AGP Executive Report

Tourism Surge: Macau logged 14.655 million visitor arrivals in Jan–Apr, up 13.1% year-on-year and hitting an all-time high for the period, with April alone at 3.44 million (+11.3%). Arts & Education: UM’s Congregation 2026 is set for 30 May (hybrid), with 1,700+ bachelor graduates; the 36th Macao Arts Festival adds an extra 26 June performance of Her Dynasty. Culture on the Move: The International Tea Day Carnival drew 2,000 visits and more tea-themed activities are still open for registration. Tech Meets Entertainment: K25.ai raised US$2m at a US$100m valuation from NewGenIVF, aiming for a watch-to-predict live-streaming model with a possible public-market path. Sports Spotlight: Sands China confirmed the Macau Open Badminton returns 16–21 June, while Galaxy Macau ramps up UFC FIGHT NIGHT fan events and meet-and-greets. Health Talk: New research involving Macao Polytechnic University suggests “optimal” heart protection may require far more than current exercise targets.

International Drama Sales: Hishow’s Chinese crime-mystery romance “My Dearest Stranger” has just locked in distribution deals for Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Macao, plus a worldwide airline rights package—building on its early Youku hit status and its hook of secrets under a “perfect” marriage. Macau Nightlife & Craft: SJM’s “GET ON STAGE” is bringing three Greater Bay Area female mixologists to MESA Bar at THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU (May 29–30), spotlighting cognac-led cocktails and mocktails. Sports as Culture: Galaxy Macau is rolling out UFC FIGHT NIGHT fan experiences across Fight Week, while Sands China confirms the Macau Open Badminton returns June 16–21 at the East Asian Games Dome. Cultural Exchange: The Macao Pavilion is set up at Shenzhen’s ICIF, pushing “Cultural Macao” via heritage routes, creative products and “Old Macao” photo installations. Local Governance: The government says it’s still studying a senior canteen plan for Seac Pai Van after pausing the earlier pilot. Health Debate: New research tied “optimal” heart protection to much higher exercise targets than current guidelines, with Macao Polytechnic University among the researchers.

Sports Diplomacy: IBA boss Umar Kremlev says boxing’s future in China looks “strong,” pitching more World Championships and pro events—explicitly including Macao, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing—while hinting at deeper China-Russia sports cooperation. Market Watch: Macau’s casino competition keeps sharpening: JP Morgan reports Sands China’s Q1 market-share jump (helped by The Londoner Macao) even as the recovery is still driven more by premium mass than VIP. Local Governance: Tamagnini Barbosa Market’s cooked-stall tender drew 222 proposals for 7 sites, with IAM set to rank bidders on operations, experience, product mix, hours and payment convenience. Arts & Culture: The 36th Macao Arts Festival adds an extra performance of “Her Dynasty” on 26 June, while the Macao Orchestra readies a Disney “Beauty and the Beast” symphony concert at MGM Theatre (May 30–31). Tech & Entertainment: NewGenIVF inked a US$2m deal into K25.ai at a US$100m valuation, betting on AI-powered live-stream prediction markets.

Sports Tourism Push: Sands China confirmed the Sands China Ltd Macau Open Badminton 2026 returns June 16–21 at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, with a US$370,000 prize pool and a 390-player field across 29 regions—plus community outreach to keep Macau’s “City of Sports” pitch front and center. Art & Culture Calendar: The 36th Macao Arts Festival adds an extra performance of The Nine Theatre’s Her Dynasty on June 26, while this week’s Performing Arts Gala runs May 22–24 at Iao Hon Market Park. Exhibition Buzz: MGM MACAU’s HAHALULU trend-art show has expanded to One Central Macau through Aug 31, turning the gourd symbol into new crystal figures and immersive displays. Inclusive Communities: The INCLUSION Conference & Festival is underway, with an inclusivity carnival drawing about 300 participants at MGM Cotai and more sessions at the School of the Nations. Local Spotlight: STAYC announces a fan concert tour that includes Macau on Sept 26.

Trend Art Expansion: MGM MACAU’s “HAHALULU” exhibition has been extended to One Central Macau, now running at both MGM’s Grande Praça and One Central’s atrium until Aug 31, with new “Crystal LULU” figures and a gourd-themed “Wishing Gourd Tree.” Sports & Community: Sands China confirmed the Macau Open Badminton 2026 returns June 16–21 at the East Asian Games Dome, with a US$370,000 prize pool and a push for “City of Sports” initiatives. UFC in Cotai: Galaxy Macau is rolling out Fight Week fan experiences ahead of UFC FIGHT NIGHT Macau, including meet-and-greets and open workouts. Health Research (Macao-linked): A British Journal of Sports Medicine study involving Macao Polytechnic University says heart benefits may require 560–610 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise weekly—far above the usual 150-minute target. Global Programming: China Media Group unveiled 42 new Chinese-language programs for international audiences. Tourism Push: Guangdong announced ten tourism measures aimed at boosting its international hub status.

Heart Health Rethink: A new study involving 17,000 middle-aged UK adults suggests the “optimal” heart payoff from exercise may take far more than the usual NHS target—around 560 to 610 minutes a week (roughly 90 minutes a day), with commentators warning that such a message could be too extreme for public health guidance. GEG Milestone: Galaxy Macau marked its 15th anniversary with staff celebrations and a world-record bottle cap mosaic made by 3,888 employees. Kids’ Arts Expansion: The Macao International Children’s Arts Festival is set to grow, with about 1,000 programmes aiming at 300,000 participants. Inclusion Takes Centre Stage: Macau’s INCLUSION Conference & Festival is underway, with MGM and Melco backing sessions on neurodiversity, mental health, and community support. Arts & Culture: “Ink as Void” turns calligraphy into immersive spatial art, while the University of Macau Symphony Orchestra debuted with a programme mixing classics and “Pure Imagination.” Sports Calendar: FIBA confirmed new FIBA 3x3 World Tour and Challenger stops, including Macau on Oct 17-18.

Sports Calendar: FIBA has locked in two new FIBA 3x3 World Tour stops for 2026—Macau (Oct 17-18) joins the confirmed run from Japan to Hong Kong—plus fresh Challengers events including Chengdu (Hengqin) and Zadar (Shibuya). Gaming & Payments: Asia Pioneer Entertainment (APE) is widening its Macau-to-Asia push with a CountR distribution deal, adding cash redemption kiosks to its “one-stop” casino solutions lineup. Arts & Inclusion: MGM Cotai’s INCLUSION Conference & Festival opened with about 300 participants, while “Ink as Void” at Creative Macau turns Xi Di’s calligraphy into immersive spatial art. Culture & Community: International Children’s Day activities roll out across Macau under a “children’s participation rights” theme, and the Legislative Assembly’s Open Day drew 4,300 visits. Entertainment: STAYC announces a fan concert tour hitting Seoul, Manila, Macau (Sept 26), Taipei, and Australia later in 2026.

Gaming Tech Push: Angel says its smart table tech now covers over 90% of the casino floor, with roulette/blackjack/sic bo expansion underway and full-floor coverage “on the horizon.” Corporate Shake-Up: Century Entertainment’s major shareholder transfer—reportedly involving the CEO as recipient—has raised questions over the shareholding trail, with the stock still suspended. Industry-Academia: UTM and Melco co-organised “Melco Day” to deepen cultural-tourism talent pipelines, while Access Macau was unveiled as a new market-entry support unit for international firms. Community & Rights: International Children’s Day programming spotlights children’s participation rights, and the Inclusion Conference & Festival opened at MGM COTAI with neurodiversity and mental health discussions. Art Spotlight: “Ink as Void” turns calligraphy into immersive spatial art at Creative Macau. Arts Calendar: Museum Day events drew crowds, and Macau’s museum sector is keeping the cultural momentum rolling.

Macao Arts & Culture: A Macao show celebrating Chinese ink-painting heritage is in the spotlight, while the Museum Day push keeps momentum with the International Museum Day Carnival drawing crowds and turning Praça dos Lótus into a hands-on cultural hub. Community & Inclusion: The INCLUSION Conference & Festival kicks off today, pairing free conferences with a multi-day Macau Golf Masters programme and a clear focus on support for neurodiverse individuals and families. Local Governance: The Legislative Assembly Open Day logged 4,300 visits, up 62.3% year-on-year, as residents toured the hemicycle and committee spaces. Arts Calendar Disruptions: Unstable weather forced the cancellation of two Sunday events, including the Nam Van Art Tour. Arts Sector Context: Sands China also continues to keep older Macau memories alive, including the firecracker industry’s legacy—now reframed through exhibitions and public programming.

Museum Momentum: Macao’s International Museum Day Carnival pulled in crowds with 26 museums at Praça dos Lótus, turning the city into a hands-on learning playground with workshops, performances and games under the theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World.” Inclusion on the Move: The INCLUSION Conference & Festival starts today, pairing free-access talks on neurodiversity and family support with a run-up to the Macau Golf Masters. Legislature Opens Up: The Legislative Assembly’s Open Day logged 4,300 visits, up 62.3% year-on-year, as residents toured key spaces and met lawmakers. Local Culture, Global Reach: The Philippine Consulate General brought “Baybayin 101” to local youth, while Sands China keeps the memory of Macau’s firecracker industry alive through its Iec Long revitalisation efforts. Arts & Talent: A Krannert award-winning saxophonist’s “Shades of Saxophone” performance spotlights Macau’s growing classical scene, with pianist Ieng Ieng Lam in support.

Museum Spotlight: Macao’s International Museum Day Carnival 2026 kicks off at Lotus Square today, with 26 museums teaming up for games, workshops, and Cantonese Opera for families ahead of 18 May. Business & Access: O MEDIA has unveiled Access Macau, a new unit offering practical market-entry support for international firms, framed around the SAR’s US$16.3b non-gaming investment commitments by concessionaires. Pop Culture Reach: K-pop group Enhypen keeps climbing on Spotify, with “Bite Me” crossing 500M streams and “Sweet Venom” hitting 200M as their Blood Saga tour heads toward Macau in October. Sports Buzz (thin on Macau angle): WWE SmackDown coverage highlights Trick Williams’ win and Cody’s message, while regional karate results note Macau’s presence in the Youth League.

WWE SmackDown: Trick Williams beat The Miz with Lil Yachty’s help, while Gunther crushed Royce W. Keys to set up Cody Rhodes’ next title clash—then Jade Cargill sparked fresh chaos with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. Macau Arts & Culture: The 36th Macau Arts Festival keeps momentum with back-to-back shows at the Macau Cultural Centre, including “The Starry Night – The Musical,” which blends shiwan ceramic artistry and Cantonese opera. Sports Spotlight (Macau): Team China dominated the 11th International Wushu Federation Sanda World Cup in Macau, taking seven golds; India and Vietnam followed. Local Talent Pipeline: Applications open soon for the 44th Macao Young Musicians Competition (Chinese and Western instruments), with registration via Macao One Account. Gaming & Tech: At G2E Asia, LT Game showcased its AI robot dealer “Samantha,” drawing overseas interest from South Korea and Europe. Jobs & Economy: DSAL says Macau’s local unemployment is at a record low, while the Macau Economic Association reports a stable macro outlook despite uneven demand.

Wealth Management Moves: Schroders has named Patrick Schwyzer head of client group for Europe, based in Zurich and reporting to Matt Oomen; Investec, Cazenove and WTW also filled senior roles across offshore real estate lending, portfolio direction and GB wealth leadership. Music & Pop Culture: K-pop powerhouse Enhypen keeps stacking Spotify milestones—“Bite Me” clears 500M streams and “Sweet Venom” tops 200M—while the group’s “Blood Saga” tour continues toward Macau in October. Sports Spotlight (Macau-linked): At Karate One-Youth League Manila, Eduardo Berco III fought back after an early loss but finished seventh after falling to Macau’s Hang Lao Cheok; elsewhere, India’s Vivek Thakur was appointed head coach for the national judo team for a fourth straight year. Local Arts & Community: Applications open for the 44th Macao Young Musicians Competition (Chinese and Western instruments), and more than 20 museums gear up for the “Macao International Museum Day Carnival 2026” at Lotus Square on 17 May. Tech in Entertainment: LT Game showcased its second-gen AI robot dealer “Samantha” at G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo, drawing overseas interest.

Karate in Macau spotlight: At the Karate One Youth League Manila, Eduardo Berco III fought back from an opening loss to reach the repechage, but a final defeat to Macau’s Hang Lao Cheok left him seventh in the junior men’s -61kg—while Rei Alec Servan’s run ended in a tight quarterfinal loss to Australia’s Lucy Choi-Lawrence. Sports-as-brand strategy: Mario Ho used the G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo stage to push Macau’s “Sports Plus” pivot—arguing sports (including esports) can pull in youth culture and high-value visitors beyond gaming. Gaming tech goes AI: LT Game drew overseas interest at the expo with its second-gen robot dealer “Samantha,” while ROBO SPACE showcased robot entertainment and automated drink-making for IRs and hotels. Arts calendar: Applications open soon for the 44th Macao Young Musicians Competition (25 July–6 August), and the Museum Day Carnival 2026 rolls out at Lotus Square on 17 May ahead of 18 May International Museum Day. Local policy & jobs: DSAL says Macau’s local unemployment rate hit a record low 2.1% in Q1, and urges jobseekers to gain experience first.

Karate One-Youth (Macau spotlight): Eduardo Berco III bounced back after a first-round loss, winning twice in the junior men’s -61kg repechage—then fell short again, losing 1-5 to Macau’s Hang Lao Cheok to finish seventh. On the women’s side, Rei Alec Servan’s run ended in the quarterfinals after a late 2-1 defeat to Australia’s Lucy Choi-Lawrence. Wushu momentum in Macau: Team China topped the 11th International Wushu Federation Sanda World Cup medal table with seven golds, while India’s Aparna stunned the reigning world champion to win gold in the women’s 52kg. Gaming & IR industry buzz: At G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo, Macau’s “Sports Plus” pitch from Mario Ho pushed sports and youth culture as the next tourism engine, while LT Game drew overseas interest with its AI robot dealer “Samantha.” Local arts calendar: The Macau Arts Festival keeps rolling with back-to-back CCM shows blending tradition and modern staging, including “The Starry Night – The Musical.”

Gaming Market Pressure: UEC says competition in Manila’s Entertainment City is getting fiercer, pushing up customer-acquisition costs as Okada Manila’s 1Q26 sales and profits slide—prompting a loyalty revamp and the rollout of “OKADA PLAY.” Macau’s Next Identity: Mario Ho used the Asian IR Expo stage to argue Macau must pivot from gaming-only to a “Sports Plus” model, betting sports and esports can pull in youth, fill hotels, and link culture with tech. IR Finance Watch: Studio City moved to redeem up to US$196.4m of 2027 senior notes after its tender offer, signaling active balance-sheet management. Tech Meets Entertainment: LT Game debuted its second-gen AI robot dealer “Samantha,” while ROBO SPACE showed a robot band and automated drink arm—both aimed at IRs and hotels. Arts & Heritage: The 36th Macau Arts Festival keeps blending tradition and modernity with consecutive CCM shows, while Vanda Chan’s “Bacalhau” solo exhibition turns codfish lore into a playful otter quest. Expo Energy: G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo continues to spotlight digital upgrades and new entertainment formats as the sector hunts for its next growth phase.