AGP Executive Report

Plastics & Rubber Trade: CHINAPLAS 2026 wrapped up in Shanghai with a record 400,000 sq m exhibition, 5,104 exhibitors from 45 regions, and 350,189 visitors, including a big jump in overseas attendance—good news for regional manufacturing supply chains. Foreign Investment Push: China rolled out a new action plan to stabilize foreign investment, with 15 measures spanning market access, service convenience, investment promotion, and stronger support systems—Hong Kong and Macau investors are flagged for earlier access. EV Supply Chain Shift: HIMA is adding secondary battery suppliers across its brand portfolio; reports say Aito will bring in CALB and Gotion alongside existing CATL links, reflecting cost pressure and faster sourcing. Macao Tourism Momentum: Macau visitor arrivals in 2026 have surpassed 20 million, reaching the milestone 18 days earlier than last year, though spending per visitor appears under pressure. Sustainability & Tech in Logistics: DHL Express and Hong Kong designer Eric Wong launched an upcycled uniform accessories line with proceeds supporting sustainable design groups, tying circular fashion to logistics emissions goals. Health & Safety Watch: Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority dismissed a resident doctor over serious misconduct, while health officials are also investigating a suspected paralytic shellfish poisoning case after whelk consumption.

Macao–Hengqin Integration: A new Xinhua feature shows how Macao residents are increasingly living and working in Hengqin, with the cooperation zone now home to over 30,000 Macao residents and aiming to ease Macao’s tight land and housing pressure. Cross-border Tech & Data Infrastructure: Equinix opened the first phase of its AI-ready HK6 data center in Hong Kong with a direct, low-latency private link to the Hong Kong–Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, targeting cross-border R&D in AI, health tech, robotics and new energy. Life Sciences Dealmaking: Antengene and K2 Therapeutics signed a major license/option package for ATG-106 and another bispecific TCE candidate, underscoring continued biotech investment momentum across Greater China. Public Health Watch: Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection is investigating suspected paralytic shellfish poisoning after a family ate whelk; symptoms appeared within about 30 minutes and one patient remains hospitalised in stable condition. AI Adoption Gap: Microsoft’s Work Trend Index finds Hong Kong workers are adopting AI faster than organizations can redesign work, creating a “transformation paradox” that limits impact. Sustainability in Logistics Fashion: DHL Express and Hong Kong designer Eric Wong launched an upcycled accessories line made from retired courier uniforms, with proceeds supporting Redress and circular design initiatives.

Macao–Hengqin Integration: A new Xinhua feature shows how Macao residents are increasingly living and working across the border, with over 30,000 Macao people now based in Hengqin’s cooperation zone—cutting commutes to under 40 minutes and expanding “living space” beyond Macao’s tight land supply. Biotech Deal Watch: Antengene announced an exclusive global license with K2 Therapeutics for ATG-106 (CDH6 x CD3 bispecific TCE) outside Greater China, with about USD 20m upfront and up to USD 960.5m in milestones. Cancer Research: Kelun-Biotech’s sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT) plus osimertinib first-line results for EGFR-mutant NSCLC were published in Cancer Cell, supporting further Phase II/III development. AI in the Workplace: Microsoft’s 2026 Work Trend Index says Hong Kong employees are adopting AI faster than organizations can redesign work, warning of a “Transformation Paradox” and launching Copilot Cowork to help close the gap. Macau Tourism Numbers: Macau visitor arrivals topped 20 million in 2026, reaching the milestone 18 days earlier than last year. Digital Infrastructure Policy: Tech leaders warn Macau’s digital ambitions may be slowed by restrictions on using public cloud services, pushing costly on-premise AI infrastructure. Sustainability & Fashion Tech: DHL Express and designer Eric Wong launched an upcycled accessories line made from retired courier uniforms, with proceeds supporting Redress.

Macau Digital Policy: Tech leaders at a Macau AI symposium warned that data residency rules block integrated resort operators from using standard public cloud services, forcing costly on-premise setups and putting Macau at a competitive disadvantage as nearby hubs push cloud-based AI. Regional Tech Connectivity: Equinix opened its first AI-ready data center phase in Hong Kong (HK6) with a direct, low-latency private link to the Hong Kong–Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, aiming to speed cross-border R&D in AI, robotics, health tech and new energy. Education & Skills in Macau: Macau Saint Paul School stood out at China’s 22nd FLTRP Cup National English Competition in Wuxi, with students and teachers praising the training that helped them shine on a national stage. Health & Community: Kiang Wu Hospital launched a medically led weight management center under “Healthy Macau,” focusing on long-term chronic disease prevention. Culture & Heritage: The Cultural Affairs Bureau confirmed eight new intangible cultural heritage inheritors, covering crafts, music and performing arts. Sports Spotlight: China Nanhai Jiujiang defended both Open and Women’s titles at the SJM Macau International Dragon Boat Races, setting a new Open-category record.

Cloud & AI Policy: Macau’s resort operators face a public-cloud ban and strict data residency rules, forcing costly on-premise AI builds and raising fears of a competitive disadvantage as regional hubs move faster. Tech & Infrastructure: Equinix opened its first AI-ready HK6 data center phase in Hong Kong with a direct, low-latency private link to the Hong Kong–Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, aiming to speed cross-border R&D in AI, robotics, microelectronics, health tech and new energy. Local Innovation Ecosystem: IPIM and partners held “Policy Empowerment & Tech Synergy” to help Macau sci-tech firms commercialise research and connect across the innovation chain, aligning with the city’s economic diversification push. Cultural Heritage Tech/Skills: The Cultural Affairs Bureau confirmed eight new intangible cultural heritage inheritors, expanding the talent pipeline for skills like A-Ma and Patuá theatre. Health & Safety: Kiang Wu Hospital launched a medically led weight management center under “Healthy Macau,” while Hong Kong’s Labour Department issued heat-stress guidance urging workplace precautions. APEC Tourism Prep: Macau is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28) with staff training and sideline events to showcase its tourism and creative industries.

AI & Animation: Hangzhou’s 22nd CICAF is leaning hard into tech-driven storytelling, from VR “Havoc in Heaven” letting visitors fight in first-person to AIGC and real-time avatar experiences. Macao Digital Policy: Tech leaders at a Macau AI symposium warned that data residency rules bar integrated resort operators from using standard public cloud, pushing them toward costly on-premise setups and risking slower AI deployment versus Hong Kong and Guangdong. Health & Research: Kiang Wu Hospital opened a medically led weight management center under “Healthy Macau,” focusing on long-term chronic disease prevention. Culture & Heritage: The Cultural Affairs Bureau officially confirmed eight new intangible cultural heritage inheritors, covering crafts, music, beliefs, and theatre traditions including A-Ma and Patuá. Regional Tech Links: Equinix opened an AI-ready HK6 phase with a direct low-latency private connection to the Hong Kong–Shenzhen innovation hub, aiming to speed cross-border R&D. Tourism Tech Diplomacy: IPIM led a Macao “Platform Advantages” seminar tour in Suzhou and Nanjing to help enterprises expand into Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets. Dragon Boat Tech-Culture: Macao’s 2026 international dragon boat races wrapped up with Nanhai Jiujiang defending open and women’s titles, while the waterfront festival drew big crowds.

AI & Cloud Infrastructure: Equinix opened HK6 in Hong Kong with a private, low-latency link to the Hong Kong–Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, aiming to speed cross-border R&D for AI, robotics, microelectronics, health tech and new energy. Regulation & Competitive Pressure: Tech leaders at a Macau AI symposium warned that Macau’s integrated resort operators can’t use standard public cloud services due to data residency rules, pushing them toward costly on-premise setups and raising the risk of falling behind regional AI adoption. Macao Tech & Talent Linkages: IPIM and partners ran a “Seminar on Macao’s Platform Advantages” in Suzhou and Nanjing to help mainland firms expand into Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets via the Macao Platform, drawing 200+ business reps. Health Tech in Macau: Kiang Wu Hospital launched a medically led weight management center under “Healthy Macau,” focusing on long-term chronic disease prevention rather than quick weight loss. Culture Meets Tech/Community: The Cultural Affairs Bureau confirmed eight new intangible cultural heritage inheritors, with policy incentives and bonuses planned after certification. Regional Tech Finance: Tencent Cloud signed a strategic cooperation deal with China CITIC Bank International to drive FinTech 2.0, including AI-driven intelligent risk control and next-gen core banking modernization for Hong Kong and Macau. Education & Research: UM’s Hengqin campus project is set to be completed by 2029, with 4,000 students expected and new science-and-tech programmes (AI, microelectronics, robotics, smart grids, big data) starting from a transitional campus this year.

Dragon Boat Festival & Sports Tech: The 2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races wrapped up at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, with China’s Nanhai Jiujiang defending Open and Women’s titles and setting a new Open event record; Macau’s event also blended culture and sport via “Art Everywhere” as crowds packed the waterfront. AI & Cloud Policy: Sands China and Macao Polytechnic University hosted an AI symposium where tech leaders warned Macau’s digital ambitions could be slowed by rules forcing integrated resort operators to run AI on-premise instead of using standard public cloud services. Cross-border Connectivity for R&D: Equinix opened HK6, an AI-ready data center phase in Hong Kong with a private, low-latency link to the Hong Kong–Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, targeting cross-border work in AI, robotics, microelectronics, health tech and new energy. Retail Training in Native Language: Narraid’s Mandarin AI audio learning service for frontline travel retail staff went live across mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, turning brand materials into short podcast-style episodes to close staff knowledge gaps. Health & Long-term Care: Kiang Wu Hospital launched a medically led weight management center focused on chronic disease prevention and long-term management rather than quick weight loss. Culture Heritage Recognition: The Cultural Affairs Bureau officially confirmed eight intangible cultural heritage inheritors, covering crafts, music, beliefs and theatre, and signaled enhanced policy support and incentives. APEC Tourism Prep: Macau is gearing up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28), with training and sideline events planned to showcase hospitality, creative industries and cultural integration.

APEC Tourism Prep: Macao is stepping up for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28), with staff training and sideline events underway, aiming to showcase its hospitality, creative industries and China-West cultural blend. Health & Safety: Macau’s Health Bureau urges high-risk residents to get the COVID-19 jab as positivity rises, while Hong Kong temporarily closes gazetted beaches during a black rainstorm warning. Biotech Update: Mabwell reported clinical results for its Nectin-4-targeting ADC 9MW2821 in cervical cancer at ESMO Gynaecological Cancers Congress, highlighting promising effects especially after immunotherapy. Sci-Tech & Education: UM says its Hengqin campus project will be completed by 2029 (about 4,000 students), with science-and-tech programmes starting at a transitional campus from August. Industry & Innovation: IPIM and partners ran “Policy Empowerment & Tech Synergy” to help tech firms commercialise research and speed up project implementation, while also pushing Macao’s “precise liaison” role to Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking markets. AI in Finance: Tencent Cloud signed a strategic deal with China CITIC Bank International to drive FinTech 2.0 digital transformation for Hong Kong and Macau banking. Public Alert: Hong Kong’s Home Affairs Department warned residents about impersonators claiming to be Care Team members to scam elderly people. Corporate Governance: Australia’s court fined former Star Entertainment CEO Matt Bekier and barred him from corporate leadership for six years over failures linked to a Macau junket customer.

APEC Tourism Prep in Macao: 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 well underway, and the city plans to showcase its hospitality, cuisine, creative industries, and China-West cultural blend. Biotech at ESMO: Mabwell reported clinical results for its Nectin-4-targeting ADC 9MW2821 in cervical cancer at ESMO Gynaecological Cancers Congress 2026, highlighting a manageable safety profile and promising effects, including survival benefits in immunotherapy-pretreated patients. Fraud Warning: Hong Kong’s Home Affairs Department warned residents about scammers impersonating District Services and Community Care Teams, urging people to verify identities via 182 111 and use the 24-hour Anti-Scam Helpline 18222 if suspicious. Aviation Cooperation: Civil Aviation chief Victor Liu visited Beijing to deepen aviation cooperation, including air traffic management work for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Healthcare Safety Review: Hong Kong’s TKOH released a root cause analysis of a sentinel stoma surgery incident involving an 85-year-old patient, after a scan found the stoma was in the stomach instead of the intended transverse colon. Digital Finance Tech: Tencent Cloud signed a strategic cooperation with China CITIC Bank International to support Fintech 2.0, including intelligent risk control and next-gen core banking architecture. Sustainable Energy in Hospitals: Shell and St. Paul’s Hospital in Hong Kong launched integrated decarbonisation, with the hospital adopting Renewable Diesel Blend R33 for its boiler system and adding EV charging.

Macao–Hengqin Education & Talent: Macao’s Education and Youth Development Bureau and a Chinese–Portuguese bilingual talent alliance co-organised the 4th Forum for Rectors (15–17 June), spotlighting Macao–Hengqin synergy and topics from AI in new media to traditional Chinese medicine. Local Policy Planning: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said Macau’s 3rd Five-Year Plan final version is due in August, with implementation to follow, and linked next steps to the 2027 Policy Address. Tourism Tech & Workforce: Sands China unveiled an AI up-skilling programme for management to apply AI at work, as part of its broader talent showcase. Public Health Watch: Macau’s Health Bureau urged high-risk groups to get the LP.8.1 COVID-19 jab, citing rising positivity rates and expecting continued virus activity. Culture & Immersive Arts: Macau will upgrade Dom Pedro V Theatre into an immersive stage venue, using the UNESCO heritage site to stage East–West cultural exchange. Regional Tech Finance: China’s digital yuan push advanced as 26 institutions signed up for CBETS, while regulators urged closer stablecoin monitoring for cross-border payments.

Digital Yuan & Cross-Border Payments: China’s e-CNY push moved forward as 26 banks signed direct-participant deals for CBETS, a cross-border blockchain-based transfer platform, while a PBOC research official urged tighter monitoring of stablecoins as the digital yuan expands internationally. Macao Health Watch: Macau’s Health Bureau urged high-risk residents to get the LP.8.1 COVID-19 jab, citing rising positivity rates (17.0% in Week 24) and reminding people to seek care and use antivirals early. Border & Biosecurity: Gongbei Customs at HZMB seized 10 musk turtles (24 kg) linked to CITES Appendix II, warning that endangered species require proper import-export certificates. Macao Tourism & Culture Tech: Macao will upgrade Dom Pedro V Theatre into an immersive stage venue at the UNESCO Historic Centre, and the APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting (June 24–28) will spotlight Macao’s tourism strengths. Policy & Diversification: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said the final Macau 3rd Five-Year Plan version will be published in August, aligning next steps for 2026–2030 economic and social development. Infrastructure & AI-Energy: The 17th IIICF in Macao wrapped with USD 9.9 billion in signed deals, while a regional power summit focused on AI and high-quality energy development.

Upcycled fashion meets sustainability: DHL Express teamed up with Hong Kong designer Eric Wong and Absurd Laboratory to launch the “DHL x Absurd Laboratory BFFS Upcycled Collection,” made from retired DHL courier uniforms, with profits donated to Redress to support next-gen sustainable design talent. Macao policy roadmap: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said the final version of Macau’s 3rd Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) will be published in August, with the 2027 Policy Address drafted to match it. Economic diversification push: Sam also outlined measures to accelerate appropriate economic diversification, including a government guidance fund aimed at high-tech industries and “new quality productive forces.” Employment focus: The government reiterated its “local residents first” labour policy, citing job-matching sessions and an “employment + training” programme to expand youth opportunities. Culture + immersive tech at a UNESCO site: Macau plans to upgrade Dom Pedro V Theatre into an immersive stage-performance venue, using the heritage landmark as a showcase for East-West cultural exchange. Health and biotech in the region: FEHD in Hong Kong released new June gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus, while Dimerix licensed DMX-200 rights in Greater China and parts of Asia to Everest Medicines. Cross-border digital finance: China’s e-CNY expansion via CBETS adds 26 banks for cross-border e-CNY transfers covering Hong Kong and Macau among other markets. Education ties with Portugal: UTM and NOVA University Lisbon signed an MoU to deepen cooperation in culture and tourism education, plus research and exchanges.

Climate & finance education: Nobel laureate Robert F. Engle spoke at the University of Macau on climate change and geopolitical uncertainty, linking them to financial market volatility and risk. Heritage + immersive tech culture: Macao plans to upgrade the UNESCO-listed Dom Pedro V Theatre into an immersive stage venue, with a push to connect culture with education, technology and talent. Macao planning roadmap: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said the final version of Macao’s 3rd Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) is due in August, feeding directly into the 2027 Policy Address. AI-energy industry push: A Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao power summit in Cotai focused on AI and high-quality energy development, positioning the GBA as a “server” for AI-powered energy innovation. Public health monitoring: Hong Kong’s FEHD released new June gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus across 19 survey areas, updating local vector surveillance. Cross-border digital finance: China’s e-CNY cross-border push expands via CBETS, with 26 banks signing up and initial coverage including Hong Kong and Macao. Life sciences licensing: Dimerix licensed DMX-200 rights across Greater China and parts of Asia to Everest Medicines, with upfront and milestone payments plus royalties. Macao infrastructure dealmaking: Macao’s 17th IIICF wrapped up with 21 agreements worth US$9.9 billion, spanning transport, construction, energy and mining. Macao governance staffing: Ng Wai Han was appointed Secretary for Economy and Finance in Macao, effective June 15. Urban planning update: Taipa’s Northern Zone Urban Development Plan was revised to prioritize liveability, greener standards and flood control.

Macao Tech & Policy: Macao’s Social Welfare Bureau will roll out a smart assistive device rental service next month, with short-term trials at a women’s resource centre and subsidies for eligible residents, aiming to reduce caregiver burden and boost smart support for elderly and people with disabilities. Macao Governance & Urban Planning: The Urban Planning Council has released a revised Taipa Northern Zone Urban Development Plan, shifting the focus toward liveability, higher green space standards, housing-employment balance, and prioritised flood control, while promoting greener mobility and public spaces. Macao Public Health: Macao’s IAM reported on its rodent control effectiveness, citing 25,000 baiting points deployed in 2025 and 2,894 rats eliminated, with operations run across 25 zones multiple times a year. Macao Higher Education & Talent: The 4th Forum for Rectors of higher education institutions of China and Portuguese-speaking countries opened in Macao, spotlighting Macao–Hengqin synergy to cultivate Chinese–Portuguese international talent. Macao Economy & Appointments: The State Council appointed Ng Wai Han as Macao’s secretary for economy and finance, effective June 15, after a vacancy following Anton Tai Kin Ip’s resignation. Regional Tech & Trade: TÜV Rheinland expanded its Tanzania PVoC authorisation to cover Greater China (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Mongolia), supporting exporters with conformity certificates for the Tanzanian market. Big Tech/Innovation Signals: UM marked its 45th anniversary with Nobel laureate Robert Engle’s climate-change lecture, linking climate risk to financial stability.

Rodent Control Update (Macau): The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) says Macau is split into 25 rat-control zones, with intensive operations at least three times a year (each lasting five weeks). It reports 25,000 baiting points deployed in 2025 and 2,894 rats eliminated (11.5% of points), plus more fixed bait boxes on public streets (about 1,500 now vs ~1,000 in 2020). Urban Planning (Taipa): The Taipa Northern Zone Urban Development Plan has been revised to shift from land-revenue thinking toward “liveability first,” higher green-space standards, housing-employment balance, and prioritized flood control, with a focus on green mobility and public spaces. Public Health (Hong Kong): CHP reported four new community-acquired Legionnaires’ disease cases (ages 60–74) and urged proper maintenance of man-made water systems, especially for higher-risk groups. Smart Assistive Tech (Macau): The Social Welfare Bureau plans a smart assistive device rental service next month, with short-term trials at a women’s resource centre and guidance plus subsidy support. Cross-border Mobility (Hengqin): Vehicle crossings via Hengqin Port’s one-stop lane topped 2 million this year, up 42.4%, with Macao-registered vehicles driving much of the growth. Leadership Change (Macao): The State Council appointed Ng Wai Han as Secretary for Economy and Finance of the MSAR.