AGP Executive Report

Public Health Alert: Macau’s Health Bureau (SSM) is urging residents and private clinics to stay vigilant after WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with new checks at border points, hospitals and the community, and Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre activating its response and running PPE and triage briefings for frontline staff. Children’s Rights in Focus: International Children’s Day events are rolling out across Macau under a theme of children’s participation rights, including school performances and community activities. Inclusion Spotlight: MGM COTAI hosted the first day of the Inclusion Conference & Festival, drawing 300+ participants for talks on neurodiversity, inclusive education and mental health, plus hands-on support sessions and an inclusion art programme. Digital Entertainment Watch: A separate global piece looks at how social casino platforms are reshaping mobile leisure and monetisation.

Freedom of Speech Under Pressure (Hong Kong): In Hong Kong’s Tiananmen activists’ trial, prosecutors argued that activists’ decades of Tiananmen vigil organising amounted to “incitement,” stressing that freedom of speech is “not an absolute right,” as closing arguments began. Continuing Education Rules (Macao): A new 2026–2029 continuing education scheme is set to launch mid-June, with eligibility tied to course cost (MOP 3,000+) and stricter “pay first, apply later” conditions for lower prior attendance or ID misuse. National Security Outreach (Macao): Macau’s 2026 National Security Education Exhibition logged 70,496 visits, a record since 2018, with the dedicated website also hitting a new high. Culture in Action (Macao): International Museum Day kicked off a carnival linking 26 museums, while Macau’s museum sector turns heritage into hands-on public fun. Learning & Work Across Hengqin (Macao): Social Security Fund briefings in Hengqin promoted new cross-border convenience under Law No. 3/2026, including how time spent in the Cooperation Zone can be treated as time in Macau.

Cultural Memory Kept Alive: Sands China is continuing to preserve Macau’s firecracker-making legacy, spotlighting the Iec Long Firecracker Factory and its centenary history through revitalisation efforts and exhibitions. Education for Diversification: A Macau youth education forum at the Macau Science Centre pushed the idea that non-tertiary education is key to building Macau’s “appropriate economic diversification,” with the Education and Youth Development Bureau highlighting large-scale teacher training and digital education support. National Security Outreach: Macau’s 2026 National Security Education Exhibition set new records, drawing 70,496 visits and 210,740 website visits, as the one-month programme wrapped up at Forum Macao. Museums Go Together: For International Museum Day, 26 museums teamed up for a carnival-style event with family-friendly activities across Lotus Square. Cross-border Social Security: In Hengqin, the Social Security Fund rolled out new convenience measures under revised law, including how time spent in the Cooperation Zone is treated for Macao residents.

Museum Spotlight: Macao kicked off International Museum Day with the “Macao International Museum Day Carnival 2026,” bringing 26 museums together at Lotus Square in Ilha Verde for a lively mix of game booths, children’s Cantonese opera, and hands-on workshops. The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Tourism Office, Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau, and other public and cultural institutions. Cross-Border Social Security: In Hengqin, the Social Security Fund held community briefings to roll out the revised two-tier social security rules, including how time spent in the Cooperation Zone can be treated as time in Macao SAR for eligible residents. Sports-Plus Push: Meanwhile, Mario Ho Yau Kwan used the G2E Asia stage to argue Macau should pivot from gaming-only growth toward a “Sports Plus” model that links sport, tourism, and youth culture.

Macao Social Security in Hengqin: The Social Security Fund and the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macao held two community outreach sessions in Hengqin to roll out the revised two-tier social security rules, with about 480 people attending. The key change: time Macao residents spend in the Cooperation Zone is treated as time spent in Macao SAR, covering work, study, and certain family-support situations under Law No. 3/2026. Sports Plus push: Mario Ho used the G2E Asia platform to argue Macau should pivot from gaming-only growth toward a “Sports Plus” model, positioning sports and esports as a tourism engine. Health update: Macau’s Health Bureau said around 89% of registered hypertension patients received treatment last year, alongside expanded blood-pressure check points. Arts on stage: The Macau Arts Festival continues with back-to-back performances blending intangible heritage and modern entertainment at the Macau Cultural Centre.

Cross-border social security made easier: Macau’s Social Security Fund teamed up with the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations to run two Hengqin outreach sessions for residents in the Guangdong–Macao Cooperation Zone, rolling out the revised two-tier social security rules under Law No. 3/2026 (in force since 24 March). Local governance in action: The briefings—held at Hengqin service centres and attended by about 480 people—push a key change: time spent in Hengqin for eligible work, study, and recognised education can be treated as time in Macau SAR. Culture & community: In parallel, Macau’s IAM is gearing up for Children’s Day civic activities (30 May–1 June), with guided tours and workshops open via Macao One Account. Sports-to-tourism pitch: At G2E Asia, Mario Ho renewed his “Sports Plus” push to reduce Macau’s dependence on gaming by using sports and esports as a tourism engine.

Cross-border social security made easier: Macao’s Social Security Fund held outreach briefings in Hengqin to roll out the revised two-tier social security law (Law No. 3/2026), telling residents that time spent in the Cooperation Zone can be counted as time in Macao SAR—covering living, work, and recognised study there—while promoting new convenience measures; about 480 people joined sessions in Hengqin service centres. Sports-to-tourism push: At G2E Asia, Mario Ho and other industry voices kept arguing Macau should pivot from gaming-only identity toward a “Sports Plus” model that can attract youth culture and high-value visitors. Health focus: The Health Bureau reported about 89% of registered hypertension patients received treatment, alongside expanded blood pressure check points. Culture on stage: The Macau Arts Festival continues with back-to-back performances blending intangible heritage and modern entertainment. Gaming industry shift: Expo discussions highlighted Macau’s move toward premium mass, with operators stressing faster, customer-led execution.

Cross-border social security made easier: The Social Security Fund teamed up with neighbourhood groups to run two Hengqin outreach sessions for Macao residents, rolling out the revised two-tier system under Law No. 3/2026—key change: time spent in the Cooperation Zone can be counted as time in Macao for eligibility, covering living, working, and recognised study there. Sports & culture momentum: Team China dominated the 11th Sanda World Cup in Macao with 7 golds, while the Macau Arts Festival keeps tradition on stage with back-to-back CCM performances blending shiwan ceramics and Cantonese opera. Tourism branding push: MGTO says Macao won “Asia’s Best Luxury Destination 2026” at LUXE Asia in Shanghai, backing it with business matching for luxury buyers, including a focus on Russian arrivals. Health focus: The Health Bureau reports about 89% of registered hypertension patients are receiving treatment, alongside expanded blood-pressure check points. Tech & talent pipeline: DSEDJ and FDCT ran career-planning seminars for innovation-and-tech jobs in Macao and Hengqin, drawing nearly 350 teachers and students.

Sports Plus push: Mario Ho used the Asian IR Expo keynote to argue Macau must pivot from a single gaming engine to a “Sports Plus” model—sports as a borderless global language that can pull in youth culture, fill hotels, and lift retail and dining, with esports now a major driver. Arts & heritage on stage: Two back-to-back CCM performances at the Macau Arts Festival spotlight intangible cultural heritage, including Cantonese opera and shiwan ceramic artistry, blending tradition with modern entertainment. Public health update: The Health Bureau says about 89% of registered hypertension patients received treatment in 2024, with expanded blood-pressure check points across Macau. Expo momentum: G2E Asia and the Asian IR Expo are underway at The Venetian, putting digital innovation and AI governance for gaming and responsible play at the center of the week.

Children’s Day in Macau: The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) is running “Civic Education Activities in Celebration of Children’s Day” from 30 May to 1 June, with guided tours and workshops (including Guia Hill Military Tunnels) and applications opening via “Macao One Account” on 14 May. Public safety: Judiciary Police (PJ) arrested a 35-year-old man after a 12-year-old girl reported seeing him masturbating in a residential stairwell; PJ says semen traces were collected and he admitted similar acts in nearby buildings. Health alert: The Health Bureau (SSM) warned Macau’s mosquito ovitrap index jumped in April, raising dengue and chikungunya risk, and urged residents to prevent bites. Gaming & tech week: G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo is underway at The Venetian Macao, with sessions on AI governance and responsible gaming. Community culture: IC’s “Mobile Library” outreach continues through June, bringing reading and storytelling to parks and community spots.

Retail & Lifestyle Push: Eternal Beauty is moving fast offline, opening four new stores in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen in mid-April—adding new brand concepts and themed spaces to deepen its direct retail footprint. Local Employment Reality Check: Macau’s labour officials say a mismatch is driving frustration: young jobseekers want office roles, while employers need shift-based frontline workers—so they’re urging locals to enter the labour market first to build experience. Gaming Meets AI Governance: At G2E Asia in Macau, experts and industry leaders debated how AI should be governed for responsible gaming and sustainable development. Public Safety Case: Judiciary Police arrested a 35-year-old man after a 12-year-old girl reported seeing him masturbating in a residential stairwell; investigators say there were similar incidents in nearby buildings. Science & Space Link: HKUST’s CO₂/CH₄ point-source detector “MUSICO” has arrived at China’s Tiangong space station, marking a major high-end instrument milestone.

Studio City Debt Move: Studio City Company Limited says its tender offer for its 7% senior secured notes due 2027 closed with US$196.421m tendered, and it will pay US$1,001.25 per US$1,000 note for those accepted. Gaming Industry Pulse: At G2E Asia in Macau, Sands China CEO Grant Chum argues Macau’s integrated-resort “critical mass” is hard to match, while Galaxy Entertainment Group reports Q1 results and keeps pushing non-gaming diversification. Expo Spotlight: G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo opened at The Venetian Macao, drawing 8,000 professionals across 90+ places and putting digital innovation front and center. Talent Pipeline: SJM and UTM launch “Forge My Own Journey” work-study internships, while GEG signs an MOU with UTM to roll out the IRISE talent programme. Health Alert: SSM warns Macau’s mosquito index jumped in April, raising dengue and chikungunya risk. Culture & Community: IC’s Mobile Library returns across districts, and Macau’s Grand Prix Museum offers free entry on 18 May and 1 June. Beauty Retail Boom: Eternal Beauty opens four new China stores, while Panpuri maps 16 new outlets across Asia this year.

Panpuri Expansion: Thai fragrance brand Panpuri says it will open 16 new stores across Asia this year, aiming for 80+ locations in nine countries by 2029, with Japan (starting Tokyo) first and China next. Youth Exchanges: China’s Ministry of Education reports more than 48,500 US young people have visited for exchange programs under the “50,000 in Five Years” push, reaching all 50 US states and Macau and Hong Kong. Healthcare Week in Motion: International Healthcare Week opens in Hong Kong with a summit on “Fuelling Healthcare Breakthroughs” and a medical fair focused on smart health. Macau Talent Pipeline: Galaxy Entertainment Group signs an MOU with Macao University of Tourism to launch the “IRISE” integrated resort talent programme. Student Skills Forum: A Macau Science Centre forum this Saturday will explore how to cultivate students’ all-round abilities to support the city’s “1+4” diversification. Local Culture & Community: The Cultural Affairs Bureau’s “Mobile Library” outreach continues across Macau until June, bringing reading and storytelling to parks and public spaces.

G2E Asia Spotlight: The Venetian Macao is hosting G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo (May 12-14), pulling 8,000+ industry figures from 90+ places to chase the next wave of digital gaming and entertainment—AI is a major theme. Gaming Economy Pulse: Galaxy Entertainment Group released unaudited Q1 2026 figures, while Sands China’s Grant Chum argued Macau’s integrated-resort scale is “impregnable,” as April gaming taxes topped MOP9 billion. Health Alert: SSM says Macau’s mosquito index jumped sharply in April, raising dengue and chikungunya risk; the city is also rolling out free repellents at government “Health Fuel Stations.” Community & Culture: IC’s Mobile Library keeps touring parks and districts, and the 36th Macao Arts Festival continues through June 27. Local Life: PJ reported a resident losing MOP217,000 in a “national security” scam. Business Moves: MasterBeef plans a premium Thai tea beverage and dessert franchise rollout in Hong Kong and Macau; Eternal Beauty is expanding with new stores across major mainland cities.

G2E Asia Launch: Macau’s gaming industry convenes today at The Venetian Macao for G2E Asia (12–14 May), with a heavier spotlight on digital products and AI across land-based and online gaming, plus major sessions on responsible gaming and AI governance. Public Safety Scam Alert: The Judiciary Police warned after a resident was tricked into “national security” fraud, losing 217,000 patacas via WhatsApp video calls and fake police uniforms. Gaming Revenue Watch: April gaming tax receipts hit just over MOP9.07 billion, keeping Macau’s fiscal momentum firm and underscoring how central casino activity remains. Reading in the Community: The Cultural Affairs Bureau’s “Mobile Library” keeps rolling from May to June, bringing outdoor storytelling and on-the-spot library card sign-ups to parks and squares. Culture on the Global Stage: “Jacone’s Polyphony” officially opened in Venice as Macau’s Biennale collateral event, reworking Wu Li’s Macao-linked legacy through three emerging local artists. Health & Daily Life: Government “Health Fuel Stations” start offering free mosquito repellents at 12 sites, alongside a push to eliminate stagnant water.

Gaming Revenue Watch: Macau’s gaming tax receipts hit MOP9.07 billion in April (about US$1.12b), up from March and keeping 2026 on a strong track—gaming taxes are already about 87% of total government income so far, showing how tightly public finances still track casino performance. Luxury & Awards: Galaxy Macau celebrated 26 awards across 19 hotels, restaurants and bars at the Tatler Best Hong Kong & Macau Awards 2026, with Capella singled out as Best New Hotel in Macau. Culture on the Move: Macau’s “Jacone’s Polyphony” opened in Venice for the 61st Biennale, reframing Wu Li’s Macao story through three emerging local artists. Language & Youth: A UM student won first prize in the Portuguese Speech Contest, using a grandmother’s pepper shaker to explore “missing” and living fully in the present. Community Life: The Macao Grand Prix Museum is offering free entry on 18 May and 1 June for International Museum Day and its 5th anniversary. Public Health: Mosquito repellents are now free at 12 Health Fuel Stations across parks and rest areas, alongside a push to remove stagnant water.