AGP Executive Report

US–China Travel Warning: The U.S. says China travel risks of “unjust arrest or detention” are “not hypothetical,” adding cautions about exit bans and that authorities may read emails, texts, and social posts tied to China. Academic Talent Shift: A new study highlights a surge in Chinese researchers returning home, driven by push-pull pressures and rising China research budgets, with top performers among the returnees. Macau–Hengqin Data Push: Macau and Hengqin begin building China’s first Earth system data international exchange center, aiming to share meteorological and environmental data and support Macau’s diversification. Local Tech Funding: Macau reports science and technology funding applications up nearly 30% year-on-year, with corporate submissions more than doubling and more projects matched to industry partners. Agentic Payments in Macau: Ant International’s Agentic Mobile Protocol rolls out globally, and Macau’s MPay will let authorized AI agents initiate payments with user-set limits and a standardized “Know Your Agent” trust framework. AI in Insurance: AXA Hong Kong and Macau signs an MOU with BytePlus to bring AI/LLM tools into underwriting, claims, and customer intelligence with responsible AI governance. Student Mental Health Monitoring: Macau education authorities confirm work with the Health Bureau on a student psychological monitoring program, as regional concerns intensify. WTT Macao 2026: Round of 16 results set up quarterfinals, with multiple Chinese players advancing at the East Asian Games Dome. Wynn Hypercar Exhibition: Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace announce a free exhibition of 20+ hypercars from Sept. 23 to Nov. 22.

Macau–Hengqin Tech & Data: China’s first Earth system data international exchange center is under construction in Hengqin, aiming to share meteorological and environmental data across borders and support Macau’s digital economy and diversification. AI Payments in Macao: MPay will adopt Ant International’s Agentic Mobile Protocol, letting authorized AI agents initiate payments on users’ behalf with “Know Your Agent” trust checks and user-set limits. Research Funding Boost: Macau’s science and technology funding applications rose nearly 30% year-on-year, with corporate submissions more than doubling and more projects matched to industry partners. Insurance AI Collaboration: AXA Hong Kong and Macau and BytePlus signed an MOU to bring AI/LLM tools into underwriting, claims, customer intelligence, and responsible AI governance. Student Wellbeing Monitoring: Macau’s education authorities are working with health officials on a student mental health monitoring program, as regional concerns intensify. Cultural Infrastructure: Macau plans to select an architectural concept this year for a new national museum of culture, targeting phase 1 completion and public opening by end-2029. Regional Innovation Context: A new CASTED report says the GBA shows strong enterprise innovation momentum, alongside broader national sci-tech improvements. Global Agentic Finance: Ant International, Mastercard, and Visa are collaborating on a Know-Your-Agent interoperability framework to streamline agent onboarding across payment ecosystems.

AI in Finance: AXA Hong Kong and Macau signed an MOU with BytePlus to embed AI/LLM solutions across insurance workflows, from underwriting and claims to customer intelligence and responsible AI governance. Macao Education & Talent: Macau Anglican College reported 70.7% of its Class of 2026 securing overseas university placements, with offers spanning Hong Kong, Australia, the Netherlands, the UK, the US and Canada. Tech, Telecom & IoT: PCCW Global and Druid Technology will jointly deliver one-stop satellite-plus-hybrid IoT services across China, Hong Kong, Macao and the Belt and Road region. Space Learning in the GBA: Hong Kong’s first astronaut, Dr Lai Ka-ying, delivered a live lesson from China’s Tiangong space station to students in Hong Kong and Macao, including demonstrations in microgravity. Health & Research Funding: A Macau-related roundup highlights rising interest in science funding and ongoing student health monitoring, including mental wellbeing, myopia and obesity screening. Global Tech Policy: Experts warn China’s chip self-sufficiency push could deepen technology isolation amid US export controls. Sports Tech & Entertainment: WTT Champions Macao 2026 continued at the East Asian Games Dome, with matches advancing to the round of 16. Culture & Heritage: A seminar marked the 130th anniversary of General Ye Ting’s birth, focusing on his revolutionary career and ties to Macau. Industry Spotlight: Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace will host a “Wynn Signature – 2026 Hypercar Exhibition” featuring 20+ hypercars from Sept 23 to Nov 22.

Macao Preventive Health Push: Macau launched a yearlong Healthy Lifestyle Competition on Macao One Account, rewarding residents for exercise, healthier eating, vaccinations and disease screening, aiming to shift people from treatment to prevention. Smart Public Safety & Traffic Tech: Macau police reported zebra crossing violations nearly doubling to 870 cases (Jan–Aug), while plans include 3D scanners for faster accident analysis and AI voice recognition for 999 calls, plus more services on Macao One Account. Education & Skills Benchmark: In PISA 2025, Macau ranked top globally in computational problem-solving and placed third in science and math and fifth in reading, with researchers pointing to education quality and equity. Space Education for HK & Macao: “Tiangong Class” brought Shenzhou-23 astronauts to students in Hong Kong and Macao via live orbit lectures, including demonstrations of microgravity food and daily life. AI in Telecom/IoT: PCCW Global and Druid will jointly deliver satellite-plus-hybrid IoT services across China, Hong Kong, Macao and the Belt and Road region. Satellite Ops with AI Governance: ST Engineering iDirect unveiled new Foresight capabilities to help satellite operators adopt AI with stronger controls and guided onboarding. Local Compliance Spotlight: Hong Kong Customs fined a local forwarder $20,000 for exporting Chinese herbal and proprietary Chinese medicine without a valid licence. Tech & Business Ecosystem: AXA signed an MOU with BytePlus to bring AI/LLM solutions into insurance workflows, from underwriting and claims to personalized customer engagement.

Education & Skills: The OECD’s PISA 2025 report shows a broad slide in reading and maths to record lows, with one in five 15-year-olds now lagging in science, maths and reading—while Macau students stand out by ranking third in science and maths and fifth in reading, plus a top spot in computational problem-solving. Digital Health in Macau: Macau is rolling out a yearlong Healthy Lifestyle Competition on Macao One Account, using digital tracking, points and rewards to push exercise, healthier eating, vaccinations and screening. Smart Policing & Safety: Macau police report zebra crossing violations nearly doubling to 870 cases (Jan–Aug), and plan 3D scanners for faster incident analysis plus AI voice recognition for 999 calls. Space Education: The “Tiangong Class” live session from the Shenzhou-23 crew sparked Hong Kong and Macao students’ interest with real-time microgravity demos, including a water-ball ping-pong experiment. Local Tech & Research: UM engineering students won top prizes in a Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao BIM application competition, highlighting applied digital design skills. Industry & Investment: MGM donated MOP 1 million to the Macao University of Tourism Development Foundation to boost teaching, research and international cooperation. Connectivity & IoT: PCCW Global and Druid Technology signed an MoU to deliver satellite-plus-hybrid IoT solutions across the Greater Bay Area and Belt and Road regions.

Space Education in Macau & Hong Kong: The Shenzhou-23 crew delivered a live “Tiangong Class” from the Tiangong space station to students in both regions, with Lai Ka-ying (Hong Kong’s first payload specialist) leading hands-on microgravity demos like towel wringing, plus a space vegetable garden tour and Q&A. Education Alarm (PISA 2025): OECD results show record-low reading, math and science scores across participating countries, with more students below baseline and weaker reading fluency—an issue that matters for Macau’s youth and tech talent pipeline. AI Meets Healthcare in the GBA: Macau-Hengqin regulators created a fast-track channel for modern TCM developed in Hengqin to get Macau registration support across the R&D-to-postmarketing path. Local Biotech Push: Hong Kong launched BIOHK2026 and outlined biotech/life-sciences priorities, including research collaboration, start-up support and AI-driven health innovation. Smart Infrastructure Tech: Guangdong’s Qinyun smart substation uses an AI inspection robot dog to cut inspection time from hours to minutes, reflecting the region’s push for automation. Macau Mobility Update: Uber says Macau Meter Taxi trips surged more than fivefold since launch, with demand boosted by major events.

Education & Skills: Macau students topped the world in Learning in the Digital World (LDW) in PISA 2025, scoring 572 points, while also ranking among the best globally in science, maths, reading—an upbeat local contrast to a wider OECD picture of falling reading and maths skills. Cross-border Health Tech: Macau and Hengqin regulators set up a fast-track channel for modern TCM from Hengqin to enter Macau, aiming to bring Macau into the R&D and registration process earlier. Higher Education & AI-ready Talent: The Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town opened with an English-medium curriculum and dual-degree plans, with science and technology tracks including AI and fintech. Transport & Aviation: Macau launched an aviation industry task force to speed up market opening and push the city toward a regional aviation hub role. Mobility for Visitors: Uber says Macau Meter Taxi trips have surged fivefold since its February relaunch, and it’s rolling out a WeChat Mini Program to boost mainland visitor demand. Autonomous Driving Outlook: Pony.ai’s CEO told a Macau forum that robotaxis could become common within five years, saying the core tech problem is largely solved. Innovation Spotlight: The Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou cluster retained No.1 in WIPO’s Global Innovation Index 2026, reinforcing the Greater Bay Area’s tech momentum. Sports Tech & Events: WTT Champions Macao 2026 kicked off at the East Asian Games Dome, with local players exiting early in singles.

Education & AI Impact: OECD’s PISA 2025 shows a broad slump in 15-year-olds’ core skills, with reading dropping the most (lowest ever recorded), and more students rushing through tasks—an urgent warning for education systems facing AI-driven change. Macao in the Spotlight: Macau ranks among the top performers in all three PISA domains and leads “computational problem-solving,” highlighting strengths in digital learning. Regional Innovation Push: The Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou cluster stays No.1 in WIPO’s Global Innovation Index 2026, reinforcing Greater Bay Area momentum in patents, research output, and venture funding. Macao Economic Diversification: Macau’s Third Five-Year Plan targets about 60% GDP from non-gaming by 2030, with government support aimed at health, high tech, finance, and conventions/exhibitions. Cross-border Healthcare Tech: AXA launches “GBA EverGuard” to meet rising demand for Greater Bay Area medical services, reflecting faster access needs beyond Hong Kong. Local Tech & Industry Leadership: Aramont appoints Stephen Ng as Director of Technical Operations, citing his Macau hardware R&D work and regional technical leadership. Space Education Link: Hong Kong’s first astronaut Lai Ka-ying will deliver a live “Tiangong Class” lecture broadcast to students in Hong Kong and Macau.

Macau Economic Diversification: Secretary for Economy and Finance Dora Ng reiterated a push to lift non-gaming industries to about 60% of GDP by 2030, alongside a “1+4” plan covering health, specialized finance, high tech, and conventions/exhibitions. Tourism & Investment Targets: Under the Third Five-Year Plan, Macau is aiming for MOP17–23 billion in cumulative investment projects and a stronger push into new international tourism markets, with Portugal- and Spanish-speaking outreach highlighted. Hengqin Integration: The Guangdong-Macau Deep Cooperation Zone marked its fifth anniversary, saying Macau-linked companies in Hengqin rose 75% to 8,148, as industrial integration and the “Macao Registration + Hengqin Production” model deepen. Cross-Border Healthcare Tech: AXA launched GBA EverGuard Medical Insurance to support Greater Bay Area cross-border care, responding to rising demand driven by costs and waiting times. Sports-to-Local Trade Push: WTT Champions Macao 2026 ticket holders can claim up to MOP150 in ZAPE shopping discounts, linking the event with small business spending. Aerospace Education: A Macau/Hong Kong aerospace-themed website was launched to promote Shenzhou-23 updates and science education for young people. Healthcare Training in Macau: Orbis Flying Eye Hospital returned for its first simulation-based training project in the city, running through September 23. Community Infrastructure Warning: A local business leader urged that community commerce be treated as core infrastructure in urban renewal, citing gaps in amenities in older housing districts. EV & Smart City Context (Regional): Coverage from Guangzhou highlighted how EV adoption and smart logistics are reshaping major cities with a cleaner, calmer urban feel.

Macau–ASEAN Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai wrapped an eight-day Malaysia–Singapore–Indonesia tour, saying 189 cooperation agreements and 370 business matching sessions will strengthen Macau’s economic, trade, tourism, education and culture links with ASEAN. Healthcare Tech Exchange: Orbis Flying Eye Hospital brought its first simulation-based training project to Macau, with 70 ophthalmologists and nurses training onboard and at Kiang Wu Nursing College until Sept 23. Sports-to-Local Spending: For WTT Champions Macao 2026 and WTT Macau Championship 2026, ticket holders can claim up to MOP150 in Zape shopping discounts via QR redemption at designated counters and merchants. Accessibility & AI in Services: A lawmaker urged broader barrier-free access citywide, including expanding the Barrier-Free Restaurant Award scheme and piloting AI tools for interpretation and indoor navigation. Space Education Outreach: Macau launched an aerospace-themed website tied to Shenzhou-23, plus “Tiangong Class” plans to bring live space science learning to Hong Kong and Macau students. Regional Innovation Spotlight: UM rector Yonghua Song led a Malaysia delegation, signing student exchange cooperation to deepen ASEAN education ties.

Aerospace & Education: Macau’s government launched an aerospace-themed website tied to Shenzhou-23, with interactive “Macau Letters” and local science resources, while Hong Kong and Macau plan a “Tiangong Class” live space lecture featuring Shenzhou-23 crew experiments for students. Healthcare Tech: Orbis Flying Eye Hospital returned to Macau for its first simulation-based training project, bringing 70 ophthalmologists and nurses for two weeks of onboard and campus mentorship. Regional Tech & Media Cooperation: Shenzhen hosted the Asia-Pacific Media Forum, where delegates adopted the “Shenzhen Consensus” to push openness, innovation and digital transformation—an agenda that also highlights the Greater Bay Area’s role. Macao-ASEAN Business Links: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai wrapped an eight-day Southeast Asia tour, reporting 189 cooperation agreements and hundreds of business matching sessions across Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, spanning trade, tourism, education and culture. Local Tech-Driven Commerce: A WTT ticket perks campaign offers Zape shopping vouchers to boost spending and small-business activity, with redemption across about 500 designated shops. Policy & Industry Pressure: A local editorial warns of a “margin squeeze” and tougher competition in Macau’s gaming market, urging regulators to tighten questionable practices.

Asia-Pacific Media Partnership: Sixteen Chinese and international news organizations set up the Preparatory Committee for the Asia-Pacific Media Partnership Programme in Shenzhen, with delegates backing the “Shenzhen Consensus” on openness, innovation, digital transformation, and stronger regional cooperation ahead of APEC. Macao–ASEAN Business Links: Macao’s official delegation wrapping an eight-day Singapore–Indonesia–Malaysia tour says it built a new bridge with ASEAN partners, running 370+ business matching sessions and signing 189 agreements to push trade, tourism, and diversification. CE Malaysia Trip: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai returned to Macao after a four-day Malaysia visit, meeting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and highlighting cooperation tied to Hengqin and the Greater Bay Area. Healthcare Cooperation: Macao Union Medical Center (Peking Union Medical College Hospital) expanded Southeast Asia ties via hospital and research exchanges, aiming to grow “healthcare + tourism” and clinical research collaboration. Aerospace Education for Youth: Hong Kong and Macao plan a “Tiangong Class” live session with Shenzhou-23 astronauts, featuring lectures, in-orbit demos, and Q&A for students. Macao Tech & Industry Moves: Macau Ke Hon Technology launched its KEHON RING screenless wellness wearable for global B2B wholesale, while Huawei’s SingleRAN 22.1 and autonomous-driving policy discussions in Hong Kong’s LegCo also point to the region’s tech momentum.

Macau–Malaysia Tech & Trade Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai wrapped up a four-day Malaysia visit and said the trip strengthened cooperation with Malaysia and ASEAN, spanning trade, investment, finance, science and technology, education, and convention-and-exhibition links, with Macau and Hengqin positioned to help Malaysian firms tap Greater Bay Area opportunities. Healthcare + Tourism Cooperation: Macao Union Medical Center (Peking Union Medical College Hospital) used the Southeast Asia tour to deepen ties with Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, focusing on hospital management, clinical services, medical research, and critical disease treatment—aimed at expanding “healthcare + tourism” development. Aerospace Education for Macau Students: Hong Kong and Macau are set to hold a “Tiangong Class” live session with Shenzhou-23 astronauts, featuring an expert lecture, in-orbit demonstration and Q&A, with schools and a Macau delegation joining the broadcast. Macao Diversification in Focus: A recent long read highlights Macau’s “1+4” diversification plan to cut reliance on gaming by growing high technology, modern finance, traditional Chinese medicine and big health, alongside culture and sports. Local Mobility Upgrade: Macau’s “Leisure Tour Bus 2.0” carried nearly 37,000 passengers by mid-August, and authorities are studying whether to make the service regular.

Macao-Malaysia Tech & Trade Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai wrapped up a four-day Malaysia visit, meeting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and backing cooperation across trade, finance, science and technology, education, and MICE—leveraging Macao and Hengqin’s Greater Bay Area links. Investment Matchmaking in Focus: In Kuala Lumpur, Macao’s economic, trade and tourism promotion seminar drew 300+ delegates, ran nearly 120 business matching sessions, and secured 54 cooperation agreements spanning high-tech & AI services, biomedicine, TCM/big health, and halal-friendly tourism. Talent Pipeline: Macao launched “Study in Macao” brand promotions in Malaysia after an education fair in Kuala Lumpur, aiming to attract international students and deepen higher-education ties. Autonomous Driving Policy Watch: Hong Kong’s LegCo Transport Panel visited Beijing to study autonomous-driving legislation and testing, including rides with Didi in the Yizhuang demo zone. Healthcare Dealmaking: GSK agreed to pay up to about $1.3B for Hutchmed’s HMPL-A830, an EGFR-KRAS antibody-targeted therapy conjugate, with development rights split including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Local Mobility Trial: Macao’s “Leisure” tourism bus carried nearly 37,000 passengers by mid-August; authorities are studying whether to make the Friday-expanded service permanent. AI & Networks: Huawei’s SingleRAN 22.1 launch targets the “Agentverse,” aiming to support mobile AI agents with a stronger wireless foundation.

Macao–Malaysia Tech & Education Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met Malaysia’s PM/Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, with talks spanning trade, finance, science and technology, and people-to-people links; a “Study in Macao” education fair launched a Malaysia campaign to attract talent, while a wider investment promotion seminar in KL drew 1,000+ visitors and ended with 60+ signed deals across tourism, high-tech & AI services, biomedicine and TCM. Local Mobility & Tourism Data: Macau’s “Tourism and Leisure” bus carried nearly 37,000 passengers by mid-August; authorities say Friday route tweaks eased weekend crowding and are weighing whether to make the service regular. AI Sovereignty Debate: A Hong Kong-based AI founder argues “sovereign AI” should protect local language use (Cantonese) so AI can serve education, healthcare and police communications—relevant as businesses seek autonomy from single suppliers. Oncology Dealmaking: GSK agreed up to $1.3B with Hutchmed for HMPL-A830, an EGFR-targeted KRAS-blocking antibody-targeted therapy conjugate, with Hutchmed retaining control in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Brand & Retail Ops in Macau: Authentic Brands named HiMaxx as Lee’s operating partner across Greater China, including Macau, covering product development, sourcing, and retail/wholesale distribution. Autonomous Driving Policy Watch: Hong Kong’s LegCo Transport panel visited Beijing to study autonomous driving legislation and testing practices.

Macao–Malaysia Tech & Trade Push: Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai wrapped a Kuala Lumpur leg of his Southeast Asia trip, urging businesses to use Macau and Hengqin’s Greater Bay Area links to reach ASEAN and mainland markets, as the government hosted a seminar with 120+ business matchings and 60+ signed deals across tourism, MICE, high-tech & AI, TCM/big health, and Muslim-friendly initiatives. Autonomous Driving Law Watch: Hong Kong’s LegCo Transport panel visited Beijing to study autonomous driving legislation and testing, including rides in Didi’s autonomous demo zone—signals for future local policy direction. Agentverse Wireless Upgrade: Huawei’s SingleRAN 22.1 launch targets the “Agentverse,” aiming to support mobile AI agents with higher uplink capacity and low-latency service needs. Healthcare Innovation for Greater China: Milestone Pharmaceuticals’ etripamil nasal spray won China NMPA approval for PSVT, with Everest Medicines holding exclusive Greater China rights (including Macau). Cancer Drug Deal With Macau Link: GSK struck a up-to-$1.3B licensing deal with Hutchmed for HMPL-A830, an EGFR–KRAS antibody-targeted therapy conjugate, with Hutchmed retaining control in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Macau Tourism Operations: “Leisure Tour Bus 2.0” carried nearly 37,000 passengers by mid-August; authorities are studying whether to make the service permanent after weekend crowding eased. New Macau Startup Product: Macau Ke Hon Technology launched KEHON RING, a screenless wellness wearable built for global B2B distribution with a lifetime zero-subscription model.