AGP Executive Report

Taipa Heritage Walk: A new feature traces Taipa’s layered history—from a 13th-century fishing hamlet and Portuguese annexation in 1847 to today’s colourful lanes—tying architecture, churches, and Portuguese cuisine to Macau’s East-meets-West identity. Macau Gaming Outlook: A Macau Business special report revisits how the city’s “two humps” of revenue growth formed after the VIP era, the anti-corruption crackdown, and the post-COVID recovery—asking whether a “third hump” is coming or a plateau is next. Policy Address Feedback: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Legislative Assembly members to gather views for the 2027 Policy Address, stressing stronger executive-legislative interaction under the executive-led system. Hengqin University Town Opens Phase 1: The Legislative Assembly’s Public Finance Affairs Committee confirmed the first transitional campus at Dezhi Plaza will start operations this month, with RMB18 billion investment and a “one university, two campuses” model for UM, MPU and UTM. MGTO Europe Push: MGTO ramps up promotion in Spain and Portugal via trade familiarisation visits and new multi-destination products aimed at longer stays and higher spend. Arts in Macau: “Porcelain Echoes” explores Macau’s East-West cultural exchange through porcelain fragments and contemporary painting at Ho’s Clan Association Exhibition Hall. Entertainment & Sports: Studio City’s revamped “Stardust” immersive flying experience gets attention, while the NBA’s 2026 China Games brings the Houston Rockets’ preseason to Macao (Oct 9 & 11).

Macau-Hengqin Education Push: The Legislative Assembly’s Public Finance Affairs Committee says the first transitional campus at Dezhi Plaza will start operating this month, with the RMB18 billion Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town rolling out in phases to 2030 and aiming for 20,000+ students. Tourism Promotion: MGTO is stepping up marketing in Spain and Portugal via trade familiarisation visits and new multi-destination tour products, including Macau + longer-stay itineraries with regional add-ons. Arts & Culture Spotlight: “Porcelain Echoes” at Ho’s Clan Association Exhibition Hall explores Macau’s East-West exchange through porcelain fragments and contemporary painting. Entertainment & Lifestyle: Macau-born singer Jenny Tseng shares a quieter farm life in Taiwan and releases a limited-edition box set of classic Cantonese albums. Resorts & Business: Melco reports 2Q26 revenues down 5.7% to US$1.25b, citing low hold and World Cup effects, while REM at City of Dreams Macau soft-opens and targets a grand opening shortly after Golden Week. Sports in the Region: Kitchee U18 beats Manchester United Academy U16 4-3 in a Hong Kong youth football friendly.

Macau Gaming Outlook: Macau Business Magazine’s special report maps the “camel” of gaming revenue from the 2000 boom to the VIP crackdown, COVID slump, and 2025 recovery—then asks if a “third hump” is coming or if growth will plateau. Policy & Governance: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Legislative Assembly members to gather views for the 2027 Policy Address, stressing stronger executive-legislative interaction under the executive-led system. Studio City Entertainment: Melco’s Studio City Macau rolled out “Stardust,” a reimagined 4D immersive flying attraction, with Dynamic Entertainment now co-creating the experience. REM Hotel Update: Melco says it has soft-opened the revamped REM at City of Dreams Macau, converting rooms into premium suites, with a grand opening planned after Golden Week. Melco Financials: Melco reported 2Q26 revenues down 5.7% to US$1.25b, citing low hold and World Cup impacts, while noting resilience outside Macau. Health & Lifestyle: A study led by Macao Polytechnic University links 560–610 minutes of weekly moderate-to-vigorous exercise with over 30% lower heart attack and stroke risk. Arts in Macau: “Porcelain Echoes” explores Macau’s East-West cultural exchange through porcelain fragments and contemporary painting at Ho’s Clan Association Exhibition Hall. Sports Tourism Angle: Coverage looks at how Macau uses major international events to boost visitor flows and its global profile as part of diversification.

Macau Entertainment & Tourism: Melco has soft-opened the revamped REM at City of Dreams Macau, converting 330 standard rooms into 150 high-end suites, with a full opening planned shortly after October’s Golden Week; Resort Business Watch: Melco’s 2Q26 results showed revenues down 5.7% to US$1.25b, with gaming revenue slipping 5.5% to US$1.04b amid low hold and World Cup pressure; New Attractions in Cotai: Studio City Macau has unveiled “Stardust,” a 4D immersive flying experience that replaces the earlier “Batman Dark Flight” concept; Arts & Culture: “Porcelain Echoes” explores Macau’s East-West cultural exchange through porcelain fragments and contemporary painting at Ho’s Clan Association Exhibition Hall; Music & Pop Culture: KUN kicked off his “THE DEADMAN” Asia Tour in Macau with a narrative-driven live set featuring live vocals and dance breaks; Sports & Community: Macau hosted the final round of the 2026 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League, with coverage focusing on what major events bring beyond the matches; Health & Lifestyle: A study led by Macao Polytechnic University links 560–610 minutes of weekly moderate-to-vigorous exercise with more than 30% lower heart attack and stroke risk.

Macau Arts & Culture: “Porcelain Echoes” is on at Ho’s Clan Association Exhibition Hall, using broken porcelain from the Ruins of St. Paul’s to trace Macau’s East–West exchange through contemporary painting and mixed materials. Family Arts: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival debuts “Stone Wolves” at the Macao Cultural Centre, a Portuguese-made puppet show (Cantonese/Portuguese) that invites kids to explore emotions and questions rather than get one-way answers. Entertainment & Leisure: Studio City Macau has launched “Stardust,” a new 4D immersive flying experience replacing the earlier “Batman Dark Flight,” with motion seating plus synchronized wind, fog and scent effects. Sports Tourism: Macau’s sports calendar keeps expanding, with the city framing major events as more than spectacle—aiming for visitor pull and wider economic spillover. Gaming Business Watch: Melco says 2Q26 revenues fell 5.7% to US$1.25b on low hold and World Cup effects, while REM at City of Dreams Macau is set for a revamped grand opening after soft-opening. Music Spotlight: Doh Kyung Soo confirms his 2026–27 DAY OFF tour, with Macau listed among the stops.

Macau Arts & Culture: “Porcelain Echoes: The Fusion of East and West” opens at Ho’s Clan Association Exhibition Hall, using broken porcelain from the Ruins of St. Paul’s to trace centuries of East-West exchange through contemporary painting and mixed materials. Immersive Entertainment: Studio City Macau debuts “Stardust,” a 4D immersive flying experience developed with Dynamic Entertainment, replacing the former “Batman Dark Flight” with motion seating plus synchronized wind, fog and scent effects. Kids’ Theatre: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival runs “Stone Wolves,” a Portuguese puppet show built from wood, metal and playful objects, with performances in Cantonese and Portuguese at the Macao Cultural Centre. Tourism & Education: The Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town is set to cost 18 billion yuan, with UM, MPU and UTM using Hengqin transitional facilities in phase one. Arts Policy & Community: Macau’s consultation on association registration reform is drawing attention from long-time community leaders, while a new TCM AI health station at MGM Cotai blends digital screening with traditional wellness for worker well-being. Pop Culture: KUN kicks off “THE DEADMAN” Asia Tour in Macau, and Doh Kyung Soo announces a 10-city “DAY OFF” Asia tour with Macau on the route. Gaming & Resorts (context): Melco reports 2Q26 revenue down 5.7% amid low hold and World Cup effects, while Galaxy lifts its interim dividend payout ratio to 75% as StarWorld renovations continue.

Macau Arts & Culture: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival brings Portuguese puppet show “Stone Wolves” to the Macao Cultural Centre (14–17 Aug), using wood-and-metal set pieces to explore a child’s emotions through Cantonese and Portuguese performances. Macao Entertainment & Venues: Studio City Macau launches “Studio City Stardust,” a 4D immersive flying attraction with motion seating, synchronized wind/fog/scent effects, and a 15-minute guest experience. Music in Macau: KUN kicks off his “THE DEADMAN” Asia Tour in Macau, blending live vocals with a narrative of death-and-rebirth across a 22-song set. Policy & Society: Macau’s government consults on streamlining association registration, while a public policy commentary urges careful discussion of the proposed legal regime reforms. Local Arts Practice: MATA highlights applied theatre for community healing, including forum theatre that lets audiences step onstage to rehearse real-life family conflict solutions. Sports & Leisure: Galaxy Entertainment Group reports 2Q26 results with a surprise interim dividend increase and notes World Cup impact on gaming volumes. Workplace Safety: Labour Department issues a heat stress warning, urging employers to assess risks and prevent heat stroke with rescheduling, shade, ventilation, and water/rest reminders.

Macau Arts & Culture: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival brings the Portuguese puppet show “Stone Wolves” to the Macao Cultural Centre (14–17 Aug), with a 40-minute, Cantonese/Portuguese performance aimed at ages 6+ and built around children exploring emotions and questions rather than fixed answers. Applied Theatre: MATA’s community-focused forum theatre continues to turn everyday conflicts into interactive stage conversations, using audience participation to rehearse real-life solutions. Immersive Entertainment: Studio City Macau launches “Studio City Stardust,” a 4D flying-style attraction with motion seating plus synchronized wind, fog and scent effects (about 15 minutes per session). Music & Pop Culture: KUN kicked off his “THE DEADMAN” Asia Tour in Macau with a narrative, live-vocal set built around death-and-rebirth cycles. Local Arts Scene: Creative Macau’s “Dark Shards” spotlights Vincent Cheang Chi-Tat’s visual works and design pieces inspired by daily life, music and reflection. Policy Watch (Arts-adjacent): The MSAR starts a 45-day consultation on streamlining association registration and dissolving inactive groups—an issue that could reshape how arts and cultural organisations operate. Gaming & Events (Macao): Galaxy Entertainment Group reports 2Q26 results with interim dividends raised to 75% and points to World Cup impact, while Macau’s concert calendar is expected to support recovery.

Children’s Arts Festival: Portuguese puppetry troupe Trupe Fandanga debuts “Stone Wolves” at the 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival (Aug 14–17, Macao Cultural Centre), with “Peace and Future” variety show (Aug 16) bringing the Soong Ching Ling Angel of Peace Art Troupe to spotlight traditional Chinese culture. Applied Theatre & Community Healing: MATA’s forum theatre project “Rewriting the Hard-to-Read Family Scriptures” invites audiences to step on stage and try real-time solutions for family conflict, using drama as a safe space for dialogue and emotional literacy. Student Creativity in Fashion: Macao’s Student Fashion Creativity Competitions open under “Green City,” with 54 contestants from 22 schools competing across design, visual merchandising tech, beauty/makeup tech, and fashion illustration. MGTO Market Push: MGTO ramps up Spain and Portugal promotion via travel trade familiarisation visits and multichannel campaigns, including a Portugal city-promo video winning a Silver Award at the US International Awards 2026. Music & Screen in the Region: Doh Kyung-soo (D.O.) announces a 10-city Asia tour with Macao on the stops list, while Tencent Music reports Q2 growth driven by music services and the Ximalaya integration. Sports Incentives & Events: Hong Kong Jockey Club extends its Athlete Incentive Awards scheme through 2028, covering major meets including the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and LA Olympics. Macau Urban Renewal: Transport and Public Works Secretary Raymond Tam inspects dilapidated buildings in the northern district, urging thorough structural safety assessments and repairs as part of urban renewal. Local Art Spotlight: Vincent Cheang Chi-Tat’s “Dark Shards” solo exhibition at Creative Macau explores everyday fragments, music-inspired thoughts, and live-painting intuition. Gaming & Entertainment Business: Galaxy Entertainment reports steady 2Q26 results with non-gaming revenue up and notes World Cup impact, while Sands China and NBA China Games 2026 ticket sales are set to launch at The Venetian Macao.

Macao Urban Renewal: Transport and Public Works Secretary Raymond Tam inspected dilapidated buildings in the northern peninsula, urging all relevant bureaus to assess structural safety and speed up repairs to remove hazards. Applied Theatre & Community Healing: MATA is bringing interactive drama into daily life, including its forum-theatre project “Rewriting the Hard-to-Read Family Scriptures,” using audience participation to tackle family conflict and emotional literacy. Student Fashion Spotlight: The Macao Student Fashion Creativity Competitions opened in Coloane under “Green City,” with 54 contestants from 22 schools competing across design, visual merchandising, beauty/makeup tech, and illustration. Music & Business in the Region: Tencent Music reported Q2 revenue of RMB 8.93 billion (up 5.8% YoY), with Ximalaya’s integration adding RMB 407 million to results. Gaming & Live Events in Cotai: Tickets for the “NBA China Games 2026” at The Venetian Macao go on sale this Wednesday, with Dallas Mavericks vs Houston Rockets preseason matchups and Asia-wide artist performances. Exhibition in Nape: “Dark Shards,” a solo show by Vincent Cheang Chi-Tat at Creative Macau, turns everyday fragments and radio-tuned inspirations into visual art and design objects. Macao Sports Moment: Macau’s Giant Pandas were crushed 131-79 by San Miguel in the PBA Governors’ Cup, with Macau’s matchup again highlighted in local sports coverage.

Macao Arts & Culture: Creative Macau’s Centre for Creative Industries opened Vincent Cheang Chi-Tat’s solo show “Dark Shards,” turning everyday fragments, music and late-night reflections into visual artworks and design pieces. Local Governance: The Macao government has launched a 45-day consultation on a new law to streamline how associations are set up and run, with plans to centralise supervision and dissolve inactive groups. Gaming & Events: Citi estimates Macau’s first-nine-days August GGR at MOP$6.6 billion, and Asia Pioneer Entertainment (APE) flagged a near 90-fold H1 net profit jump, pointing to stronger electronic gaming equipment distribution. Sports Spotlight: San Miguel crushed Macau 131-79 in the PBA Governors’ Cup, while Macau’s presence also showed up in regional volleyball as teams competed in Mongolia. Arts Beyond Cotai: UM students visited Durham University for an exchange mixing workshops, cultural events and museum trips, and a Beyblade tournament took over Macao LRT stations for summer play.

Macau GGR Watch: Citi says Macau’s gross gaming revenue hit a MOP$6.6 billion run-rate in the first nine days of August, up 12% month-on-month, with VIP volumes rising 12%–15% and mass GGR up 10%–12%, and points to a busy concert calendar (Tencent Music Entertainment Awards at Galaxy Arena, ITZY, Lay Zhang and (G)I-DLE). Local Governance: The government has launched a 45-day consultation to streamline how Macau associations are registered and supervised, noting only about 60% of roughly 12,400 associations are active, with plans to centralize oversight and allow dissolution of inactive groups. Arts & Culture: Vincent Cheang Chi-Tat opens “Dark Shards,” a solo exhibition at Creative Macau exploring everyday fragments, music and reflection through visual works and original design products. Business & Entertainment: Asia Pioneer Entertainment (APE) flags a near 90-fold jump in H1 net profit to about HK$2.2–2.4 million, driven by faster growth in electronic gaming equipment distribution. Live Events: Sands China announces ticket sales for the “NBA China Games 2026” at The Venetian Macao starting this Wednesday, featuring Dallas Mavericks vs Houston Rockets preseason games and Asian artist performances. Sports Spotlight: Ashmita Chaliha wins her maiden BWF World Tour title at the Korea Masters, staging a comeback over Han Qian Xi. Family Fun in Macau: LRT stations host a one-day “Speed on Rails – Beyblade Tournament,” turning Barra Station into a summer battle arena for parent-child and open categories.

Sports Spotlight: Macau’s presence in regional sport stayed strong as the Mongolian men’s volleyball team won bronze at the Asian Eastern Zonal Championship in Ulaanbaatar, with Macau among the competing sides. Badminton Breakthrough: Indian shuttler Ashmita Chaliha captured her maiden BWF World Tour title at the Korea Masters, staging a comeback over Han Qian Xi after a knee injury setback that also included a Macau Open semifinal run earlier this year. PBA & Macau Basketball: San Miguel Beer thrashed Macau 131-79 in the PBA Governors’ Cup, with the game delayed by roof leaks as heavy rains hit Manila venues. Macau Entertainment & Events: Tickets for the “NBA China Games 2026” at The Venetian Macao go on sale this Wednesday, with Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets preseason dates plus Asia-wide artist performances. Gaming Business Watch: Macau EGE supplier Asia Pioneer Entertainment flagged a near 90-fold jump in H1 profit, citing core electronic gaming equipment distribution growth. Arts & Culture in Macau: LRT stations turned into Beyblade battle arenas during a summer tournament, bringing hands-on play to passengers and families. Luxury & Design: Van Cleef & Arpels opened a larger Hong Kong Maison, spotlighting the brand’s “open to everyone” salon-style experience.

PBA & Macau Sports: TNT and San Miguel dominated in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Aug 8, with San Miguel routing the Macau Giant Pandas 131-79 and setting a new league record for the biggest halftime lead (80-37), while TNT beat Titan Ultra 114-80 as both teams leaned on deeper rotations. Sports Logistics: The Macau game was delayed again by roof leaks at Ynares Center in Montalban, following a similar weather-and-leak disruption the night before. Jazz & Festivals: British jazz guitar legend Martin Taylor opened the Barra Slow Festival with a solo masterclass and a duo set, pairing precision fingerstyle with laid-back standards. Family Fun on the Rails: LRT stations turned into Beyblade battle arenas for a summer tournament, with Barra Station hosting the main competition plus stamp and exploration challenges. TV Anime Buzz: Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia released new Episode 7 summary and preview cuts, continuing its Mongol-empire court drama run. Macau Business & Tourism Tech: Galaxy Macau and Ant Bank (Macao) launched a new “Financial Services Station” at Taste of Asia, bringing digital banking into the integrated resort experience. Gastronomy Spotlight: Macau’s St. Regis Bar made the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 list (ranked 45), reinforcing the city’s cocktail culture visibility.

PBA Spotlight in Macau: San Miguel Beer steamrolled Macau 131-79 in the Governors’ Cup, with the game delayed twice by roof leaks at Ynares Sports Center before a record 80-37 halftime surge. Badminton Comeback Story: India’s Ashmita Chaliha won her maiden BWF Tour title at the Korea Masters, rallying past China’s Han Qian Xi 14-21, 21-14, 21-14—an especially big moment after a career-threatening knee injury. Macau Tourism Meets Fintech: Galaxy Macau and Ant Bank (Macao) opened a new “Financial Services Station” at Taste of Asia, bringing self-service banking and consultations into the integrated resort experience. Gastronomy Diplomacy: MGTO joined UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy’s annual conference in Malaysia, pushing Macau’s food heritage on an international stage. Regional Trade & Culture: The Guangdong-Macao Branded Products Fair opened at Cotai Expo with 49 cooperation deals signed, spanning big health, MICE, sports, food and kitchen equipment. Arts & Photography: Vong Sek Kuan launched “FLOWING LIGHT • RADIANT COLOURS” at Amagao Gallery, showcasing in-camera “camera shaking” images running to Sept 19.

Macau Tourism & Finance: Galaxy Macau and Ant Bank (Macao) have opened the “Galaxy Macau and Ant Bank (Macao) Financial Services Station,” bringing self-service banking, consultations and an upcoming Galaxy membership tie-in to the integrated resort experience. Regional Arts & Culture: Macao’s MGTO joined UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy’s annual conference in Malaysia, pushing the city’s culinary heritage on an international stage. Heritage on the Move: The Cultural Affairs Bureau added 28 new intangible cultural heritage items, bringing Macau’s total to 98, including yum cha, siu mei, and pork chop buns. Food & Craft Pairing: The St. Regis Bar Macao and Saicho launched a limited-time tea-and-dessert afternoon tea, blending British afternoon tea style with Asian tea heritage. Local Culture Spotlight: Photographer Vong Sek Kuan is presenting “FLOWING LIGHT • RADIANT COLOURS” at Amagao Gallery, using an in-camera “camera shaking” technique to turn photos into painterly scenes. Business & Trade: The 2026 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair opened at Cotai Expo with 49 cooperation deals signed, spanning big health, MICE, sports, food and kitchen equipment. Consumer Protection: New Guangdong rules will strengthen cross-boundary consumer protection cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao, effective Oct 1. Drug Use Update: Macau reported a 10.8% drop in registered drug abuse cases in 2025, with methadone attendance staying above 90%. Sports (Macau-linked): In the PBA Governors’ Cup, San Miguel Beer beat Macau 131-79, with the match delayed by roof leaks during monsoon rains.