AGP Executive Report

Macao Culture & Travel: Macau is set to host the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (24–28 June) alongside the 67th APEC Tourism Working Group, with MGTO highlighting Macau’s hospitality, cuisine, creative industries and the blend of Chinese and Western culture. Creator Economy: Macau is also leaning into creator-led storytelling and “Tourism+” brand-building, aiming to stand out globally beyond visitor numbers alone. Cross-border Lifestyle Pulse: During China’s Dragon Boat Festival holiday, border authorities logged 6.67 million cross-border trips (+12.9%); trips by Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents rose 18.4%, with foreign entries up 23.3%. Community & Youth Protection: Fu Luen vice-president Ho Ka Ian comments on a Macau case of collective bullying of minors, warning about weak self-protection, and the lasting “secondary harm” caused when assault footage spreads online. Cultural Calendar: The Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries returns (27 June–10 July), with Macau linked to Qinghai and Beijing under a Sino-Portuguese cultural convergence theme.

APEC Tourism in Macao: Macao is set to host the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (24–28 June) and related working sessions, with MGTO framing it as a chance to showcase “Tourism+” and Macao’s hospitality, cuisine, creative industries, and China–West cultural blend. Creator economy spotlight: A new report highlights how Macao is leaning into creator culture and media partnerships to stand out globally, aiming to grow visibility beyond visitor numbers. Dragon boat culture in Macao: The 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races wrapped up after three days at Nam Van Lake, with China Nanhai Jiujiang defending both Open and Women’s titles; the event also featured a Hengqin team debut to deepen neighborly sports and cultural exchange. Cross-border lifestyle link: A feature looks at how Macao residents increasingly live and work across the water in Hengqin, where the cooperation zone is expanding housing and job space. Hong Kong–Fujian ties: John Lee’s Fujian visit underlines broader regional cooperation, including culture and tourism among multiple sectors. Health & food safety: Hong Kong is investigating a suspected paralytic shellfish poisoning case after a family ate whelk. Work & AI: Microsoft’s Work Trend Index flags a “Transformation Paradox” in Hong Kong—AI use is rising faster than organizational change.

APEC Tourism in Macao: The 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (24–28 June) and the 67th Tourism Working Group Meeting will bring senior tourism officials to Macao, with MGTO highlighting the city’s “Tourism+” mix of hospitality, cuisine, creative industries, and Chinese-Western cultural integration. Creator culture push: Macao is also pitching its creator-economy approach abroad, using media collaboration and “unmissable experiences” to stand out in the global tourism conversation. Dragon boat culture on the water: The 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races wrapped up with China Nanhai Jiujiang defending both Open and Women’s titles, while the event’s “Art Everywhere” lakeside carnival blended intangible heritage with weekend leisure. Na Tcha weeklong celebrations: The Na Tcha Temple Association announced a week of birthday festivities starting this Friday, featuring a temple fair market, blessing ceremony, and a city-centre float parade with visiting troupes. Education spotlight: Macau Saint Paul School students shone at the FLTRP Cup National English Competition in Wuxi, earning praise for language skills and cultural literacy. Tech & policy tension: Local AI leaders warn Macau’s cloud limits and on-premise data requirements could slow innovation and put the city at a disadvantage in the regional AI race. Hong Kong AI workplace gap: Microsoft’s Work Trend Index finds Hong Kong employees adopting AI faster than organizations can redesign work, creating a “transformation paradox” that pressures staff.

Fuxi Ceremony Cross-Strait Culture: The annual Fuxi Commemoration (June 21) in Tianshui, Gansu brought together mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao and overseas Chinese communities for drum-and-bell rituals, memorial readings and ancestor worship—now a national intangible heritage tradition since 2006, with cross-strait events since 2014. Macao Dragon Boat Finale: The 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races wrapped up at Nam Van Lake, with China Nanhai Jiujiang defending both Open and Women’s titles and setting a new Open record; the event also debuted a Hengqin team to boost neighborly sports and cultural exchange. APEC Tourism Prep in Macao: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28), with staff training and sideline events planned to showcase hospitality, cuisine and creative industries. Film Culture in Hong Kong & Macao: The Chinese hit “Dear You” continues strong in Hong Kong and Macao cinemas, with audiences praising its emotional pull and qiaopi (overseas remittance letters) heritage. Tech & AI Policy Tension: Macau’s AI ambitions face a cloud-access constraint tied to data residency rules, pushing operators toward costly on-premise setups and raising concerns about competitiveness.

Dragon Boat Culture & Sport: The 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races wrapped up at Nam Van Lake, with China Nanhai Jiujiang defending both Open and Women’s titles and setting a new record, while Tianjin University of Sport won the university category—plus a debut team from Hengqin aimed at boosting neighbor-to-neighbor cultural exchange. Film & Community Nostalgia: The Chinese hit “Dear You” is drawing strong reactions in Hong Kong, Macao and across Southeast Asia, with audiences praising its emotional pull and its “qiaopi” letters-and-remittances theme that sparks nostalgia in overseas Chinese communities. APEC Tourism Build-Up: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28), with preparations focused on staff training and sideline events, positioning the city’s cuisine and creative industries as a bridge for Asia-Pacific tourism cooperation. Tech & Policy Tension: AI leaders warn Macau’s cloud restrictions and data residency rules may slow innovation for integrated resort operators, putting the city at a competitive disadvantage in the regional AI race. Education & Lusophone Links: Macao’s higher-education forum for rectors of China and Portuguese-speaking countries highlighted Macao–Hengqin synergy and bilingual talent training, with institutions including UM and MPU deepening cooperation. Workforce & Safety: The Labour Department urged flexible arrangements after storm warnings, while authorities reported a rise in suspected illegal workers detected across multiple site types.

Dragon Boat & Intangible Heritage: The 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races wrapped up at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, with China Nanhai Jiujiang defending both Open and Women’s titles (500m) and setting a new Open event record, while Tianjin University of Sport won the university category—plus a Hengqin debut team underscored Macao–Hengqin cultural exchange. Film & Community Culture: Chinese hit “Dear You” is drawing strong emotion across Hong Kong, Macao and Singapore, with Macao screenings running across all seven commercial cinemas on opening day and Southeast Asia expanding the “qiaopi” nostalgia story. Macao Tourism Diplomacy: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28), with staff training and sideline events planned to showcase cuisine, creative industries and the city’s “One Centre” role. Digital Policy & Lifestyle Tech: Tech leaders warn Macau’s cloud limits and data residency rules force costly on-premise AI, risking a competitive gap as regional hubs move faster. Work & Safety: The Labour Department urged flexible arrangements after tropical cyclone/rainstorm warnings are cancelled, including remote work where applicable. Education & Culture Exchange: UTM’s 2026 graduation ceremony celebrated 521 graduates, while Macao–Portuguese higher-education forums continued to push bilingual talent and cultural education links.

Dragon Boat Festival Culture-Sport: The SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races 2026 wrapped up at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, with China Nanhai Jiujiang defending Open and Women’s titles (500m) and setting a new Open event record, while Tianjin University of Sport won the university category; the event also staged “Art Everywhere – Cultural vibes at the weekend” to blend intangible heritage with a lakeside carnival. Film & Community Nostalgia: The Chinese hit “Dear You,” rooted in qiaopi letters and remittances, expanded its release across Southeast Asia including Hong Kong and Macao, with screenings and cultural previews drawing strong overseas Chinese audiences. APEC Tourism Spotlight: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28), with preparations focused on staff training and sideline events, aiming to showcase Macao’s cuisine, creative industries, and East-meets-West culture. Education & Culture Exchange: UTM held its 2026 graduation ceremony (521 graduates), while the 4th Forum for Rectors of higher education institutions in China and Portuguese-speaking countries continued in Macao, strengthening Lusophone education links. Workplace Safety After Storms: The Labour Department urged employers to make flexible arrangements after tropical cyclone or rainstorm warnings are cancelled, including remote work or staggered returns where needed. Local Talent in Music: Melco Resorts hosted a youth engagement session with violinist Leia Zhu after her Macau debut with the Macao Orchestra, connecting young musicians with professional guidance. Sports Tourism Build-Up: Organisers unveiled details for the Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals Macao 2026 (July 22–26), betting on a culture-sports synergy to boost tourism and local sport.

Dragon Boat Festival Culture-Sport: The 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races closed on 19 June at Nam Van Lake, with China Nanhai Jiujiang defending Open and Women’s titles (500m) and setting a new Open event record, while Tianjin University of Sport won the Macao University Student race; the final-day lakeside carnival “Art Everywhere – Cultural vibes at the weekend” blended intangible heritage with performances and family-friendly activities. Regional Film & Heritage Nostalgia: Chinese hit “Dear You” expanded its global release to Southeast Asia, including Hong Kong and Macao, spotlighting “qiaopi” letters and remittances and sparking nostalgia among overseas Chinese communities. Tech & Tourism Policy Tension: AI symposium voices warned Macau’s cloud limits and data-residency rules force on-premise systems, raising costs and slowing innovation for integrated resort operators. APEC Tourism Build-Up: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (24–28 June), with staff training and sideline events aimed at showcasing cuisine, creative industries, and East-West cultural integration. Education & Culture Exchange: UTM marked its graduation with 521 graduates, while the 4th Forum for Rectors of higher education institutions in China and Portuguese-speaking countries highlighted Macao–Hengqin synergy and bilingual talent training. Local Arts & Youth Music: Melco Resorts hosted a youth engagement session with Macau debut violinist Leia Zhu, connecting local students and community groups to professional classical music.

APEC Tourism Spotlight: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28), with the Tourism Office saying staff training and sideline events are in place, and the city plans to showcase hospitality, local cuisine, creative industries, and the blend of Chinese and Western cultures. Dragon Boat Culture & Community: The 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races kick off tomorrow (June 19) at Nam Van Lake, with international teams plus local cultural-art parade performances tied to dragon boat intangible heritage. Education & Lusophone Links: Macao’s higher-education cooperation with Portuguese-speaking countries continues through the 4th Forum for Rectors, featuring Macao–Hengqin synergy and bilingual talent training themes. Cultural Heritage on Stage: The government is set to revitalize Dom Pedro V Theatre with an immersive “Age of Discovery” production, using the world heritage site to teach history and traditional culture. Sports Tourism Moment: The Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals return to Macao in July (July 22–26), with organizers betting on a culture-sports boost for tourism and local volleyball. Local Lifestyle Notes: MGTO released a documentary, “Creative Fusion: Gastronomy Reimagined,” for Sustainable Gastronomy Day, linking food, art, and sustainable creativity.

APEC Tourism Build-Up: Macao is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28), with the Tourism Office saying preparations include staff training and sideline events, positioning the city to showcase its cuisine, creative industries, and East-meets-West culture. Cultural Heritage, Reimagined: The government plans to revitalize Dom Pedro V Theatre into an immersive “Age of Discovery” stage show, using the world heritage site to tell stories of centuries of cultural exchange. Performing Arts Season: “Macau Live International” launches in Hengqin with 13 original productions co-staged with local troupes, aiming to make it a regular Greater Bay Area arts platform. Sports Tourism: The Women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals Macao 2026 (July 22–26) returns to the East Asian Games Dome, with organisers betting on a culture-sports boost for tourism and local volleyball. Education & Exchange: UM’s Hengqin campus project is set to complete by 2029 for about 4,000 students, while the 4th Forum for Rectors (China & Portuguese-Speaking Countries) highlights Macao–Hengqin higher-ed cooperation and bilingual talent training. Workplace Safety After Storms: The Labour Department urges flexible arrangements after tropical cyclone/rainstorm warnings are cancelled, including remote work where applicable, to protect safety and keep operations running.

APEC Tourism Spotlight: Macao is gearing up to host the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28), with the Chief Executive pushing tighter coordination to showcase the city’s tourism and convention strengths and deepen Asia-Pacific cultural exchange. Cultural Heritage Meets Immersive Theatre: Dom Pedro V Theatre is set for renovation and a new immersive stage-performance concept, using the UNESCO-listed historic site to highlight Macao’s centuries of East-West cultural encounters. Performing Arts in Hengqin: “Macau Live Int’l” launches a six-month performing arts season at Hengqin Cultural Art Centre, bringing 13 original productions with local troupes and a new interactive comedy inspired by shared Macau–Hengqin memory. Lion Dance for the Next Generation: MGM China and the Wushu General Association of Macau sign a strategic deal to preserve and internationalise Lingnan lion dance, with youth training, community outreach, and plans for a Lion Dance Cultural Centre. Tourism Education & Talent: UTM and Galaxy co-host the 11th Tourism Education Student Summit, spotlighting sustainable tourism ideas from student theses and industry leaders. Health & Safety for Traditional Medicine: A WHO-supported workshop in Macao focuses on quality and safety for traditional, complementary and integrative medicine practice and practitioner training. Youth Safety Alert: Police report a case of a girl assaulted and blackmailed by six minors, with an investigation launched after a video circulated online.

APEC Tourism Spotlight: Macao is set to host the APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28), with organisers framing the city as a compact, multicultural hub for culture-and-tourism cooperation across the Asia-Pacific. Traditional Medicine & Public Trust: A WHO interregional workshop in Macao (June 10–12) focused on improving the quality and safety of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine through better policy, regulation, and practitioner training. Heritage Meets Immersive Performance: Macao plans to renovate and upgrade the Dom Pedro V Theatre at the UNESCO “Historic Centre of Macao,” aiming for immersive stage shows tied to the Age of Exploration and the city’s East–West cultural exchange. Education, Language, and Culture Links: UTM and NOVA University Lisbon signed an MoU to deepen Macao–Portugal cooperation in culture and tourism education, while Macao also hosted major university-rectors forums connecting Chinese and Portuguese-speaking institutions. Local Jobs & Youth Focus: The Chief Executive reiterated Macao’s “local residents first” employment push, citing job-matching sessions and “employment + training” programmes. Skal Asia Congress in Macao: The Skal International Asia Congress (June 11–14) brought tourism leaders to highlight “Heritage” and “Innovation,” reinforcing Macao’s role as an international platform. Dragon Boat Festival Travel Mood: Dragon boat racing and forest retreats are driving travel trends heading into the Tuen Ng Festival season.

UNESCO Heritage Meets Immersive Theatre: Macau plans to upgrade Dom Pedro V Theatre into an immersive stage venue, with a show themed around encounters of civilizations during the Age of Exploration, turning a UNESCO-listed landmark into a new cultural stage. Local Governance & Planning: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai says the final version of Macau’s 3rd Five-Year Plan will be published in August, with implementation and the 2027 Policy Address aligned to the plan’s priorities. Arts & Music: A saxophone quartet, Quatuor Rodin—featuring local player Lee Chi Pok alongside Korean musicians—will perform in Macau, blending French repertoire with contemporary works. Hospitality & Leadership: UTM wrapped up “The Art of Leadership,” a programme for mid- to senior hotel professionals focused on shifting from service management to service leadership. Culture & Education Links: UTM and NOVA University Lisbon signed an MoU to deepen cooperation in culture and tourism education between Macao and Portugal. Public Health Watch: FEHD released June gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus across 19 survey areas, tracking mosquito risk trends. Tourism Spotlight: Macau hosted the Skal International Asia Congress, positioning the city’s heritage and hospitality for an international audience. Call for Responsible Business: Applications are open for the 3rd Deignan Award for Responsible Entrepreneurship, spotlighting SMEs in Hong Kong and Macau that pair commercial success with social responsibility.

Macao Heritage Meets Immersive Entertainment: Macao plans to renovate and upgrade the Dom Pedro V Theatre, turning the UNESCO-listed historic landmark into an immersive stage-show venue themed around encounters of civilizations during the Age of Exploration. Tourism & Culture Networking: Macao welcomed the 55th Skal International Asia Congress (11–14 June), with delegates from 18 places discussing how to “celebrate heritage” while pushing innovation in tourism. Higher Education & Portuguese Linkages: The 4th Forum for Rectors of higher education institutions of China and Portuguese-speaking countries opened in Macao (15–17 June), spotlighting Macao–Hengqin synergy for cultivating Chinese–Portuguese international talent. Dragon Boat as Living Culture: The 2026 Macao International Dragon Boat Races kicked off at Nam Van Lake (137 local teams), with small-race action and an international invitation set for the Dragon Boat Festival. Youth Career Pathways: Macao launched a tailored internship allowance scheme placing young locals in mainland enterprises tied to Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets, with placements based in Hengqin. Art & Sports for World Cup Fans: Lisboeta Macau opened a free football history exhibition, “Classic Revival: World Football History Exhibition,” running through July 19. Public Health Watch: FEHD released June gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus across 19 survey areas.

Macao–Hengqin Education & Language: The 4th Forum for Rectors of higher education institutions of China and Portuguese-speaking countries opened in Macao, spotlighting Macao–Hengqin synergy to train Chinese–Portuguese international talent. Cultural Heritage in Motion: Macao’s dragon boat season is in full swing, with the 2026 Macao International Dragon Boat Races running at Nam Van Lake and a festival-style mix of culture and sport. Tourism & Heritage Networking: The 55th Skal International Asia Congress returned to Macao under “Celebrating Heritage – Empowering Innovation,” bringing 198 delegates from 18 regions to spotlight the city’s hospitality and cultural strengths. Archives & Memory: “City in Rephotography” opened at the Archives of Macao, pairing historical photos with modern re-shoots and offering guided tours to help visitors read Macao’s changes through images. Youth & Careers: Macao launched new internship allowances for young locals to work with mainland firms tied to Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets, plus a cross-border finance internship plan in Guangzhou. Portuguese-Language Culture: A Lusofonia Games reflection piece framed sport as a “human bridge” linking communities across four continents through Portuguese. Hong Kong Culture & Policy Spillover: Hong Kong kicked off public consultation on its first five-year plan, while also rolling out new “Seamless e-Channel” departure clearance at the HZMB—both shaping how people move, meet, and plan. Youth Sports Pop Culture: Macau hosted its first HK–Macau Beyblade interport competition, selecting a Macau team after a fully subscribed youth event. Lisboeta World Cup Exhibit: Lisboeta Macau opened a free football history exhibition running through July 19, blending memorabilia, interactive zones, and Pelé tributes.

Macau Culture & Sports: The 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races kicked off at Nam Van Lake, with SJM Golden Jubilee A taking the men’s small-boat title and SJM Lotus A winning the women’s 200m, as the event blends dragon-boat heritage with weekend “Art Everywhere” cultural vibes. Macao Youth & Community: A first-ever Hong Kong–Macao Beyblade interport competition is underway after a local qualifier selected eight players for Macau’s team, showing how youth pop culture is finding a competitive home in the city. Macau Heritage in Focus: “City in Rephotography” opened at the Archives of Macao, pairing historical photos with modern re-shoots to trace a century of street life and infrastructure change. Macau Food Culture: MGM launched a month-long Macanese cuisine programme with Chef Neta, spotlighting dishes like prawn lacassá and minchi through a limited-time menu and cultural activities. Macau Careers & Learning: DSAL opened applications for cross-border finance internships placing young locals in mainland firms tied to Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets, aiming to build practical skills and language-ready talent. Hong Kong–Macao Regional Mood: Central authorities reiterated confidence in Macau’s future during Xia Baolong’s recent engagement, while Hong Kong’s consultation on its next five-year plan signals closer alignment with mainland development priorities.