AGP Executive Report

3x3 Basketball: Serbia’s Ub beat Shanghai 21-15 to win the FIBA World Tour Macau stop at the Ruins of St Paul’s. It was the team’s third Macau title; Marko Brankovic was named MVP. Macao Open: Taiwan’s Wang Wei-Hsuan won the Asian Tour event in a playoff against Korea’s Im Sung-jae. Local golfers Sean Ramos and Justin Quiban finished in a tie for 15th. Gaming: Macau’s third-quarter gross gaming revenue fell 3.7% year on year to MOP60.4 billion, with baccarat revenue down 7.9%, according to DICJ figures. Tourism: The Global Tourism Economy Forum opened in Macao, bringing together about 1,300 officials, business leaders and experts from more than 20 countries and regions to discuss the sector’s future.

3x3 Basketball: Serbia’s Ub beat Shanghai 21-15 to win the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Macau stop, claiming its third title of the season and third in Macau. Marko Brankovic was named MVP. Games were staged at the Ruins of St Paul’s for the first time. Macau Open: Taiwan’s Wang Wei-Hsuan won the golf tournament in a playoff against South Korea’s Im Sung-jae. Filipino golfers Sean Ramos and Justin Quiban shared 15th. Gaming: Macau’s third-quarter gross gaming revenue fell 3.7% year on year to MOP60.4 billion, with a 7.9% drop in mass baccarat the main driver; VIP baccarat revenue was flat. Tourism: The Global Tourism Economy Forum opened in Macau with about 1,300 delegates from more than 20 countries and regions, focusing on resilience and the future of tourism.

3x3 Basketball: The FIBA World Tour is underway at the Ruins of St Paul’s, with home team Cotai WOLFUNITED among eight quarter-finalists. Miami and Ub topped their groups unbeaten. Tourism: About 1,300 delegates from more than 20 countries and regions attended the Global Tourism Economy Forum, where Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai called for more innovative and sustainable tourism. PBA Exit: Macau’s Giant Pandas ended their guest-team run with a 2-10 record after repeated heavy defeats, including a 54-point loss to Converge; the league says it will not invite the team back. Macau Open: Filipino golfer Justin Quiban surged into a tie for third, four strokes off the lead, ahead of Sunday’s final round. Economic Outlook: Macau’s economy may have contracted 2% in the third quarter as gaming weakened, though hotel and food-and-beverage spending remained robust. Local Industry: Cartamundi and APE have opened a playing-card factory in Macau, bringing production of Bee cards to the city for the first time.

Sports: Miami and Ub opened the FIBA 3x3 World Tour in Macao with unbeaten records, while local side Cotai WOLFUNITED advanced to Sunday’s quarter-finals. At the Macao Open, Filipino golfer Justin Quiban surged into a tie for third, four shots off the lead, ahead of Sunday’s final round. PBA Exit: Macau’s Giant Pandas ended their guest-team stint with a 162-108 loss to Converge and a 2-10 record; the league has said it will not invite the team back. Economy: Macao’s GDP is expected to have fallen 2% in the third quarter as gaming weakened, though hotel and food-and-beverage spending remained robust. Tourism and Industry: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai urged global tourism leaders to focus on innovation and sustainability at the tourism forum. A new factory has also begun producing Bee playing cards in Macao for regional and international markets. Grand Prix: The 73rd Macao Grand Prix runs November 19-22, with four-time motorcycle race winner Peter Hickman among the leading names. Civic Life: The government has launched two weeks of public activities promoting courtesy and civic education.

Tourism: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai urged the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macau to promote innovation and sustainable tourism, and met UN Tourism’s secretary-general to discuss closer cooperation. Business: A new Macau factory opened by playing-card maker Cartamundi and local supplier APE will produce Bee cards for Asian and international markets, bringing more than a century of imported production to the city. Sport: The FIBA 3x3 World Tour returns to the Ruins of St Paul’s on October 17–18. The 73rd Macau Grand Prix is set for November 19–22, with four-time motorcycle race winner Peter Hickman among the confirmed riders. Crime: Macau and Zhuhai police arrested three men over a fake TikTok customer-service scam that allegedly targeted 54 residents and caused more than MOP10 million in losses. Basketball: Macau’s Giant Pandas ended their PBA campaign with a 162–108 defeat to Converge, finishing 2–10; the Philippine league says it will not invite the team back.

Fraud: Macau-Zhuhai police arrested three men over a fake Douyin customer-service scam that cost 54 local residents more than MOP10 million. Public Funds: Three local women were arrested over an alleged MOP3.9 million crèche-subsidy fraud involving fabricated jobs and payroll records; a fourth suspect remains at large. Elections & Justice: Election Committee nominations have reached 1,115 forms ahead of the October 20 deadline. Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai praised the judiciary’s handling of Macau’s first national security case and called for continued reform. Economy & Tourism: Analysts expect Macau’s GDP to have fallen 2% in the third quarter amid weaker gaming, despite robust hotel and food spending. Spain’s travel-agency association has named Macau its preferred destination for 2027. Business & Sport: Three trade fairs open next week with about 1,000 exhibitors, alongside a Greater Bay Area business conference. The FIBA 3x3 World Tour returns to the Ruins of St Paul’s this weekend, while the SJM Macao Open is underway in Coloane.

Fraud Crackdown: Macau and Zhuhai police arrested three mainland Chinese suspects over a Douyin customer-service scam that cost 54 local residents more than MOP10 million. Victims were tricked into sharing phone access, allowing scammers to transfer money. Public Funds: Three local women are accused of defrauding the government of about MOP3.9 million in crèche subsidies through fabricated jobs and forged payroll records; a fourth suspect remains at large. Economic Outlook: Macau’s economy is projected to have shrunk 2% in the third quarter as gaming weakened, though hotel and food-and-beverage spending remained strong. Governance: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said the judiciary must support national and local interests, as the 2026/27 judicial year opened. Business: Three trade fairs will bring around 1,000 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions to Cotai Expo from October 21 to 24. Community Services: Caritas Macau says two new community canteens, open to all with discounts for seniors, will soon launch in Ha Van and Areia Preta.

Public Safety: Judiciary Police arrested a mainland man over a Cotai hotel-room robbery that netted HK$21,000 after victims sought an illegal currency exchange; an accomplice fled to Hengqin using an underwater propulsion device. Police also helped a non-local student avoid a phone scam targeting more than MOP1.5 million. Business: Three trade fairs will bring about 1,000 exhibitors and 1,500 buyers to Macao from 21 to 24 October, while a Greater Bay Area business conference is expected to draw more than 1,000 participants next week. Tourism: Spain’s travel agents have named Macao their “Preferred Destination 2027”; arrivals from Spain rose nearly 20% in the first eight months of the year, and European arrivals grew more than 30%. The National Day holiday also set a visitor record, with 1.87 million arrivals. Gaming & Crime: Gaming tax revenue rose 5.9% in the first nine months of 2026, while gaming-related crime increased 12.3%; overall reported crime fell 0.9%. Ageing Society: Residents aged 65 and over made up 15.3% of Macao’s population last year, prompting renewed discussion of palliative and end-of-life care.

Local Sport: A 24-member Macao delegation has left for Japan’s Asian Para Games, where athletes will compete in five sports, including swimming, athletics and wheelchair fencing. Economic Diversification: BEE Macau, the city’s first professional-grade playing-card factory, has opened in Cotai. The joint venture says some decks will carry a “Made in Macau” label. Public Safety: Police arrested a mainland man over an armed robbery in a Cotai hotel room after the victims arranged an illegal currency exchange. In a separate case, an anti-fraud quiz helped a university student avoid a potential loss of more than MOP1.5 million. Transport: The government wants more motorcyclists to use Macao Bridge’s dedicated lanes for peninsula-Taipa journeys. Tourism: Spain’s travel-agent federation named Macao its “Preferred Destination 2027”; visitor arrivals from Spain rose nearly 20% in the first eight months of the year. Ageing Society: A symposium examined palliative care and end-of-life planning as residents aged 65 and over reached 15.3% of Macao’s population. Education: AJAEM says it will focus on building a high-quality teaching workforce. Elections: The 2026 Election Committee subsector polls had received 1,086 candidate nomination forms by October 14.

Tourism & Diversification: Macao has been named the Spanish Confederation of Travel Agents’ Preferred Destination for 2027, as European arrivals rose more than 30% in the first eight months of this year. The city also opened its first professional playing-card factory, bringing Bee® card production to Macao. Gaming & Crime: Gaming tax revenue rose 5.9% to US$9.2 billion in the first nine months, while gaming-related crime increased 12.3%; reported crime overall fell 0.9%. Public Safety: Judiciary Police opened a 24-hour reporting station in Taipa, citing growing demand for services in the densely populated district. Research & Health: A University of Macau-led team identified a high-risk liver cancer subtype and developed an AI tool to help identify patients who may benefit from targeted treatment. Separately, health officials reported six influenza-like clusters in local schools. Sport: The PBA has ruled out a Macau Giant Pandas return after the team’s poor two-conference run; the club has been eliminated from this season’s playoffs. Macao hosts the FIBA 3x3 World Tour on October 17–18.

Public Safety: Judiciary Police have opened Taipa’s first 24-hour case-reporting station, citing growing demand in the district. Separately, six influenza-like illness clusters affected 42 students at local schools; 26 tested positive for influenza A, and two were hospitalized in stable condition. Public Finances: The government will put MOP15.91 billion — 80% of last year’s budget surplus — into the Pension Fund, which faces a projected MOP8.99 billion gap over five years. Culture and Tourism: Macao’s annual A-Ma festival opened with rituals and a Mazu procession through the streets. The Cotai open-air performance venue is expected to move to private operation in the second quarter of next year, after five bids were received. Sport: The FIBA 3x3 World Tour and Greater Bay Area finals return to the Ruins of St Paul’s this weekend, with 16 teams competing.

Election Committee: Macau has received 1,061 candidate nomination forms for its 2026 Election Committee subsector elections, with nominations closing Oct. 20. Culture and Food: The city’s UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy programme was showcased at the World Food Forum in Italy, highlighting efforts to preserve Macanese cuisine and promote sustainable food culture. Sport: The FIBA 3x3 World Tour returns to the Ruins of St. Paul’s this weekend, with 16 teams competing for a US$185,000 prize pool. A separate NBA and Sands community week brought together about 2,900 students, volunteers and residents. Public Safety: Gaming-related crime rose 12.3% in the first nine months of 2026, led by increases in fraud and illegal money exchange for gambling. Overall reported crime fell 0.9%. Retirement Funding: The government will direct about MOP15.91 billion — 80% of last year’s budget surplus — to the Pension Fund, which faces a projected MOP8.986 billion shortfall over five years. Residents’ Priorities: Public consultation for the 2027 Policy Address drew more than 9,000 suggestions, with transport, education and healthcare among residents’ leading concerns.

Pensions: The government will channel MOP15.91 billion — 80% of last year’s budget surplus — into the Pension Fund, which faces a projected MOP8.99 billion shortfall over five years. Crime: Gaming-related offences rose 12.3% in the first nine months of 2026, with fraud and illegal money exchange among the main drivers, even as overall crime dipped. Public Concerns: Residents’ top priorities for the 2027 Policy Address include transport, education and healthcare; welfare and livelihood services drew the most submissions. Child Protection: An advocacy group is urging clearer abuse-reporting procedures, earlier risk screening and stronger checks on staff working with children. Events: The FIBA 3×3 World Tour returns to the Ruins of St Paul’s this weekend, while the Global Tourism Economy Forum runs from October 15 to 17. Health: The weather bureau warns of poor air quality across most of Macao, advising vulnerable residents to limit strenuous outdoor activity.

NBA in Macao: Dallas beat Houston 132-115 on Sunday to split their preseason series at the Venetian Arena. Kyrie Irving scored 17 points in his first game back after a long injury layoff. Gaming Revenue: September gaming revenue was MOP18 billion, down year on year for a fourth straight month. Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said the government is keeping its 2026 forecast of MOP236 billion unchanged for now. Public Safety: Police recorded 9,966 cases in the first nine months, down 0.9% year on year. Youth crime rose 14.9%, while gaming-related offences also edged up. Tourism & Events: Hotel occupancy averaged 91.3% during the National Day holiday, up 3.1% year on year. Macao hosts the Global Tourism Economy Forum from October 15 to 17, followed by the FIBA 3x3 World Tour at the Ruins of St Paul’s on October 17 and 18.

Gaming: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai says Macao will keep its 2026 casino revenue target at 236 billion patacas for now, despite four straight months of year-on-year declines. Public Safety: Reported crimes fell 0.9% to 9,966 in January–September; fraud cases dropped 8.5%, while rape and child sexual abuse cases rose. Aviation: Macao and the Philippines signed a new air services agreement, tripling Manila passenger capacity to 20,000 and fully opening fifth-freedom rights for cargo flights. NBA in Macao: The Mavericks beat the Rockets 132–115 at a packed Venetian Arena, as Kyrie Irving returned from a long injury layoff with 17 points. Heritage: Residents’ groups urged the government to balance conservation, livelihoods and tourism as it plans to revitalise Chi Lam Vai, one of Macao’s last walled villages. Culture: The Lusophone Cultural Carnival runs Friday to Sunday at Hengqin’s Culture & Art Complex, with food, performances and workshops.

Tourism: Macao recorded 1.14 million arrivals during the seven-day National Day holiday, including a record 210,000 in a single day. Arrivals over the wider 13-day Mid-Autumn and Golden Week period topped 1.87 million. Air Links: Macao and the Philippines have agreed to raise passenger capacity to Manila to 20,000 seats, remove limits on other routes and open fifth-freedom rights for cargo flights. Gaming: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai says the government will not lower its 2026 gross gaming revenue forecast for now, despite four months of year-on-year declines. He said October’s figures will be important. Policy: The 2027 Policy Address will focus on public concerns and the city’s Third Five-Year Plan; consultation drew 3,417 submissions. Online Safety: Authorities warn that a fake English-language website is impersonating the Chief Executive and say the case has been referred to police.