AGP Executive Report

Macau Arts & Culture: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival is gearing up for its July launch, with Erth’s Giant Puppetry x Science “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo” set for 3–4 July and community flash mobs rolling out across districts. Sports & Community Research: At UTM, the 3rd Research Symposium on Event Studies focused on how sporting events strengthen communities, with speakers from UTM and Sun Yat-sen University. Policy & City Life: Macau’s government says tourism tax exemptions now cover all non-hotel restaurants and bars, while a new Macao International Technology Industry Centre opens as a pilot base to attract tech projects ahead of the larger sci-tech park. Arts for Inclusion: “TOUCH the Heart” spotlights deafblindness through exhibitions and artworks created by participants with different sensory experiences. Regional Arts/Entertainment Context: Across the region, Guangdong is flexing its sound-and-lighting manufacturing muscle for major global events, and Guangzhou is preparing a Chinese documentary film festival (22–24 Sept). World Cup Ripple: Macau casino GGR fell 12.1% in June, with analysts pointing to World Cup spending diversion.

Sports & Community Research: UTM hosted the 3rd Research Symposium on Event Studies at its Mong-Há campus, focusing on how sporting events can strengthen Macau’s community life and tourism-and-leisure ecosystem. Cultural Summer Spotlight: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival kicks off with Erth’s Giant Puppetry x Science “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo,” plus a series of flash mobs and family-friendly programmes running through August. Local Heritage Parade: Na Tcha’s two-day Procession and Float Parade continues despite a yellow hot-weather alert, with around 40 art troupes and a revived “grabbing the flower cannon” tradition. Arts for Inclusion: A new exhibition, “TOUCH the Heart,” explores deafblindness through artworks and interactive learning at the Cardinal Newman Centre for Culture and Arts Performance of Macau. Policy for Everyday Life: Macau exempts restaurants and bars outside hotels from the 5% tourism tax starting today, alongside a new licensing law for dine-in venues. Tech & Industry Push: Sam inaugurates the Macao International Technology Industry Centre as a pilot platform to attract high-tech projects ahead of the larger sci-tech park. Music Pop Buzz: SUPER JUNIOR-83z (Leeteuk & Heechul) announces debut mini-album “Promise” for July 13 and an Asia fan-con tour.

Pop Culture Spotlight: NCT’s Taeyong is back in full swing after discharge from the Korean Navy in late 2025, with an Asia tour, international collabs, a first full-length solo album and festival appearances as he turns 31 on July 1. Macau Arts & Inclusion: A new exhibition, “TOUCH the Heart,” at the Cardinal Newman Centre for Culture and Arts Performance of Macau invites audiences to learn about deafblindness through artworks and interactive experiences. Summer Events Roundup: The Cultural Affairs Bureau and Sports Bureau map out July highlights, including “Women’s Volleyball Nations League – Finals Macao 2026” (July 22–26) and the “3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival” running through August. Tourism Policy: From today, restaurants and bars outside hotels are exempt from Macau’s 5% tourism tax under Law 5/2026, simplifying licensing for dine-in venues. Tech & Industry: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai inaugurates the Macao International Technology Industry Centre as a pilot platform to attract tech projects in areas like biomedicine and digital tech. Travel Retail Luxury: Hennessy X.O expands its “Odyssey of Travel” campaign across Macau and other hubs with destination-exclusive decanters and immersive airport activations. Sports & Community: UTM and SYSU host a symposium on event studies, focusing on how sports events can drive community and economic outcomes.

Arts & Sports Calendar: The Cultural Affairs Bureau and Sports Bureau unveiled a packed July run of events, led by the Women’s Volleyball Nations League – Finals Macao 2026 (July 22–26 at the Macau East Asian Games Dome) and the 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival (now through August, with performances, art camps, reading sessions, workshops, and a “Weekend Party” segment also in Hengqin). Inclusive Exhibitions: “TOUCH the Heart” opened at the Cardinal Newman Centre, using artworks and activities to deepen public understanding of deafblindness, alongside deaf and blind participants’ creations. Tourism Policy: Macau’s 5% tourism tax is now exempt for all food and beverage establishments outside hotels (including restaurants and bars), under the new licensing law taking effect today. Tech & Industry: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai inaugurated the Macao International Technology Industry Centre (MITIC) as a pilot platform to attract high-tech projects in areas like biomedicine, digital tech, and aerospace. Travel Retail Buzz: Hennessy X.O’s “Odyssey of Travel” campaign extends to Macau with destination-themed decanters and immersive airport activations. Philatelic Culture: “Macao 2026” enters its penultimate stretch with Collection Day at the Specialized World Stamp Exhibition, plus seminars and workshops. Road & Sports Facilities: Roadworks trigger phased closures on Av. do Estádio from July 1, while the government plans temporary sports sites including a pickleball court in Taipa.

Awarapan 2 Buzz: Emraan Hashmi’s long-awaited sequel teaser leans into a “second chance” resurrection vibe, with Shivam haunted by Aaliyah’s grave and promising an end to his “awarapan,” plus quick cameos from Shabana Azmi and Disha Patani. Hospitality & Nightlife: Sri Lanka’s Smoke & Bitters picked up the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award ahead of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026, spotlighting its coastal, wood-fire cooking and guest-first service. Macau Arts & Culture: “Macao 2026” keeps philatelic creativity front and centre with Art Day seminars and workshops, while the Lusophone handicraft exhibition opens at IAM Gallery through July 5. Community & Inclusion: Macau’s first deafblind art exhibition, “TOUCH the Heart,” brings interactive works and workshops to the Cardinal Newman Centre. Sports Facilities: Taipa is set to get a pickleball court as the government allocates three sites for temporary sports venues. Urban Planning: Macau launches public consultation on draft Urban Master Plan amendments, projecting a 783,000 population by 2040. Entertainment in Macau: Lisboeta Macau H853 returns with a dog-friendly “Toy Story 5” screening on July 11, complete with sketching and a pet market. APEC Tourism in Macau: APEC delegates toured local culture and heritage, including the Macao Museum of Art, as the tourism ministerial meeting wraps.

Lusophone Arts & Crafts: Policromia Lusófona opened at IAM Gallery under Forum Macao’s 18th China–Portuguese-speaking Countries Cultural Week, running to July 5 with donated handicrafts from Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe and Timor-Leste, grouped into textiles, musical instruments, sculptures and everyday objects. Pet-Friendly Cinema: Lisboeta Macau H853 Fun Factory brings “Toy Story 5” back for a dog-inclusive screening at Emperor Cinemas on July 11, plus live custom sketching of guests and pets and a pet market. Philatelic Culture in Full Swing: “Macao 2026” stamp events continue at The Venetian Macao, with “Youth Day” spotlighting young exhibitors and street-art themed postcard workshops, while “Art Day” ties stamp design to contemporary creativity through seminars and hands-on sessions. Urban Planning Consultation: The government launched public consultation on draft amendments to the Urban Master Plan, including a revised 2040 population forecast of 783,000 and updated land-use designations. Music & Pop Culture: Starbucks rolls out its Jay Chou “Fantasy” Summer Experience across Asia-Pacific, with Macau included in the summer rollout. Sports & Entertainment: ENHYPEN adds two Busan “BLOOD SAGA” dates and confirms Macau shows this October.

Macau Urban Planning: The Macao SAR has released a draft amendment to its Urban Master Plan, outlining new core areas for diversified industrial development and projecting the population could reach 783,000 by 2040, while keeping tourism-and-entertainment zoning largely unchanged and stressing no industrial land inside casino/resort zones. APEC Tourism in Macao: APEC tourism officials wrapped up on-the-ground cultural and heritage visits, with delegates experiencing Macau’s museum programming and hands-on craft and snack workshops as the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting pushes “digital innovation” for sustainable travel. Cross-border Retail Pressure: A new look at Macau’s community economies says integrated resort retail is rebounding, but small local shops are feeling strain as residents increasingly cross the border for mainland China’s cheaper shopping. Lifestyle & Music Pop Culture: Starbucks is rolling out a Jay Chou “Fantasy” summer campaign across the region, with Macau included, bringing themed drinks and in-store experiences. Entertainment & Night Tourism: Ngong Ping 360 marks its 20th birthday with summer-only Cable Car Night Rides, extending operations to 10pm and adding retro neon village vibes and concerts. Community Arts & Inclusion: Macau’s Deaf Association launched its first deafblind art exhibition, “TOUCH the Heart,” pairing artworks with interactive experiences and workshops. Stamp Art Day: “Macao 2026” celebrated “Art Day” with philatelic seminars and creative workshops, plus a “Draw My Story of Stamps” awards ceremony.

Philatelic Arts & Community: “Macao 2026” marked “Art Day” with new “Macao Street Art” stamp products, plus seminars and hands-on workshops that mix typography, stickers, and postcard-style creativity. Public Health & Youth: Macau reported 132 drug abuse cases in 2025, with first-time use averaging just 22.8 years old, as organisers warn about covert youth trends and rising risks from new substances. Disability Arts Spotlight: The Macau Deaf Association launched “TOUCH the Heart,” the city’s first deafblind art exhibition, pairing artworks with interactive experiences and workshops for International Day of Deafblindness. Tourism & Culture Diplomacy: APEC tourism delegates visited Macao’s Museum of Art and joined local snack and craft workshops, underscoring Macao’s heritage-led tourism pitch. International Entertainment: DIFF 2026’s “Vision” night in Da Nang saw Portugal and China secure final spots, with Portugal performing first and both sets of fireworks judged on concept, creativity, and audience impact. Music & Education: Macau Baptist College celebrated its 70th anniversary with a Yellow River-themed concert aimed at strengthening national sentiment and a globally minded outlook through music. Sports & Youth Development: Malaysia’s junior badminton team topped Group D at BAJC 2026 after edging Indonesia 2-1, while Macau’s CSD ran a Greater Bay Area innovation-and-history tour for young rehabilitated persons. K-pop in Macau: TWS announced Macau as one of its Asia tour stops, following sold-out Seoul dates despite a member’s thigh injury.

Macao 2026 Stamp Culture: “Postcard Day” at the Macao 2026 Specialized World Stamp Exhibition brought hands-on workshops, topical talks, and the “Draw My Story of Stamps” awards, with CTT spotlighting stamp design as a creative art form for families. APEC Tourism in Macao: The SCST Secretary Rosanna Law joined the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting, sharing Hong Kong’s “+ Tourism” push that blends culture, heritage, arts, sports and mega events, and outlining a tech-led, smart-information approach to sustainable visitor growth. Anime & Fandom: KILL BLUE’s creator Tadatoshi Fujimaki confirmed Season 2 is in production, teasing more action-comedy and a special panel at Anime Expo. Sports for the City’s Screen: TWS’s Youngjae will still perform in Seoul despite a thigh injury, with Macau listed among the group’s next Asia tour stops. Local Creative Economy: BIGGER Art Fair debuted in Macau at Fisherman’s Wharf, spotlighting independent publishers and design, as part of “Flip Macau: A Dialogue of Design & Community.” Gaming & Entertainment Business: Century Entertainment launched a new online gaming platform in the Philippines via its WPT partnership, rolling out 27 games across seven venues with plans to expand through 2026.

FIA Governance Shake-up: The FIA has removed the 12-year term limit for its presidency after a vote in Macau, clearing the way for Mohammed Ben Sulayem to stay on until an election defeat or he steps down, with the change approved by over 90% of delegates. F1 Tech Tweaks: The FIA also ratified 2027–28 power unit regulation changes in Macau, shifting the balance toward more internal combustion output while reducing drivers’ battery-management burden; separately, it tightened rules to block Ferrari-style exhaust wings for 2027. Macau Arts & Culture: “Macao 2026” marked Postcard Day with stamp-themed workshops and an awards ceremony for the “Draw My Story of Stamps Contest,” while BIGGER Art Fair debuted in Macau at Fisherman’s Wharf, spotlighting indie creators and design community dialogue. Tourism & Smart City: Hong Kong’s culture-sports-tourism chief shared its smart tourism approach at the APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Macao, tying digital tools to visitor experience and growth. Music & Performance: TWS’ Youngjae will still perform in Seoul despite a thigh injury, and the group’s Asia tour includes Macau.

APEC Tourism Spotlight: Macao is set to host the 13th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Tourism Ministerial Meeting this week, with officials pitching the city as a cultural crossroads where heritage, leisure and new opportunities meet. Heritage & Identity: A feature revisits why June 24 matters in Macao’s story—linked to the 1622 defense against a Dutch attempt—while asking why it isn’t a bigger public celebration today. Music & Live Entertainment: TWS member Youngjae will still perform in Seoul on June 27–28 despite a left thigh injury, with the group continuing its Asia tour to Macau next. Art & Community: BIGGER Art Fair debuts in Macau at Fisherman’s Wharf, bringing independent creators and design-led programming under “Flip Macau.” FIA Governance Meets Macau: Motorsport headlines keep flowing from Macau as the FIA abolishes presidential term limits, while also tightening F1 2027 rules to block Ferrari-style exhaust wings. Studio City Macau Appeal: A guide frames Studio City Macau as an all-ages entertainment hub, highlighting its cinema-themed setting and IP-driven experiences. Local Sustainability: Galaxy Entertainment Group’s hotels and MICE facilities earn strong EarthCheck certification results, including Banyan Tree Macau’s Platinum upgrade.

FIA Governance Shake-Up: The FIA voted in Macau to remove presidential term limits, clearing the way for Mohammed Ben Sulayem to potentially stay longer; the change passed with over 90% support and also tightened eligibility rules. F1 Tech Update: The FIA also approved 2027-28 Formula 1 changes, including an extra pre-season test day and revised engine/energy rules, plus a crackdown on Ferrari-style exhaust wings via new exclusion-zone wording. Macau Entertainment & Hospitality: Melco Resorts & Entertainment is pushing its global luxury play with City of Dreams Sri Lanka, while Macau venues keep leaning into signature IP-led experiences like Studio City’s cinema-themed attractions. Arts & Community in Macau: BIGGER Art Fair debuted at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, spotlighting indie creators and independent publishing as part of “Flip Macau.” Music Spotlight: The 44th Macao Young Musicians Competition schedule is out (July 25–Aug 2), with nearly 1,100 applications and a Special Prize round on Aug 6. Film for Young Audiences: The 2026 Macao International Children’s Film Festival runs July 10–26, featuring both international titles and local animation. Sports Culture: China’s grassroots sports boom is highlighted as the country builds a sporting powerhouse through neighborhood and workplace participation. Local Heritage Note: June 24’s “Day of the City of Macau” history is revisited, with debate over how much the anniversary is celebrated today.

Macao Entertainment & Tourism: Studio City Macau is pitching itself as an all-ages, experience-led hub, leaning on immersive IP collaborations (including Pixar and Sanrio) and signature attractions like the Golden Reel. K-pop & Live Culture: P1Harmony announces an Asia tour with stops in Taipei, Macao and Bangkok, plus a fan meetup in Seoul and a Japanese EP release. Gaming & Tech in Macau: JOYCITY remasters its basketball game “Freestyle” into “Freestyle Reboot,” first rolling out in Greater China including Hong Kong and Macau, with revamped visuals and new story and seasonal systems. Sustainability in Resorts: Galaxy Entertainment Group says multiple hotel brands and MICE facilities earned EarthCheck certifications again, with Banyan Tree Macau upgraded to Platinum. Independent Art Scene: BIGGER Art Fair debuts in Macau at Fisherman’s Wharf, spotlighting indie creators and independent publishing. Local Arts Calendar: The 44th Macao Young Musicians Competition schedule is out (July 25–Aug 2), and the 2026 Macao International Children’s Film Festival runs July 10–26. Sports & Community: Macau’s dragon boat racing wraps up, while China’s broader push for grassroots sport continues to spread fitness into daily life. Industry Watch: Paradise Entertainment says a Singapore unit has gained approved manufacturer status, and Spintec eyes Macau’s live-dealer ETG opportunity as patents near expiry.

Drug Policy & Mental Health: A Macau psychologist warns UNODC’s World Drug Report launch comes as synthetic drugs spread in “hidden” ways, with e-cigarette use and private consumption masking youth addiction despite a reported 10% drop in registered abusers. Sustainability in Hospitality: Galaxy Entertainment Group says its hotel brands and MICE facilities hit strong EarthCheck certification results, including Banyan Tree Macau’s Platinum upgrade and multiple Gold/Silver recognitions. Indie Arts in Macau: BIGGER Art Fair debuts at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf under “Flip Macau: A Dialogue of Design & Community,” spotlighting independent publishers, illustrators and designers over four days. Gaming Industry Watch: Forbes’ Global 2000 ranks LVS, MGM and Galaxy among top APAC gaming-linked public companies, while Macau’s Paradise Entertainment touts Singapore GRA “approved manufacturer” status for its LT Smart unit. Local Culture Calendar: IC confirms the 44th Macao Young Musicians Competition runs July 25–Aug 2 (nearly 1,100 applicants), and the 2026 Macao International Children’s Film Festival starts July 10. Arts & Heritage: A Pessoa-inspired calligraphy exhibition opens at Rui Cunha Foundation, running until July 4. City Life & Identity: A feature revisits why June 24 (Day of the City of Macau) isn’t a bigger public celebration. Sports Spotlight: Macau taekwondist Lao I Ieng wins 1 gold and 2 bronzes at events in Australia. Tourism & Big Meetings: Macau prepares for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting this week, positioning the city’s heritage and leisure for visiting delegates.

Forbes Global 2000 Spotlight: Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts, Galaxy Entertainment and Aristocrat all landed on Forbes’ latest “Global 2000,” with LVS leading the Asia-Pacific casino-linked pack. Stamp & Collectibles: Macao Post rolls out a temporary counter at Cotai Expo Hall A for commemorative postmark cancellations tied to “Macao 2026 Specialized World Stamp Exhibition,” plus themed envelopes and postcards. Gaming Industry Moves: Paradise Entertainment says its Singapore unit has been approved as an “approved manufacturer” by the Gambling Regulatory Authority, aiming to speed up regional expansion. Local Heritage in Focus: A tourism feature spotlights Macao’s blend of heritage, leisure and opportunity, while another piece revisits why June 24 (the Day of the City of Macau) isn’t celebrated more widely. Music & Youth Arts: The 44th Macao Young Musicians Competition posts its schedule for July 25–Aug 2 (nearly 1,100 applications), and the Children’s Film Festival runs July 10–26 with close to 30 titles. Community Arts Programming: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival adds extra performances and camps after strong demand. Pop Culture: Itzy expands its Tunnel Vision world tour with a new Macao stop on Aug 15. Sports Spotlight: Macau taekwondist Lao I Ieng wins 1 gold and 2 bronzes at events in Australia. APEC Tourism Week: Macao gears up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting starting June 24.

Music & Youth Competitions: The “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Song Writers Quest 2026-2027” opens enrolment for a song-writing workshop (30 spots) until July 22, with lessons running Sept 3–Dec 31, and a final in August. Young Musicians: The IC has released the provisional schedule for the 44th Macao Young Musicians Competition (July 25–Aug 2, with a Special Prize Competition on Aug 6), after nearly 1,100 applications. Kids’ Film & Arts: The 2026 Macao International Children’s Film Festival runs July 10–26, and the 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival adds extra performances and a “Little Chinese Music Troupe” camp due to demand. Heritage & Exhibitions: An exhibition marking the 160th anniversary of Dr Sun Yat-sen’s birth is set for October, alongside new community arts use of a Cotai outdoor stage. APEC Tourism in Macau: Macau’s APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting schedule is confirmed for June 24–28, with opening ceremonies and working-group meetings. Sports Spotlight: Macau taekwondist Lao I Ieng wins 1 gold and 2 bronzes at events in Australia. Entertainment in the City: Galaxy Macau launches a summer lineup mixing football-themed activations with Motorsurf shows, plus a “secret garden” promenade installation. Tourism Pulse: Visitor arrivals top 20 million since Jan 1, but hotels face pressure as Zhuhai/Hengqin lure guests and a typhoon approaches.