AGP Executive Report

Infrastructure & Connectivity: Macau’s 17th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF) opened in Cotai with a “green digital infrastructure connectivity” focus, drawing 3,500+ guests from 70+ places and highlighting Belt and Road indices and Portuguese/Spanish-speaking participation. Local Strategy: Transport and Public Works Secretary Raymond Tam tied IIICF discussions to Macao’s “1+4” diversification plan and four flagship projects, including the Macao Sci-Tech Park and Hengqin education cooperation. Smart Construction (GBA): Hong Kong and Shenzhen launched five Qianhai pilot projects using Hong Kong’s New Engineering Contract model and the Smart Site Safety System to align rules and boost construction safety. University Collaboration: Macao Polytechnic University and Portugal’s University of Coimbra signed an agreement to develop a joint global campus in Hengqin, expanding joint degrees, research labs, and exchanges. Animal Health Policy (Macao): IAM optimized imported dog and cat inspections: from 12 June, quarantine is no longer required for eligible animals from rabies-affected regions if they pass pre-entry checks and an arrival veterinary inspection. Cross-border Tech (HK): Hong Kong’s Seamless e-Channel at HZMB starts 25 June, enabling AI/facial-recognition self-service departure clearance without showing an ID card or QR code.

Macau Pet Policy Update: The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) says imported dogs and cats from rabies-affected countries/regions will no longer face mandatory 30-day quarantine from 12 June, if they pass pre-entry checks (microchip, vaccination, antibody testing) and an IAM veterinary inspection on arrival. Green Digital Infrastructure in Macau: The 17th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum & Exhibition (IIICF) opened in Macau on 11 June, drawing 3,500+ guests from 70+ places, with a focus on “green digital infrastructure connectivity” and a bigger turnout from Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries. Tourism Tech & Heritage Buzz: Skal International Asia Congress opened in Macao (12–14 June) under “Celebrating Heritage – Empowering Innovation,” reinforcing the city’s “tourism +” positioning. University Collaboration: UM highlighted tangible outcomes with Portuguese universities, including a new clinical medicine joint programme with the University of Lisbon and dual doctoral pathways with Porto and Lisbon. AI-Enabled Border Clearance (HK): Hong Kong’s Seamless e-Channel at HZMB starts 25 June for eligible Hong Kong permanent residents, enabling “on-the-move” self-service departure using AI and facial recognition. Construction Safety Pilots (GBA): Hong Kong and Shenzhen launched five Qianhai pilot projects using Hong Kong’s NEC contract framework and a Smart Site Safety System (4S) to improve delivery and safety. Fuel Subsidy Dispute: Macau’s DSEDT says Shell Macau miscalculated LPG and petrol subsidies due to a billing system error, with about 30,000 patacas involved, and refunds underway. Human Reproductive Tech Governance (HK): Hong Kong reappointed Professor Wong Man-sau and appointed Professor Chow Ka-ming to its Council on Human Reproductive Technology. Animal Welfare Fundraising (Macau): Students at Escola Portuguesa de Macau raised money and awareness for MASDAW during animal protection activities.

Macao Infrastructure & Tech Diplomacy: Macao’s Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai used the 17th IIICF to push Macao as a “precise connector” for Belt and Road links with Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries, while the Transport and Public Works Secretary Raymond Tam highlighted the “1+4” diversification plan and four flagship projects, with this year’s forum theme centered on green digital infrastructure connectivity. AI in Education & Industry: Lou Hau High School signed an AI talent cooperation deal with Macau’s MTel to offer real on-the-job training and project-based research, aiming to bridge classroom learning with company practice. Cross-border University Collaboration: Macao Polytechnic University and Portugal’s University of Coimbra agreed to develop a joint global campus in Hengqin, expanding joint degrees, research labs, and innovation ties. Human Reproductive Tech Governance: Hong Kong reappointed Professor Wong Man-sau and added Professor Chow Ka-ming to the Council on Human Reproductive Technology, keeping the licensing and embryo research regulatory framework in focus. Wildlife Monitoring with AI: China’s Yellow River Delta conservation is using camera footage plus AI to identify and count migratory birds in real time, supporting record breeding numbers for species like oriental storks. Public Health Tech (Hong Kong): Hong Kong’s Immigration Department will launch a “Seamless e-Channel” at the HZMB Hong Kong Port using AI and facial recognition for eligible residents’ on-the-move departure clearance. VTuber Live in Cinemas: hololive English’s concert will stream live to cinemas across Asia and Mexico, including Macau, turning online fandom into a shared real-time big-screen event.

AI & Skills Pipeline: Lou Hau High School signed with Macau-based MTel to create AI-focused industry-academia training, including real on-the-job internships and plans for curriculum co-development and project-based research. Green Digital Infrastructure: Macau’s 17th IIICF opened with a push for “green digital infrastructure connectivity,” with Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai positioning the forum as a “precise connector” for Belt and Road infrastructure links to Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries. Flagship Infrastructure Push: Transport and Public Works Secretary Raymond Tam highlighted progress on Macau’s “1+4” strategy, including the Hengqin education town, tourism and cultural zone, West Bank airport transport hub, and the Sci-Tech Park. Education & Research Collaboration: Macao Polytechnic University and Portugal’s University of Coimbra agreed to develop a joint global campus in Hengqin, expanding degree programs, research centres, and lab cooperation. Local Tech in Nature Conservation: China’s Yellow River Delta is using AI bird monitoring to identify and count species in real time, supporting conservation of migratory waterbirds. Community Tech-Enabled Mobility: Hong Kong announced a Seamless e-Channel at the HZMB Hong Kong Port using AI and facial recognition for eligible residents’ departure clearance. Culture & STEM for Families: The 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival opens ticket sales from 14 June, featuring science-linked puppetry and multimedia performances.

AI for conservation: China’s Yellow River Delta is using smart cameras plus AI to identify and count birds in real time, supporting protection of migratory species like oriental storks. Local governance & infrastructure: Macau’s power utility CEM reports 2025 investment of 967 million patacas, with 60.6% going into upgrading transmission and distribution networks, including new substations and a dispatch centre. Immigration tech: Macau is expanding iris automated clearance from 11 June to eligible non-resident workers and non-resident students, adding more automated channels at major checkpoints. Public safety & housing management: A Macau lawmaker warns “three-no buildings” are rising as nearly 5,000 buildings over 30 years old lack proper management oversight, calling for a four-party solution. Education & tech talent: MPU says it will target partnerships with QS top-100 universities and use its Hengqin campus to strengthen science and engineering, with focus areas including robotics, smart transport, and AI. Health biotech: Everest Medicines signs an asset purchase deal to develop and commercialize LNZ100 eye drops for presbyopia across Greater China. Cross-border enforcement: Hong Kong Customs seized about $10 million of suspected smuggled pharma and injection products in a cross-boundary vehicle case.

Energy Infrastructure: Macau power utility CEM says 60.6% of its 2025 investment (586m patacas of 967m) went to upgrading electricity transmission and distribution, with Tai On and Barra substations progressing and key 110kV/11kV networks already in operation. Urban Safety & Housing Management: A Legislative Assembly warning highlights a building management gap: nearly 5,000 Macau buildings over 30 years old (about two-thirds of the city’s total) but only 933 with active management committees, raising concerns over “three-no buildings” and fire-safety risks. Higher Education & Tech Skills: Macao Polytechnic University targets QS top-100 partnerships and will expand science/engineering via its Hengqin campus, focusing on advanced manufacturing/robotics, smart transportation, and AI/computing. Funding for Students: DSEDJ opens applications on June 22 for 2026/27 tertiary scholarships and financial aid, including support for studies in Portugal and high-tech fields. Public Transport Upgrade: Macau’s Tourism & Leisure Bus gets route and frequency tweaks, including a new two-way “Macau Peninsula to Cotai” route and expanded weekend service for the Zape line. Cultural & Heritage Tech: The Ruins of St. Paul’s will undergo 3D laser scanning (June 14–18) for structural monitoring, while Archives of Macao launches a free “then and now” photo exhibition. Science & Business: HEICO’s Exxelia unit buys 90% of high-voltage ceramic capacitor maker CalRamic to expand aerospace/defense capacitor supply.

Biotech & Health: Antengene says China’s NMPA approved an IND for ATG-201 (CD19×CD3 TCE) in Phase I for B-cell related autoimmune diseases, with trials planned to start in China and development work also underway for Australia. Urban Safety & Housing: A Macao lawmaker warns nearly 5,000 buildings over 30 years old face management gaps, with only 933 having active oversight, raising fire and safety risks tied to “three-no buildings.” Education & Tech Talent: Macao Polytechnic University will push partnerships with QS top-100 universities and use its Hengqin campus to strengthen science and engineering, focusing on advanced manufacturing/robotics, smart transportation, and AI. Local Funding: The Education and Youth Development Bureau opens applications June 22 for 2026/27 tertiary scholarships and financial aid, including schemes for top-ranked global programs. Public Science Events: UM will host Nobel laureate Robert F. Engle’s public lecture on climate change and financial markets on June 15. Transport & Tourism: The government plans route and frequency upgrades to the Tourism and Leisure Bus, adding a two-way Macau Peninsula–Cotai route and expanding weekend service for Zape. Heritage Monitoring: The Ruins of St. Paul’s will undergo overnight 3D laser scanning June 14–18 to monitor structural integrity. Crime & Enforcement: Police report Macau’s biggest-ever cannabis smuggling bust—about 35 kg seized—aimed at stopping an international trafficking syndicate. Robotics Trend: China’s humanoid robot push continues, but experts say demand may lag production capacity.

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.