AGP Executive Report

Higher Education & Research: The University of Macau (UM) will host Nobel laureate Robert F. Engle on 15 June for a public lecture on climate change and global financial markets, followed by a roundtable with Prof Torben Andersen. Public Safety & Heritage Tech: Macau’s Cultural Affairs Bureau will run overnight 3D laser scanning of the Ruins of St. Paul’s (14–18 June) to monitor structural integrity, with temporary barricades to keep visitors safe. Transport & Tourism: The SAR government will optimise the Tourism and Leisure Bus from Saturday, adding a new two-way “Macau Peninsula to Cotai” route and extending the Zape route into regular weekend service. Law Enforcement: Police and customs smashed Macau’s largest-ever cannabis smuggling case, seizing about 35 kg worth roughly 35 million patacas. Community & Culture: Archives of Macao opens a free “City in Rephotography” photo exhibition this Friday, pairing historical images with contemporary shots to show how Macau has changed over time. Local Tech & Education: Macao Polytechnic University held its 2025/2026 graduation ceremonies, with nearly 1,700 graduates, and reiterated support for campus development in Hengqin.

AI in Construction: Hong Kong’s E&M I&T Day 2026 pushed “AI+ Construction,” highlighting digitalised site records, construction robots, and the “SmartEye” system for remote monitoring and risk prediction. Metro Precision Marketing: MTR* advertising launched a data-driven “25 Personas” audience targeting system across its 63-station network to help brands move from mass reach to precision marketing. Macao Tech & Startups: Beyond Expo in Macau spotlighted AI and robotics in everyday life, including modonut’s screen-free AI multi-figure console and the 929 Challenge’s new AIE Expo 2026 acceleration programme for Greater Bay Area expansion. Health & Research: UM marked long-service and staff awards, while a UM scholar co-authored a Nature piece warning AI agents may boost research output but weaken the apprenticeship model. Public Health: Hong Kong’s CHP is investigating a confirmed local mpox case and urged vaccination for high-risk groups. Environment & City Life: Mangrove “coastal guardians” conservation stories from Guangdong and Macau’s traffic-bottleneck debate over tour-bus parking both show tech and policy meeting real-world needs.

Galaxy Macau Arts & Tech: Galaxy Entertainment Group has opened “Dazzling Galaxy – Crystalline Art Exhibition” at GalaxyArt in Cotai, running to Sept 13 with 60+ works using translucent, crystalline materials across four themed zones, positioning the show as “Technology + Art + Eastern Culture.” Public Health: Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection is investigating a confirmed local mpox case and urges high-risk groups to get vaccinated, with isolation arranged at Princess Margaret Hospital. University & Research: University of Macau held its 2025 Long Service and Outstanding Administrative Staff awards, and will host Nobel laureate Robert F. Engle on June 15 on climate change and geopolitical risk. AI & Education: A UM scholar co-authored a Nature piece warning that AI agents may boost research output while weakening the traditional apprenticeship model for training junior researchers. Startups in Macau: The 929 Challenge expands into AIE Expo Macao, launching a new acceleration programme to help startups enter the Greater Bay Area. Children’s AI Hardware: modonut® debuted at Beyond Expo with a screen-free AI multi-figure game console for ages 4–8, combining NFC character figures and tabletop play. Health Tech Exchange: Macau University of Science and Technology welcomed eight medical students from Timor-Leste for intensive imaging and ultrasound training.

Greater Bay Area Startup Push: Macao’s 929 Challenge is being folded into AIE Expo 2026, with Cotai Expo hosting innovation forums and product launches and Zhuhai handling trade and procurement—aiming to give startups direct access to 900+ exhibitors and 50,000 professionals across AI, robotics, digital health and smart equipment. AI & Research Training: A UM scholar co-authored a Nature piece warning that AI agents can boost research output while weakening the traditional apprenticeship model, as junior researchers may get pushed out of hands-on troubleshooting and method refinement. Macao Education Exchange: MUST welcomed eight medical students from Timor-Leste’s UCT for intensive training in imaging anatomy, surgical skills, auscultation and ultrasound—another step in Macao’s Portuguese-speaking health education links. Smart Food Safety in Macao: IAM’s AI-enabled “Food Safety Risk Monitoring and Assessment…Early Alert Platform” is expanding from early alerts, with instant electronic notifications and a growing pre-packaged food database. Green Transition: Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao jointly marked Environment Day 2026 in Guangzhou, pledging green and low-carbon cooperation to build a “beautiful bay area.” Local Tech & Safety: Hong Kong’s Labour Department reminded employers to avoid electrical work during rainstorms and to isolate power and lock out before any electrical tasks. Entertainment Tech Spillover: Damai’s surprise hit “Dear You” is set for a June 18 release in Hong Kong and Macau, with broader overseas rollout following.

Startup & AI Ecosystem: The 929 Challenge (6th edition) and 929 Summit (2nd) are being folded into AIE Expo Macao on Dec 3-4 at Cotai Expo, with a new acceleration programme aimed at helping startups enter the Greater Bay Area market and connect with 900+ exhibitors and 50,000 professionals. Research & Education: A UM scholar co-authored a Nature piece warning that AI-driven productivity may erode the traditional apprenticeship model that trains junior researchers through hands-on mentoring. Smart City Food Safety: Macao’s IAM is rolling out an AI-assisted “Food Safety Risk Monitoring and Assessment” platform, and the 15th Food Safety Week kicked off with a forum on technological supervision, including AI and remote monitoring approaches. Public Health Training: MUST welcomed eight medical students from Timor-Leste for intensive imaging, surgical skills, auscultation, and ultrasound training, strengthening Macau–Portuguese-speaking medical education links. Robotics for Homes: ACE ROBOTICS, with CUHK and Shenzhen partners, open-sourced Kairos-HomeWorld, a framework for generating fully interactive whole-home 3D scenes from a single prompt. Regional Tech & Policy: Macao’s CE met Hebei’s governor to deepen cooperation and align with the 15th Five-Year Plan, positioning Macao as a gateway for talent and international exchange.

Humanoid Robotics & Market Reality: Chinese-made humanoid robots can already flip, direct traffic, and even make coffee, but developers say orders are growing while analysts warn demand may lag mass-production capacity. US–China Chip Controls: The US BIS closed a compliance gap, clarifying that advanced AI chip export licences are required for entities headquartered in China or Macau—even via overseas subsidiaries—raising new pressure on Asia-Pacific distributors and data-centre supply chains. Macau mBridge Goes Live: Macau banks completed 23 cross-border mBridge transactions on day one, with deals spanning China, Hong Kong and the UAE and nearly MOP13 billion equivalent value, marking a step toward faster CBDC-based payments. Food Safety Tech in Macau: IAM launched a smart food safety risk monitoring and early alert platform using AI, while the 15th Food Safety Week highlighted AI and remote monitoring for higher-tech supervision. Public Health & Mosquito Control: Macau is exploring mainland smart mosquito traps as breeding indices rise, with dengue/chikungunya risk expected to persist. MUST Medical Training Exchange: Macau University of Science and Technology welcomed eight medical students from Timor-Leste for imaging and ultrasound-focused training. Research in Prenatal Imaging: MPU researchers unveiled “FetalFlex,” a generative AI model that can produce controllable foetal ultrasound images across multiple planes without retraining. Green Transition in the GBA: Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau jointly marked Environment Day 2026 with a green-transition declaration for the Greater Bay Area.

Macao Digital Finance: Macao banks have gone live on mBridge, completing 23 cross-border CBDC transactions on day one worth nearly MOP13 billion, with Bank of China (Macau), ICBC (Macau) and Bank of Communications Macau Branch among the first users, signaling faster, cheaper cross-border settlement for corporate clients. Food Safety Tech: Macao’s IAM launched a smart “Food Safety Risk Monitoring and Assessment” platform with AI-assisted analysis and instant electronic alerts, while the 15th Food Safety Week kicked off with a forum on technological supervision using AI and remote monitoring to target high-risk segments. Health AI Research: Macao Polytechnic University researchers unveiled “FetalFlex,” a generative AI model that can produce controllable foetal ultrasound images across multiple scanning planes without retraining for each view, aiming to ease data shortages in prenatal diagnosis. Public Health & Mosquito Control: Macau is exploring mainland smart mosquito traps as an alternative to citywide chemical spraying as mosquito breeding conditions worsen, with dengue and chikungunya risks expected to persist. Robotics & AI Policy Watch: The US BIS issued guidance closing a China AI chip “subsidiary loophole,” tightening licensing requirements for advanced AI chips tied to China or Macau-headquartered parent companies, with potential compliance impacts across Asia-Pacific supply chains. Humanoid Robots Market Reality Check: A report highlights China’s humanoid robot mass-production strength and rising orders, but warns demand may lag behind manufacturing capacity. Cultural Archives: Macao’s Archives of Macao announced “City in Rephotography,” pairing historical photos with modern rephotographs from 13 June to 30 September, free entry.

Macao University of Science and Technology (MUST) & Medical Training: MUST welcomed eight medical students from Timor-Leste’s Timorese Catholic University for an intensive programme covering imaging anatomy, surgical skills, auscultation and ultrasound—another step in Macao’s medical education links with Portuguese-speaking regions. AI Chips & Trade Policy: Washington’s latest guidance on advanced AI chip exports targets entities headquartered in mainland China or Macau, even when purchases route through overseas subsidiaries—raising fresh pressure on Chinese tech firms and their overseas data-centre strategies. Smart Food Safety in Macao: IAM and partners are expanding a “Food Safety Risk Monitoring and Assessment” early-alert platform using AI to speed up risk assessment and electronic notifications; the 15th Food Safety Week also highlighted AI and remote monitoring in regional supervision. Mosquito Control Shift: Macao is exploring mainland smart mosquito traps as an alternative to citywide chemical spraying as breeding conditions worsen, with dengue and chikungunya risks expected to persist. Cross-border CBDC Payments: Macao went live on mBridge, and local banks completed 23 cross-border transactions on day one, supporting settlements and remittances across China, Hong Kong and the UAE. Prenatal Imaging Research: MPU researchers developed “FetalFlex,” a generative AI model that can produce controllable foetal ultrasound images across multiple scanning planes, aiming to ease data shortages in prenatal diagnosis.

Macao Smart Finance: AMCM says local banks completed 23 cross-border mBridge transactions on June 3, totaling nearly MOP13 billion, with BoCom Macau among the early participants—another step toward faster CBDC-based payments. Public Health Tech: FEHD in Hong Kong released updated mosquito gravidtrap and density indexes, while Macau’s SSM is weighing a possible citywide chemical control campaign and exploring trial smart mosquito traps from the mainland. Food Safety Digitalisation: Macau’s IAM is rolling out an AI-powered “Food Safety Risk Monitoring and Assessment Network Prediction and Early Alert Platform,” and launched the 15th Food Safety Week focused on technological supervision. AI in Medicine: MPU researchers unveiled “FetalFlex,” a generative AI model that can produce controllable foetal ultrasound images across multiple planes to ease prenatal data shortages. Green Transition: Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao jointly marked Environment Day 2026 in Guangzhou, pledging green and low-carbon transformation for the Greater Bay Area. Cybersecurity/Policy Watch: Washington tightened rules on advanced AI chip exports, clarifying licence requirements can apply even when purchases route through overseas subsidiaries—relevant to Macau-linked tech supply chains.

mBridge Rollout in Macau: Macau has gone live on the BIS-led mBridge cross-border CBDC platform, with the digital Macanese pataca still in sandbox for domestic use; Bank of Communications’ Macau branch already completed key e-MOP remittance and digital yuan cross-border collection transactions, aiming to speed settlement and cut fees. AI for Prenatal Imaging: Macao Polytechnic University researchers unveiled “FetalFlex,” a generative AI model that can produce controllable foetal ultrasound images across multiple scanning planes, targeting gaps in prenatal datasets and AI-assisted diagnosis. Robotics & Home Simulation: ACE ROBOTICS open-sourced Kairos-HomeWorld with CUHK and Shenzhen partners, enabling whole-home 3D scene generation from a single prompt for interactive, simulation-ready environments—built for Chinese household data. Local Tech-Policy & Integration: A senior HK/Macau affairs official visited Hengqin to push alignment with the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan and deepen Greater Bay Area integration, including links via Macau’s Hengqin cargo terminal. Food Safety Enforcement: FEHD stepped up inspections after a rodent infestation complaint at a Kwun Tong fresh provision shop, triggering prosecution and vermin-removal orders. Tourism Tech Tie-In: Galaxy Macau promoted summer experiences tied to its 15th anniversary, while also signaling continued tech-enabled resort programming.

Digital Finance in Focus: Macau officially went live on mBridge, the cross-border CBDC payment platform, with the Monetary Authority of Macao enabling early banks to run real transactions—BoCom Macau Branch already completed an e-MOP remittance and a RMB 500 million digital yuan collection, marking a practical step beyond sandbox for the digital Macanese pataca. AI for Healthcare: Macao Polytechnic University researchers unveiled “FetalFlex,” a generative AI model that can produce controllable foetal ultrasound images across multiple scanning planes, aiming to ease prenatal data shortages and improve AI-assisted diagnosis. Policy Meets Tech: Beijing’s top official on HK-Macau affairs, Xia Baolong, visited Zhuhai including Hengqin, stressing alignment with the 15th Five-Year Plan and deeper Greater Bay Area integration—highlighting innovation and research links. Public Safety & Food Hygiene: Northern District councillors demanded safer zebra crossings after a boy was killed on a crossing, while FEHD intensified inspections at food premises after a rodent infestation complaint, pushing enforcement and vermin-removal notices. Research Culture: UM scholars published a Nature correspondence arguing that AI agents can boost research output but may erode apprenticeship-style training.

AI in Macao’s payments: MACAU Pass is expanding AI-powered e-wallet and merchant services with Ant Bank (Macao) and Alibaba ecosystem support, aiming to add more smart finance and business tools as MPay already covers most local residents and many daily-life scenarios. Macao healthcare tech: Macao Union Medical Centre introduced the city’s first 3T MRI simulation positioning system to improve MRI-guided radiotherapy planning and precision for cancer treatment. Food safety push in Macao: IAM’s Food Safety Publicity Week runs alongside World Food Safety Day, with forums on technology-driven food safety and public talks via Macao One Account. Local governance update: Macau appointed former Economy and Finance secretary Anton Tai Kin Ip and former Sports Bureau chief Pun Weng Kun to the board of Macau International Airport for a three-year term. Macao culture meets tech: The 36th Macao Arts Festival will stage the newly adapted Cantonese opera “Lotus Heart,” with stage design incorporating AI. Regional tech & policy: The US tightened rules on Chinese-linked access to banned advanced Nvidia GPUs, clarifying export licenses are needed even when purchases route through Singapore/Malaysia subsidiaries. Biotech deal with Macao relevance: Eli Lilly’s $1.9bn RNA exon editor collaboration with Ascidian targets inherited kidney diseases, expanding genetic medicine pipelines.

Food Safety Publicity Week: Macau’s 15th Food Safety Publicity Week runs this month around World Food Safety Day, with a “Technological Supervision of Food Safety Progress” forum and a public “Safe and Healthy Food” talk at Patane Municipal Market Complex. Aviation Governance: Former Economy and Finance secretary Anton Tai Kin Ip and ex-Sports Bureau chief Pun Weng Kun have been appointed to the board of Macau International Airport for a three-year term. Smart Payments in Macao: MACAU Pass says its AI-powered e-wallet and merchant services are expanding, with MPay covering most residents and supporting cross-border payments via Alipay+. AI in Finance: AI services are rolling out in Macao’s payment and finance sectors, aiming to boost adoption of digital tools for businesses. Biotech Deal: Eli Lilly and Ascidian signed a $1.9bn RNA exon editor collaboration targeting inherited kidney diseases. Public Health: SSM reports rising influenza-like illness consultations since mid-February and urges flu and COVID-19 prevention. Healthcare Tech: Macao Union Medical Centre introduced the city’s first 3T MRI simulation positioning system to improve MRI-guided radiotherapy planning. Macao Tech Expo Buzz: BEYOND Expo 2026 highlighted real-world AI applications in Macao, including AI glasses showcased by iFlytek.

Space & Education: China launched Shenzhou-23 to the Tiangong space station, with Li Jiaying (Lai Ka-ying) becoming the first taikonaut from Hong Kong to fly. In Beijing, students from Hong Kong and Macao joined the Young Ambassadors talent show, featuring AI and quadruped-robot demos. Robotics & AI Trade: At BEYOND Expo in Macao, embodied AI firms showcased robots and pushed overseas plans, while Pudu Robotics said it’s exploring a Hong Kong listing amid geopolitical supply-chain pressure. Macao Health Tech: Macao Union Medical Centre introduced the city’s first 3T MRI simulation positioning system to improve MRI-guided radiotherapy planning. Public Health: SSM reported rising influenza-like illness consultations and urged flu and COVID-19 prevention. Local Economy & Gaming: Macau’s May GGR hit MOP22.61b (+6.7% y/y), with analysts pointing to events like UFC Fight Night at Galaxy Arena. Business & Talent: DSAL opened applications for a 2026 internship programme with 850 placements across sectors, including technology. Healthcare Research: A Macau-linked study in Precision Clinical Medicine explored how autophagy may shape ferroptosis in bladder cancer.

Medical Tech in Macau: Macao Union Medical Centre introduced the city’s first 3T MRI simulation positioning system to support more precise MRI-guided radiotherapy planning, including a first local case for meningioma. Public Health: SSM reported rising influenza-like illness consultations since mid-February, with influenza activity at a moderate epidemic level and urged residents to step up flu and COVID-19 prevention. Jobs & Skills: DSAL opened applications for its 2026 Career Development Internship Programme, offering 850 placements across nine sectors, including technology roles that may be based in Zhuhai/Hengqin. Local Science & Biodiversity: UM’s Library exhibition “Rediscovering Macau’s Wild” runs until Aug 28, featuring about 1,400 insect specimens to boost conservation awareness. Smart City & Policy Tech: AMCM entered e-MOP sandbox testing using a whitelist of users, targeting phased rollout for retail and beyond. GBA Construction Standards: Guangdong and Hong Kong signed an agreement to standardise construction practices, aiming to shape Greater Bay Area construction standards with Macau-linked coordination. Tourism Tech & ESG: UTM hosted a webinar on sustainable hospitality, highlighting ESG reporting and AI-enabled resource efficiency. Gaming Economy Watch: Macau May GGR hit MOP22.61b (+6.7% y/y), but analysts expect June growth to flatten as VIP hold remains a key swing factor. Cross-border Business Branding: DSEDT launched the “MARCA✦MACAU Plan” to help local brands and livestream influencers expand overseas, with first selections expected in October.

Coastal Safety: Researchers at Science Tokyo say Macau’s typhoon resilience is improving thanks to earlier warnings, color-coded storm-surge alerts, and clearer government evacuation guidance—reducing storm-surge impacts without relying on massive seawalls. Neurotech & AI: Gestala founder Phoenix Peng told BEYOND Expo 2026 that brain-computer interfaces could become a “translation layer” for mind-to-machine communication, using AI to decode noisy ultrasound-derived brain signals. Biopharma Deal: Haisco signed a USD3 billion R&D collaboration with Eli Lilly to develop up to five innovative drug programs, with Lilly holding commercialization rights outside China and Haisco keeping rights for Macau and other Greater China markets. US Chip Curbs: New US Commerce guidance tightens rules so advanced AI chip exports need licenses for entities headquartered in China or Macau, even via overseas subsidiaries. Local Business Export Push: DSEDT launched the “Macau Signature Brand Plan” to help local brands and livestream influencers sell overseas, with the first batch of selected applicants expected in October. Digital Pataca Progress: AMCM says e-MOP is now in sandbox testing using a whitelist of users, targeting a 2027 launch. Gaming Update: Macau’s May GGR hit MOP22.61 billion (+6.7% y/y), but analysts warn June growth may flatten as VIP performance is hit by low hold. Tech Showcase: BEYOND Expo 2026 wrapped up with an “AI: Digital to Physical” focus, drawing 30,000+ visitors and nearly 800 companies.