AGP Executive Report

Hengqin Cooperation Zone: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai chaired a working meeting on the Cooperation Zone’s progress, stressing Hengqin’s development is “Macao’s own responsibility” as the fifth anniversary nears. Public Safety & Crime: Judiciary Police arrested two men tied to a “guess who I am” scam that drained five Macau senior citizens of 413,000 patacas, while another PJ case adds to a crackdown on illegal casino livestreaming and proxy betting. Gaming Compliance: Macau gaming operators issued 2,013 Suspicious Transaction Reports in 1H26, up 8.7% year-on-year, according to the Financial Intelligence Office. Local Life & Weather: The observatory issued a Yellow hot weather alert, with temperatures expected to reach around 35°C; cooling and hydration stations are available across 36 social service facilities. Economy & Transport: Diesel subsidies end at 23:59 today; separately, the government awarded an underground tunnel contract for the LRT East Line Extension at 1.74 billion patacas. Culture & Sports: Macau martial artists added medals at the Taolu World Cup in Haikou, and the SJM Macao Open returns in October with a US$1 million prize pool. Entertainment: Park Ji Hoon’s Manila fan concert was moved to Macau on August 8 at Grand Lisboa Palace.

LRT East Line: Macau’s government has hired a consortium to build the underground tunnel for the Light Rapid Transit East Line Extension, costing MOP 1.74 billion and scheduled for service in 2029. Gaming Compliance: Suspicious Transaction Reports issued by Macau gaming operators rose 8.7% year-on-year to 2,013 in the first six months of 2026, according to the Financial Intelligence Office. Public Health: The Macao CDC has joined the WHO Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, boosting disease surveillance and emergency response links with global partners. Community Support: Sands China assembled 5,000 food kits at The Venetian Macao, with each kit including locally sourced items and nutrition guidance. Tourism & Events: City of Dreams Macau will launch a twice-weekly backstage tour of House of Dancing Water from 15 July. Sports: The SJM Macao Open returns Oct 15–18 with a US$1 million prize purse. Culture & Arts: “Here and Now” opens at the Rui Cunha Foundation, featuring 24 works by Macau artist Liang Yurong exploring time and memory. Local Crime: Police said a Vietnamese woman overstayed in Macau for six years, with a compatriot arrested for renting her a room for two years.

LRT East Line Extension: Macau’s government has hired a consortium to build the underground tunnel for the Light Rapid Transit East Line Extension, costing MOP 1.74 billion, with payments spread over five years (2026-2030) and the biggest instalment due in 2027. Public Health: The Macau Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has joined the WHO Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, boosting disease surveillance and emergency response links with global partners. Community Support: Sands China’s Sands Cares programme assembled 5,000 food kits for local residents, using locally sourced items and nutrition guidance. Immigration Enforcement: Police arrested a Vietnamese woman’s compatriot for allegedly housing her during a six-year overstay in Macau, after casino-related tips led to the case. Culture & Arts: A new exhibition, “Here and Now,” opened at the Rui Cunha Foundation, exploring “time” through 24 works by Macau-based artist Liang Yurong. Sports & Events: The SJM Macao Open is set to return Oct 15-18 with a US$1 million prize purse. Entertainment: Park Ji-hoon’s Manila fancon was canceled and relocated to Macau on Aug 8 at Grand Lisboa Palace.

Local Economy Watch: Macau consumer confidence inched up in Q2 2026, with the index rising 1.25% quarter-on-quarter to 97.99, as residents reported better views on prices, jobs and living standards. Tourism Spotlight: Macau again ranked No.1 for “Chinese Outbound Tourist Satisfaction” for 2025, praised for “leisure & entertainment” and “attractions & accommodation,” with MGTO pointing to service quality systems. Gaming & Money: Analysts say June Macau gaming revenue fell 12.1% amid World Cup spending shifts, and Macquarie trimmed its 3Q26 GGR forecast, though it expects a recovery later in the year. Public Safety & Enforcement: IAM ordered “Healer Bar” to suspend operations after a second failed food safety test, with salmonella found in a ready-to-eat dish. Community Support: The Social Welfare Bureau plans a carers’ support centre in the peninsula’s north district, with training, emotional support and case follow-up aimed at Macau’s ageing population. City Services: Calçada do Bom Jesus’ Temporary Leisure Area will close from 13 July for resurfacing and tree-pit expansion. Customs Crackdown: Macau Customs seized 560,000 cigarettes, 130,000 e-cigarettes and injectable medicines at the airport, launching legal action against 20 passengers. Talent & Sports: Sam Hou Fai said the talent acquisition scheme may award extra points to Hengqin beneficiaries; meanwhile, two Macau wushu athletes won silver at the Taolu World Cup. Entertainment Note: Park Ji-hoon’s Manila fancon on Aug 8 has been relocated to Macau.

Tourism Spotlight: Macau again topped the “2025 Top 10 Destinations for Chinese Outbound Tourist Satisfaction,” praised for “leisure & entertainment” and “attractions & accommodation,” with MGTO citing a citywide service quality system. Food Safety Crackdown: “Healer Bar” was ordered to suspend operations after a second failed microbiological test, with salmonella found in a ready-to-eat dish. Care Support Expansion: The Social Welfare Bureau plans a northern district support centre for carers, offering skills training, emotional support and case follow-up, with a pilot launch later this year. Gaming Enforcement: Police and customs actions kept coming—PJ arrested two mainland men for livestreaming casino gambling via hidden phones and earpieces, while Customs seized 690,000 cigarettes at Macau International Airport. Local Governance & Business: Government launched a 45-day public consultation to streamline business licensing and permits, aiming to cut red tape. Public Health & Weather: Health Bureau reported a 91-year-old severe flu patient moved from ICU to general ward; SMG warned of showers and thunderstorms plus very hot weather later this week. Talent & Culture: Sam Hou Fai said Hengqin-accredited applicants may get extra points in Macau’s talent scheme; Macau youth also shone in exhibitions and two local wushu athletes won silver at the Taolu World Cup.

Casino Crackdown: Macau police arrested two mainland men for allegedly livestreaming casino gambling and running proxy bets via hidden phones and earpieces, as authorities step up action against illegal remote betting. Gaming Outlook: Macquarie cut its 3Q26 Macau GGR forecast, citing weaker June results and the World Cup’s draw on premium players’ spending. Tourism Spotlight: Macau was named the top outbound destination for mainland Chinese tourists for a second straight year, with strong praise for leisure and entertainment. Health & Care: Macao Union Medical Center handled about 11% of public specialist outpatient and imaging services in Jan–May, with joint task forces helping shorten waits. Public Consultation: The government launched a 45-day consultation to streamline business licensing and permits, aiming to reduce burdens while strengthening oversight. Weather Watch: The observatory warned of continued showers and thunderstorms after Tropical Storm Maysak, with very hot conditions later this week. Culture for Families: The Macau Grand Prix Museum will debut a child-focused interactive “Full Throttle” exhibit letting kids “drive” miniature race cars.

Gaming & Crime: Judiciary Police arrested two mainland men for livestreaming casino gambling to take online bets, using modified clothing with a hidden phone and earphones to receive instructions. Theft Case: PJ also arrested a 47-year-old hotel teller accused of stealing HK$1.33 million, later used for gambling and credit card debts. Health Watch: SSM said a 91-year-old severe flu patient has been moved from ICU to a general ward after influenza A and pneumonia; he had a seasonal vaccine and no travel history. Weather: The Observatory warned of continuing showers and thunderstorms, plus very hot conditions later this week. Business & Regulation: Government launched a 45-day public consultation to streamline business licensing/permits, aiming to make it easier to start and run businesses. City Services: Ilha Verde’s former temporary fuel depot is being redeveloped into the Rua das Camélias temporary public carpark, opening in phases from July 15. Culture & Heritage: The Macao Museum will open a thematic exhibition on classified movable cultural properties from 11 July to 16 August, with free entry for Macao ID holders. Community & Economy: MCAF and DSEDT plan measures to boost “Distinctive Shops” brand awareness, including support for national “China Time-Honoured Brand” applications and digital upgrades.

Gaming Regulation Update: Macau’s gaming regulator DICJ has a new acting boss: Lio Chi Chong is serving as Acting Director after Ng Wai Han was promoted to Secretary for Economy and Finance, leaving the post vacant. Cross-border Crime: A Malaysian detained in Macau over a heroin smuggling bid has a prior drug criminal record in Malaysia, with the drugs reportedly hidden in sardine cans. Public Health: The Health Bureau says influenza and COVID-19 positivity rates have climbed into high-risk territory, urging residents with respiratory symptoms to wear masks and consider vaccination. Transport & City Planning: DSOP says public support for LRT expansion is strong, pushing the East Line Extension forward and accelerating planning for the South Line, while more consultation continues for the Seac Pai Van Extension. Local Life & Health: A survey by Kiang Wu Hospital finds Macau childhood obesity up about 2 points since 2020, and Gongbei Port recorded over 64 million passengers in H1, up 6% year-on-year. Community & Culture: Barra’s revitalisation plan includes a boutique hotel in the former Customs Headquarters building, while the World Cup-themed Barra lifestyle festival runs through July 19.

LRT Planning: The Macau government says it will push ahead with the LRT East Line Extension “as soon as possible,” speed up planning for the South Line, and keep collecting public views on the Seac Pai Van Extension before launching it. Public Health: The Health Bureau reports influenza positivity at 15% and COVID-19 positivity at 25% (high-risk) for June 21–27, urging mask use in public, rest, and updated vaccination for vulnerable groups. Family & Culture: The “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo” puppetry-and-science show wrapped up sold-out community pop-ups at Nam Van after a run at the Cultural Centre, delighting families during the 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival. Community Support: The Macau Carers Association marked its 10th anniversary, highlighting training, a helpline, and assistive devices—including rental exoskeleton walking aids. Drugs Bust: Gongbei Customs seized meth and ketamine at the checkpoint, arresting a mainland man after a search found the drugs hidden in a cigarette packet. Sports & Local Life: A World Cup-themed district lifestyle festival kicked off in Barra and runs to July 19, with games, stalls, and family activities. Healthcare Innovation: Macao Union Hospital performed the city’s first robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, using CT-based 3D planning and a Mako system.

Macau LRT Update: The government has finished collecting public opinions on the new Light Rail Transit proposals, with more than 800 submissions and broad support—especially for the Seac Pai Van extension, which drew the most debate over traffic relief versus elevated-structure concerns. Gaming Economy: Macau’s June gaming revenue fell 12.1% year-on-year to MOP 18.5 billion, with analysts pointing to the World Cup’s pull on casino spending and Moody’s warning that Macau may still outperform parts of Southeast Asia thanks to its short-haul mainland visitor base. Public Health & Safety: Macau’s Civil Protection and observatory issued tropical cyclone-related warning-signal updates as Tropical Storm Maysak approaches, with Typhoon Signal No.1 in effect and Signal No.3 upgrade possible. Community & Culture: The Cultural Affairs Bureau continues its “Mobile Library” outreach from July to September, and the 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival opens with the Giant Puppetry x Science “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo.” International Spotlight: A Malaysian man was arrested at Macau International Airport over an alleged nearly 3kg heroin smuggling attempt hidden in tuna-spread cans.

Macau Economy & Tourism: Macau’s June gaming revenue fell 12.1% year-on-year to MOP$18.5 billion, with the FIFA World Cup blamed for diverting betting budgets, though first-half GGR still rose 6.8% to MOP$126.9 billion. Public Works & Transport: The government has finished collecting public opinions on the LRT proposals, with most responses backing faster rollout of the East Line extension, while the Seac Pai Van extension drew the most debate. Culture & Community: The Cultural Affairs Bureau launched the 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival, featuring the Giant Puppetry x Science “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo,” and also continues its “Mobile Library” outreach to bring reading activities into neighbourhoods through September. Weather Watch: Macau authorities say Typhoon Signal No.1 remains in effect, with possible upgrades and precaution guidance as Tropical Storm Maysak impacts the region. Crime & Security: A Malaysian man was arrested at Macau International Airport for allegedly smuggling nearly 3kg of heroin hidden in tuna-spread cans. Regional Finance: Moody’s says Macau is likely to outperform Southeast Asian gaming markets over the next 12–18 months, citing Macau’s mainland visitor base and shorter-haul travel resilience amid fuel-price uncertainty.

Public Transport & Planning: The Macau government has finished collecting public opinions on the Light Rail Transit (LRT) proposals, with officials saying more than 800 submissions show strong interest in speeding up the East Line extension. Gaming & Economy: Macau’s June gross gaming revenue fell 12.1% year-on-year to MOP$18.5 billion, with the FIFA World Cup blamed for diverting betting budgets and slowing the pace of growth in the first half. Severe Weather Watch: Macau authorities flagged possible updates to tropical cyclone warning signals tied to Tropical Storm Maysak, with Typhoon Signal No.1 already in effect and further changes possible. Health Services: Macao Union Medical Center expanded tier 2 specialist outpatient coverage for eligible Hengqin residents in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, effective immediately. Community & Culture: The Cultural Affairs Bureau continues its “Mobile Library” outreach from July to September, bringing reading activities to multiple community locations, including Taipa and Baía Norte do Fai Chi Kei. Arts & Education: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival opened with “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo,” and a new exhibition, “East-West Contemplations: A Retrospective of Mio Pang Fei,” launched at the Macao Museum of Art.

Macau Economy & Tourism: Macau’s June gross gaming revenue fell 12.1% year-on-year to MOP$18.5 billion, with the World Cup weighing on spending, though the first-half total still rose 6.8% to MOP$126.9 billion. Weather Watch: The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau says Typhoon Signal No.1 remains in force, with a medium chance of upgrading to Signal No.3 as tropical conditions bring more frequent showers and possible flooding; residents are urged to secure property and monitor updates. Reading & Community Life: The Cultural Affairs Bureau will continue its “Mobile Library” outreach from July to September, bringing story sessions and library card sign-ups to multiple community spots, including Taipa and Seac Pai Van. Culture & Arts: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival opened with “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo,” while a new exhibition, “East-West Contemplations: A Retrospective of Mio Pang Fei,” opened at the Macao Museum of Art. Cross-border Education: UM’s chief executive urged the university to lead Macau-Hengqin education initiatives, pushing high-standard cross-border campus, curriculum, and industry links. Health Services: Macao Union Medical Center expanded tier-2 specialist outpatient coverage for eligible Hengqin residents and others in the Guangdong-Macao Cooperation Zone.

Tropical Weather Watch: Typhoon Signal No.1 remains in force as Macau braces for Tropical Storm “Maysak,” with a medium chance of upgrading to Signal No.3 and heavy showers raising flooding risk; residents and businesses are urged to secure property and adjust outdoor plans. Local Economy & Finance: Monetary Authority data shows broad money supply rebounded in May 2026, with resident deposits and loans rising month-on-month. Healthcare Milestone: Macao Union Medical Center completed the city’s first robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, using CT-based 3D planning and minimally invasive precision. Food Safety: The 15th Food Safety Week wrapped up after 6,700 attendances, while IAM ordered a stop-sale of a loose-packed egg noodle product after lead levels exceeded legal limits. Sustainable Design: Urban Practice’s “Pop Out Green Restroom” was selected for the CIALP Guide to the 2030 Agenda, spotlighting Macau’s micro-infrastructure sustainability. Workforce Development: FAOM called for expanded training and certification to close skills gaps in sectors like catering and aviation. Culture & Tourism: Ruins of St. Paul’s forecourt and a VR exhibition will close on 7 July for maintenance; meanwhile, Sands China again topped Dow Jones Best-in-Class ESG indices.

Severe Weather Watch: Macau’s observatory says there’s a medium chance of Strong Wind Signal No.3 tomorrow morning as a tropical depression tracks toward Hainan, with showers expected to become more frequent. University & Policy: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai urged the University of Macau to lead Macau-Hengqin cross-border education efforts, including high-standard campus development and a new five-year plan. Gaming & Economy: Macau casino gross gaming revenue fell 12% year-on-year in June to MOP18.52 billion, with analysts pointing to the World Cup’s drag on discretionary spending. Food Safety: The Municipal Affairs Bureau ordered a Travessa de Chan Loc shop to stop selling a loose-packed egg noodle product after tests found excessive lead. Public Works & Heritage: Ruins of St. Paul’s forecourt and VR exhibition close temporarily from 7 July for maintenance, while LRT will install public toilets at Union Hospital and Seac Pai Van stations. Community & Culture: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival opens with “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo,” and “Macao 2026” stamp exhibition wrapped up after drawing 10,000+ visitors. Crime: Police arrested a man accused of trying to instigate his father’s suicide; the father swallowed disinfectant but is stable.

Weather Watch: Macau’s observatory hoisted Typhoon Signal No.1 late last night as a tropical depression nears, with a “medium” chance of Typhoon Signal No.3 tomorrow morning and frequent showers/heavy rain possible. Gaming & Economy: Macau casino gross gaming revenue fell 12.1% year-on-year to MOP18.52 billion in June, with analysts pointing to the FIFA World Cup’s pull on discretionary spending; J.P. Morgan also trimmed its 2026 Macau GGR forecast. Local Governance: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said Macau will study and implement Xi Jinping’s CPC anniversary speech, stressing confidence and “One country, two systems.” Tourism & Community: A lawmaker proposed a “Ticket-to-Community Consumption Incentive Scheme” to steer short-haul visitors into neighbourhood businesses. Urban Renewal: The government is exploring land premium adjustments and possible tax incentives to make redevelopment of aging buildings more financially workable. Culture for Families: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival opens with “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo,” mixing giant puppetry and science. Transport: LRT is installing public toilets at Union Hospital and Seac Pai Van stations. Business Appointments: SJM Holdings named Sean Tan as CFO after Christopher Ip’s resignation.