Tourism: WTT Champions Macao 2026 gets its draw and matchups ahead of 8–13 September at the East Asian Games Dome, with tickets still on sale. Public Health & Education: Orbis Flying Eye Hospital returns to Macau for its first simulation-based training project, running until September 23 and training ophthalmologists and nurses. Urban Renewal: The government is planning a citywide survey of old district buildings and studying a special urban renewal fund to support redevelopment. Transport Upgrade: LRT station access gates are being replaced with multi-payment QR options, with trial operations targeted by year-end. Safety & Crime: Police arrested a Pakistani man in Macau for cocaine smuggling via the HZMB, and also detained five mainland suspects in a HK$40,000 casino chip robbery. Disaster Relief: Macau’s six integrated resort operators donated MOP40 million to mudslide-hit Gyirong in Xizang.

Macau-ASEAN push: The Macao SAR government wrapped an eight-day mission to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, driving 370+ business matching sessions and 189 cooperation agreements to boost trade, tourism and diversification links with ASEAN. Chief Executive diplomacy: Sam Hou Fai also met Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim and finance minister, stressing practical cooperation and leveraging Macau–Hengqin within the Greater Bay Area. Education branding: A “Study in Macao” fair in Kuala Lumpur drew 1,000+ visitors and kicked off a new Malaysia campaign to attract overseas talent. Culture calendar: The 38th Macao International Music Festival (Oct 2–Nov 29) is set to run under “Silk Resonances,” with “Floating Notes Across the City” pop-ups and ticket sales starting Sept 13. Gaming industry watch: A Singapore court ruling said a gambling debt from a foreign casino can’t be enforced in Singapore, even with a foreign judgment—an issue with potential knock-on effects for regional credit practices. Business donations: Macau’s six casino concessionaires donated MOP$40 million to disaster relief in Gyirong, Tibet after deadly mudslides.

Macau diplomacy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai flew home after a four-day Malaysia visit, touting 37 events and “wide-ranging” cooperation gains across trade, tourism, finance, education and culture, and reaffirming plans to leverage Macau–Hengqin links in the Greater Bay Area. Business matchmaking: Macau’s Economic, Trade and Tourism Investment Promotion Seminar in Kuala Lumpur drew 300+ participants, ran nearly 120 business matching sessions and secured 54 cooperation agreements, with a focus on high-tech, tourism, biomedicine and halal food. Visa ease: Angola and Macau signed a mutual visa exemption deal, allowing eligible citizens and Macau residents to enter either territory without a visa for up to 30 days, with entry rules set to start 90 days after signing. Gaming philanthropy: Six casino concessionaires donated a combined MOP$40 million to flood disaster relief in Gyirong, Tibet, including major contributions from GEG, Sands China, Melco, Wynn, MGM and SJM Resorts. Space education: Hong Kong’s first astronaut Lai Ka-ying will join a “Tiangong Class” live lecture from space for students and a Macau delegation, with schools set to watch broadcasts. Sports spotlight: Macau’s U Choi Hong helped set up a para table tennis silver win for India’s Nurjahan Noorali Jamani at the ITTF World Para Future Lahti event.

Macao-Malaysia push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai wrapped up a four-day Malaysia visit, meeting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and calling for deeper cooperation across trade, tourism, finance, tech and education—plus efforts to use Macau and Hengqin as a Greater Bay Area gateway for Malaysian firms. Business matchmaking: 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. Visa ease: Angola and Macau signed a mutual visa exemption deal, allowing eligible citizens to enter either side without a visa for up to 30 days (effective 90 days after signing). Disaster giving: Six Macau casino concessionaires donated MOP$40 million to Gyirong, Tibet after a deadly mudslide. Local security crackdown: Police arrested a mainland-linked Macau security manager accused of leading an extortion/protection-fee ring tied to casino security staff. Sports spotlight: Macau’s U Choi Hong featured in para table tennis as India’s Nurjahan Noorali Jamani beat her for silver at the ITTF World Para Future Lahti 2026.

Macau-Malaysia Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, with both sides pledging deeper cooperation across trade, tourism, finance and education, and highlighting Macau–Hengqin’s Greater Bay Area role for Malaysian firms. Education Talent Drive: The “Study in Macao” Education Fair in Malaysia drew 1,000+ visitors and kicked off a new promotional push to attract international students. Cultural Calendar: The 38th Macao International Music Festival returns Oct 2–Nov 29 with the “Silk Resonances” theme, plus 12 “Floating Notes Across the City” neighbourhood activities. Disaster Relief: Six Macau casino concessionaires donated a combined MOP$40 million to Gyirong, Tibet after deadly mudslides. Local Public Safety: Police arrested a Macau security manager accused of running an extortion “protection fees” scheme tied to casino security staff. Economy Watch: JLL says Macau’s property recovery has lost momentum, with cautious conditions expected through the rest of 2026. Community & Services: Oxfam TowerRun registrations opened for Nov 15 at Macau Tower, and the “Leisure” tourism bus carried nearly 37,000 passengers by mid-August as authorities study making it permanent.

Macao-Malaysia Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai wrapped talks in Kuala Lumpur, urging Macau and Malaysian firms to deepen cooperation and use Macau–Hengqin’s Greater Bay Area role to open ASEAN links; the trip also saw 54 cooperation agreements signed across trade, tourism, tech and biomedicine. Gaming Economy Watch: CBRE says casino margin pressure is rising as gaming commissions hit a record share of GGR (20.9% in the June quarter), driven by heavy premium promotions, even as August gaming revenue fell 1.2% to MOP21.9 billion. Public Safety & Daily Life: Police arrested a Macau security manager accused of leading an extortion ring tied to casino security staff; meanwhile, authorities reported 33 stray dogs and one cat captured after bite incidents in Old Taipa, and said “Tourism & Leisure” buses carried nearly 37,000 passengers, with a decision on regularising the service under study. Local Finance: Macau’s broad money supply rebounded 1.5% in July, while loans edged down and the nonperforming loan ratio improved to 4.4%. Business & Culture: Wynn Macau marked its 20th anniversary with a share award for nearly 95% of its 11,660 staff, and Wynn Palace was listed on the World’s 50 Best Hotels Extended 51–100 list.

Slope Safety Update: Macau recorded 298 risk slopes as of July, with high-risk sites down to just one in Coloane; DSOP says rehabilitation is under way on Estrada de Hac Sá and Estrada Marginal de Hac Sá Long Chao Kok, plus more work planned city-wide. Community Safety: After a Taipa bite incident, IAM says 33 stray dogs and one cat were captured in Old Taipa Village this year, blaming public feeding habits and urging residents to stop. Found at Sea: A middle-aged non-resident woman was found dead in the sea near One Central Macau; police report no obvious external injuries and are awaiting forensics. Tourism Transport: Macau’s “Tourism and Leisure” bus service carried nearly 37,000 passengers by mid-August; officials are studying whether to make it permanent after Friday add-ons eased weekend crowds. Finance Watch: Monetary Authority data shows broad money supply rebounded 1.5% in July to MOP860.5b, with resident deposits up 1.5% and loans down 0.6%. Business & Culture: Wynn Macau marked its 20th anniversary with a share award scheme for eligible staff, while Wynn Palace earned a spot on the World’s 50 Best Hotels Extended 51–100 list. Sports & Events: Wushu coach says Macau’s team is in peak focus for the Asian Games; WTT Champions Macao 2026 runs Sept 8–13 at the East Asian Games Dome.

Local Economy & Finance: The Monetary Authority of Macao says broad money supply rebounded in July, with M2 up 1.5% to MOP860.5 billion as resident deposits rose 1.5%, while loans to residents fell 0.5%. Gaming Industry: CBRE reports Macau-wide gaming commissions hit a new high at 20.9% of GGR in the June quarter, pointing to a hyper-competitive promo environment even as August gaming revenue slipped 1.2% year-on-year to MOP21.9 billion. Weather Watch: Macau’s observatory keeps Typhoon Signal No.1 in effect, with Strong Wind Signal No.3 probability “relatively low” but uncertainty remains over Tropical Storm Saudel’s later-week track. Cross-Border Services: “Guangdong–Macao Pension Link+” was upgraded via “Macao One Account,” letting residents apply online and have payments credited to a mainland bank account with remittance fees waived. ASEAN Diplomacy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in Jakarta, pushing deeper Macau-ASEAN trade, tourism and business cooperation. Education & Culture: UTM and Universidade Eduardo Mondlane inaugurated a talent development programme at the Macao-Hengqin education town. Public Safety: PSP arrested a man in his 30s for sexually harassing a female secondary student on a bus; he faces charges.

Mid-Autumn & Travel Retail: Pernod Ricard’s Martell rolls out the “Golden Moon” campaign across Macau and other Asia-Pacific travel hubs, pairing premium cognac tastings with mooncakes and gifting displays through Oct 31. Gaming Supply Update: Macau-based Asia Pioneer Entertainment says 1H26 revenue jumped 47.3% to US$4.3m as integrated resorts demand equipment replacement and upgrades; it also points to plans for wider regional reach. Cross-Border Social Security: The Social Security Fund upgraded “Guangdong–Macao Pension Link+,” adding an online application route via “Macao One Account” so residents can receive payments in Guangdong with remittance fees waived. Back-to-School Traffic: DSAT says buses carried about 120,000–130,000 trips daily during the morning rush as nearly 80% of schools opened; extra services and on-site staff were deployed. Public Safety & Crime: PSP arrested a man in his 30s for sexually harassing a female secondary student on a bus; PJ also arrested an 18-year-old for throwing drain cleaner at a teacher. Weather Watch: SMG keeps Signal No.1 up as Tropical Storm Saudel’s track remains uncertain, with Signal No.3 probability described as relatively low. Culture & Community: Oxfam TowerRun returns to Macau Tower on Nov 15, with registration open until Oct 23, and CREATIVE MACAU marks 23 years with a “PRESENT” members exhibition.

Mid-Autumn in Macau Airports: Pernod Ricard GTR and Martell launched the “Golden Moon” campaign with curated tastings pairing Martell Cognacs and premium mooncakes at Macau International Airport, running through 31 October. Cross-border Social Security: The “Guangdong–Macao Pension Link+” service was upgraded, adding an online application channel via “Macao One Account” from September to help residents receive Guangdong payments more easily, with cross-border remittance fees waived. Storm Watch & School Start: Tropical Storm Saudel kept Macau under Signal No.1; despite weather disruption, about 80% of schools opened, but the first day was marred by a reported teacher assault involving drain cleaner. Urban Renewal Near St Paul’s: Pátio do Espinho, a traditional walled village near the Ruins of St. Paul’s, is set for renewal under the Third Five-Year Plan, with a task force starting preliminary studies and safety hazard mitigation. Gaming & Finance: Macau’s August GGR fell 1.2% year-on-year to about MOP21.9 billion, while Shenzhen plans to issue RMB1 billion offshore yuan municipal bonds in Macau to support Greater Bay Area finance and diversification. Business Watch: Macau Legend warned it may not meet loan obligations if lenders demand immediate repayment, despite turning adjusted EBITDA positive in H1. Culture & Media: The Macao Film and Television Industry Service Centre began trial operations to help local creators connect with the mainland; IC also released the 43rd “Books and the City” newsletter on a “Joyful Reading Community.” Tech & Ties: CE Sam Hou Fai met Singapore leaders in Jakarta talks aimed at deepening Macau–Singapore cooperation, including industry, university exchanges, and tourism/MICE.

Severe Weather Watch: Macao is monitoring Tropical Storm Saudel, with Typhoon Signal No.1 already in effect and Typhoon Signal No.3 still “relatively low” for now, but an escalation review is expected Wednesday as conditions could worsen. Gaming & Economy: Macau’s 20 casinos posted August gross gaming revenue of MOP21.89 billion, down 1.2% year-on-year, though up 8.1% from July; the first eight months total reached MOP169.05 billion (+3.7%). Film & Media Industry: The Macao Film and Television Industry Service Centre has started trial operations, offering mainland connection support, job referrals, registration guidance, and help with permits and festival participation. Urban Renewal: A new working group is set to study conservation and revitalisation for Pátio do Espinho near the Ruins of St Paul’s, aiming to improve streets and remove safety hazards. Tourism Tech & Culture: Wynn Macau’s 20th anniversary will be marked by two 3,000-drone light shows on Sept 5 and 6 at 8pm. Education & Safety: Police say an 18-year-old student splashed a teacher with drain cleaner, causing burns; the case is now with the Judiciary Police.

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. Storm Preparedness: Tropical Cyclone Saudel has prompted Standby Signal No.1, with a medium chance of Strong Wind Signal No.3 during the day on Sept 1; the chance of a blue storm surge warning remains low. Tourism Tech: UTM and Xia Ding Technology launched an AR smart-dining research project using smart glasses, aiming to improve Macau’s tourism service experience and support smart tourism development. Diversification Funding: The government guidance fund is moving ahead with an operating system and “patient capital” approach to steer private money into priority sectors and create local jobs, with a target scale around MOP20 billion. Urban Renewal Housing: Temporary housing rents in Areia Preta’s Areia Preta renewal units are set from MOP3,430 to MOP9,240 per month, depending on unit size. Culture & Events: The 34th International Fireworks Display Contest runs Sept 12, 19, 25 and Oct 1, 4, with new drone shows on the opening and closing nights. Business & Links: A Macao economic, trade and tourism seminar in Singapore drew 74 cooperation deal signings, as Macau pushes ties with regional partners.

Gaming Finance: Macau Legend says it’s still in talks with lenders to extend loan repayments after warning it may not meet obligations, despite turning Adjusted EBITDA positive in 1H26; it reported a HK$136.8m loss and has just HK$37.9m cash against HK$2.39b in borrowings due within 12 months. Corporate Earnings: Melco’s parent posted 2.7% higher net revenues to HK$20.5b in 1H26, but profit fell 11.8% as costs rose; no interim dividend declared. Weather Watch: The Meteorological bureau raised Standby Signal No.1 for Typhoon “Saudel”; Strong Wind Signal No.3 is a “medium” chance for daytime Sept 1, with blue storm surge warning low. Economic Diversification: Government set up the operating system for a “guidance fund” to steer “patient capital” into emerging industries, targeting MOP11b from fiscal reserve returns and aiming for a MOP20b scale with private capital. CE Diplomacy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Singapore PM Lawrence Wong and other ministers during his SEA trip, pushing deeper cooperation tied to China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Macau’s Third Five-Year Plan. Tourism & Culture: DSEC reported 8.36m hotel guests in Jan–July (down 1.4%), while MCF22 returned to Macau Tower with nearly 100 anime and fan groups. Sports & Community: Senior Sports Games kick off Sept 13 at Tap Seac, with home-exercise activities for older residents.

Macao-Singapore push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai is in Singapore for an eight-day trip, calling on Singapore PM Lawrence Wong and other ministers to deepen practical cooperation and back Macao’s Third Five-Year Plan, with business representatives from Macao and Hengqin in tow. Economic diversification plan: Macao will set up a “guidance fund” to back non-gaming projects using “patient capital,” aiming to steer social funds into emerging industries with long-term returns. Hengqin education ties: The Education and Youth Bureau outlines the 2026/27 education landscape, while UTM welcomes 200+ postgraduates for “dual-city learning” at the Macao-Hengqin University Town. Weather watch: Severe weather warning probabilities were published, including a medium chance of Typhoon Signal No.3 on Sept 1 morning. Trade and compliance: A US transshipment crackdown raises the compliance burden for exporters, with more documentation and scrutiny across supply chains. Local governance and culture: Macau’s Public Library launches the 43rd “Books and the City” issue, and IC announces a Sept 15 exhibition on “Ancient China in Creative Products.” Business and finance: MSAR accounts show a 2025 surplus of about MOP166.4 billion, driven by a larger services account surplus.

Gaming & Finance: Macau’s Paradise Entertainment plans to restart its US push via supplier arm LT Game after a HK$82.6m (US$10.5m) 1H26 loss, while Success Universe reported a HK$52.9m (US$6.75m) loss tied to the closure of its Ponte 16 satellite casino and said loan talks are under way. Public Safety & Health: Customs seized 950kg of frozen beef worth about 30,000 patacas in a parallel-trading raid, with storage found at room temperature. Local Governance & Society: CE Sam Hou Fai met Singapore’s health and social-policy minister during a SEA trip, focusing on public health, TCM and ageing; a filial piety event also rolled out services and health checks for seniors. Culture & Arts: MAM opened a Qing Dynasty Guangdong paintings show; MAS marked 70 years with an exhibition at Sands; CREATIVE MACAU launched its “PRESENT” anniversary show. Tourism & Hospitality: Hotel Lisboa will unveil its renovated West Wing in September. Sports: UFC Shanghai’s main event saw Song Yadong stun Umar Nurmagomedov with a knockout.

CE diplomacy and ageing health ties: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Singapore’s Ong Ye Kung in Singapore, discussing cooperation on public health, traditional Chinese medicine and governance for ageing societies, as Macao prepares for an eight-day SEA trip. Hengqin integration push: Coverage highlights how Hengqin is being used as the space and platform for Macao’s diversification, including tech and lab-to-market ambitions under the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone. Macao tourism snapshot: DSEC data says July hotel occupancy rose to 91.6% year-on-year, but total guests fell 4.3%, with mainland and Hong Kong visitors down while international guests increased. Baccarat advantage-play risk: A study warns AI-assisted baccarat side-bet advantage play is spreading across Asia, squeezing operator win rates and proving hard to detect. Public safety travel warning: MAC advised caution for “high-risk nationals” traveling to China after a reported long interrogation case. Disaster solidarity: Macao will donate RMB30 million to support Tibet mudslide relief, with medical rescue teams also planned. Sports with Macau link: UFC Shanghai’s main event features Song Yadong, who fought in Macau in May, as fans react to a major upset.