AGP Executive Report

AI Chip Crackdown: Taiwan launched its first-ever criminal action against illegal AI hardware exports, raiding 12 sites and seeking detention of three people tied to alleged forged paperwork for Nvidia-equipped servers—an enforcement push that landed just as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang urged Supermicro partners to “enhance and improve” compliance. Macau Tourism: Macau logged 3,441,396 visitor arrivals in April, up 11.3% year-on-year, with international arrivals rising 10.5% to 254,136. Fuel Relief: Macau’s Executive Council is extending price support beyond diesel with subsidies for LPG and petrol starting next Tuesday, aiming to blunt global fuel volatility. Gaming Finance: Fitch cut SJM Holdings’ rating to B+ from BB-, citing slower-than-expected deleveraging and weaker earnings recovery tied to Macau market-share dilution. Culture & Community: A Macau-set film win made headlines as “Riverstone” took Best Cinematography at the Asian Art Film Festival in Macau, while UM’s Congregation 2026 is set for 30 May. Food & Lifestyle: Macau’s Municipal Affairs Bureau warned residents to stop eating a specific Thai “shredded pork stick” batch after a Hong Kong food-safety alert flagged excessive BHT.

Legal Ties: Portugal’s Morais Leitão has signed up Macau’s Lupi & Associates in a new strategic partnership, adding a third Asia-Pacific node to support cross-border deals across Portugal, Macau, mainland China and Lusophone Africa. Gaming & Finance: Fitch downgraded SJM Holdings to B+ over weaker-than-expected Macau market share after satellite casino closures, while Macau’s April visitor numbers rose 11.3% year-on-year to 3.44 million. Public Policy: The government is extending fuel relief beyond diesel, with subsidies planned for LPG and petrol. Health & Safety: IAM urged residents to stop eating a Thai “shredded pork stick” after Hong Kong flagged excessive BHT levels. Culture & Tech: A Macau-set UFC card is coming, and Macau hosted an international radiotheranostics symposium drawing over 100 experts. Global Noise: Online “fish torture” AI videos from China keep spreading as rage-bait.

Tourism Pulse: Macau logged 3,441,396 visitor arrivals in April, up 11.3% year-on-year, with international visitors rising 10.5% to 254,136; for Jan–Apr total arrivals hit 14,655,300 (+13.1%), a new record for the period. Fuel Relief: After a diesel subsidy, the Executive Council says it will also subsidise petrol and LPG from next Tuesday to July 25, cutting LPG by 2.55 patacas per kg and petrol by 1.5 patacas per litre at purchase. Public Health Watch: IAM urged residents to stop eating a Thai “shredded pork stick” brand “Lim Jing Hieng” after Hong Kong flagged excessive BHT levels; the food sector was told to halt sales of the batch. Leadership Move: Manulife Hong Kong and Macau appointed Wilton Kee as CEO from 1 July 2026, as part of its succession plan. Culture & Science: UM will hold its Congregation 2026 on 30 May, while a radiotheranostics symposium drew 100+ researchers to discuss next steps for personalised cancer care.

Chip Smuggling Crackdown: Nvidia boss Jensen Huang urged partners to tighten legal compliance after Taiwan detained three people accused of falsifying paperwork to ship Super Micro AI servers with Nvidia chips toward China. Tourism Push: Macau’s visitor numbers keep climbing, with 14.6 million arrivals in Jan–Apr (+13.1% YoY) and April alone hitting 3.44 million (+11.3%). Fuel Relief: Macau’s Executive Council is extending price support beyond diesel, adding subsidies for LPG and petrol from next Tuesday to July 25. Food Safety Watch: IAM told the public to stop eating a Thai “shredded pork stick” batch after a Hong Kong alert flagged excessive BHT. Business & Leadership: Manulife named Wilton Kee CEO for Hong Kong and Macau, effective July 1 (pending approval). Regional Travel Rules: Thailand cut visa-free stays for 54 countries to 30 days, while the US pauses immigrant visa processing for 75 countries including Egypt—prompting a scramble for visa-free alternatives.

UFC in Macau: UFC veterans are back in the spotlight after a busy May 22–24 slate, and the next big Macau stop is already set—UFC Fight Night 277 at Galaxy Macau next weekend, headlined by Deiveson Figueiredo vs Song Yadong. Combat-sports buzz: China’s “fighting doctor” Shi Ming is set to face India’s Puja Tomar in a Road to UFC bout in Macau, with Shi saying “half the world” will be watching. Tourism surge: Macau logged a record 14.6 million visitors in Jan–Apr (+13.1% y/y), with April alone hitting 3.44 million (+11.3%). Fuel relief: After diesel, the government will subsidise petrol and LPG too—discounts run from next Tuesday to July 25. Public health watch: IAM urged residents to stop eating a Thai “shredded pork stick” after Hong Kong flagged excessive BHT levels. Local services: Power works will disrupt parts of Rotunda de Carlos da Maia on 26 May, and the government 24-hour self-service centre will be suspended during maintenance.

Tourism Surge: Macau logged a record 14.6 million visitors in Jan–Apr, up 13.1% year-on-year, with April alone hitting 3.44 million arrivals. Fuel Relief: After a diesel subsidy, the government says it will also subsidise petrol and LPG from next Tuesday to July 25, cutting LPG by 2.55 patacas per kg and petrol by 1.5 per litre. Public Health Watch: IAM urged residents to stop eating a pre-packaged shredded pork stick (“Lim Jing Hieng”) after Hong Kong flagged excessive BHT levels, and told the trade to halt the affected batch. Healthcare Access: Macao Union Medical Center will adjust services for the Buddha’s Birthday holiday—outpatient and related clinics close, while emergency and inpatient care continue. Business & Tech: K25.ai secured $2m from NewGenIVF at a $100m valuation, eyeing public-market options, while Manulife named Wilton Kee as CEO for Hong Kong and Macau. Culture & Science: UM will hold Congregation on 30 May, and a radiotheranostics symposium drew 100+ researchers to discuss next steps for personalised cancer care.

Smart Casino Tech: Angel Group is rolling out its AI “Bet Attributor” smart-table system for Asia-Pacific markets, using table cameras to directly track players and their bets. Cross-Border Crime Crackdown: Taiwan prosecutors detained three men over alleged forged export documents tied to Nvidia AI servers shipped toward Hong Kong and possibly China, with Macau and Hong Kong named in the alleged destinations. Visa Policy Shift: Thailand cut visa-free stays for 54 countries from 60 to 30 days, citing overstays, crime, and illegal work concerns. Local Governance & Health Services: Macau’s Municipal Affairs Bureau says municipal kennels will pause new bookings for veterinary surgeries and expanded outpatient services, citing readiness gaps, while a temporary service point at Ox Warehouse will cover core needs. Finance Anxiety: A survey finds over 60% of Hong Kong and Macau residents feel financially anxious, with rising living costs and medical expenses topping worries. Business & Appointments: Manulife Hong Kong and Macau appointed Wilton Kee as CEO, replacing Patrick Graham. Sports & Entertainment: UFC Macau is set for May 30 with a short-notice flyweight matchup, while Galaxy Macau is staging UFC Fight Week fan activations.

Pharma Approvals: ACA Pharma and Azurity say both Feraheme® and Ferabright™ have received regulatory approval in Macau, pushing ferumoxytol-based options further into Greater China. Anti-Fraud Crackdown: Police wrapped up Operation FRONTIER+ III, arresting 3,018 suspects across 10 jurisdictions tied to $752 million in fraud losses, with Macau among the participating hubs. Municipal Listening: The Consultative Committee on Municipal Affairs held focus groups and opinion sessions on resource centres, markets, city appearance, hygiene, and leisure space planning. Market Tendering: IAM received 222 bids for seven cooked food stalls at Tamagnini Barbosa Market, with operator selection now underway. Tech & Trade: Taiwan prosecutors opened an investigation into three people accused of illegal export of high-end AI servers to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. Health Policy: A new NMPA approval in China backs ELUNATE® plus TYVYT® for certain renal cell carcinoma patients. Local Services: Macau Municipal Kennel’s temporary service point is set to start June 1 during renovations.

Cross-border scam crackdown: Macau’s Judiciary Police joined forces with nine anti-fraud centres under the “FRONTIER+” platform, targeting online shopping, task scams, fake investments and impersonation. The wider operation across 10 territories led to 3,018 arrests and 102,000 bank accounts frozen, with losses topping 6 billion patacas. Fraud arrests: PJ also nabbed a woman from the mainland for cheating two illegal currency exchange dealers using counterfeit casino chips and QR-code transfers. Public finance: A 60% personal income tax rebate for 2024 starts tomorrow, capped at MOP 14,000 per taxpayer. Municipal services: The Municipal Kennel’s temporary service point opens June 1 during renovations. Sports & culture: Sands China confirmed the Macau Open Badminton returns June 16–21, while the 36th Macao Arts Festival adds an extra performance of “Her Dynasty” on June 26.

Tax Rebates Start: Macau’s 2024 personal income tax rebate—60% of tax paid, capped at 14,000 patacas per person—kicks off tomorrow, with DSF saying payments will land by bank transfer for registered taxpayers or by crossed cheque for others (cheques expected to arrive early next month). Scam Warning: Judiciary Police stopped a mainland man from losing 1 million yuan in a “fake police” phone scam, and also flagged two more local victims who lost a combined 579,960 patacas earlier this week. Cross-Border Justice: Macau and Kazakhstan signed three criminal judicial cooperation deals covering mutual legal assistance, extradition, and transfer of sentenced persons. Sports & Culture: MGM’s “HAHALULU” exhibition has been extended to One Central, while Sands China confirmed the Macau Open Badminton 2026 returns June 16–21. Public Health & Services: IAM warned of fraudulent donation impersonations, and announced the Municipal Kennel’s temporary closure from June 1 with a temporary service point set up the same day.

Food Safety Crackdown: IAM ordered a Travessa do Padre Soares eatery to stop selling a rice dish after a random sample tested “unsatisfactory” for Clostridium perfringens, and also told staff to take food hygiene training. More Contamination Alerts: IAM also suspended two “siu-mei” products from another shop after samples came back “unsatisfactory” for Listeria monocytogenes, with follow-up inspections required. Public Engagement Push: IAM launched a new webpage, “Municipal Affairs in Service to the Public,” aiming to make municipal updates easier to find and boost resident participation in urban governance. Health Watch: Macau stepped up Ebola-related screening and preparedness after WHO declared the DRC-Uganda outbreak a public health emergency. Tourism & Culture: MGTO says Macau won “Asia’s Best Luxury Destination,” while the Children’s Arts Festival is set to expand, with about 1,000 programmes and 300,000 expected participants.

Sports Calendar: FIBA has confirmed two new stops for the FIBA 3x3 Men’s World Tour 2026, including Macau (Oct 17-18), plus extra Challengers events across Asia and Europe. Local Governance: The IAM is launching a new public webpage, “Municipal Affairs in Service to the Public,” to make municipal updates and service channels easier to follow. Infrastructure Disruption: Amizade Bridge maintenance starts this Saturday, with single-lane traffic on approach ramps in phases until mid-August. Health Watch: Macau has stepped up Ebola-related screenings for travellers from affected regions, even as officials say the immediate risk is low. Gaming & Business: Asia Pioneer Entertainment (APE) expands beyond gaming hardware by signing a distribution deal with Germany’s CountR for cash-handling kiosks across Asia. Tourism Spotlight: Macau has been named Asia’s Best Luxury Destination, with MGTO pointing to a sharp 84.5% jump in Russian visitors in Q1.

Municipal Services Push: IAM will launch a new dedicated webpage, “Municipal Affairs in Service to the Public,” from 19 May, aiming to make municipal updates more transparent and easier for residents to track and engage with. Public Health Alert: Macau’s Health Bureau is urging vigilance against Ebola after WHO declared the outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with added checks at borders, medical institutions, and the community. Infrastructure Update: The Friendship Bridge gets a 90-day maintenance start this Saturday, with lanes on both ends cut from two to one as repairs begin. Gaming & Tech: Angel says its smart tables now cover over 90% of casino floors, with full coverage “on the horizon,” while APE expands its Asia distribution deal for CountR automated cash-handling products. Tourism Spotlight: Macau has been named “Asia’s Best Luxury Destination 2026,” as MGTO points to rising visitor numbers, including a sharp jump in Russian arrivals.

Markets & Gaming: A JPMorgan analyst warns MGM stock could get more volatile if Caesars is taken private, removing one major public “proxy” for Las Vegas Strip sentiment. Macau Economy & Finance: MGM China shareholders approved a final HKD0.353 dividend for 2025, with Moody’s also downgrading SJM’s credit rating to B1 while expecting leverage to stay elevated. Public Policy & Daily Life: Macau’s civil service bureau rejects claims of “invisible overtime,” while a three-sided outdoor smoking booth is being trialled as smoke-free rules tighten. Culture & Community: Macau named “Asia’s Best Luxury Destination 2026,” and the International Museum Day Carnival drew crowds with 26 museums and hands-on activities. Regional Watch: In Hong Kong, closing arguments begin in the Tiananmen activists’ national security trial, with prosecutors saying freedom of speech isn’t absolute. Health & Safety: The Health Bureau urges travellers to stay vigilant over hantavirus risks linked to an Atlantic cruise.

Luxury & Culture: Macau just landed “Asia’s Best Luxury Destination 2026” at LUXE Asia in Shanghai, while the Macao International Museum Day Carnival kept crowds busy with 26 museums, workshops and performances. Public Health: The Health Bureau is urging travellers to stay alert to a hantavirus situation tied to an Atlantic cruise ship, with hygiene and rodent-avoidance advice. Civic Life: The Legislative Assembly’s Open Day drew 4,300 visits (+62.3%), and the INCLUSION Conference & Festival starts today with free admission sessions and a “Macau Golf Masters” run. Business & Markets: Chow Tai Fook opened its first global flagship store in Hong Kong, and Sompo named Megan Yeung senior casualty underwriter for Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Cultural Spotlight: Macao’s International Museum Day Carnival 2026 kicked off today at Lotus Square, with 26 museums teaming up for games, Cantonese Opera for kids, and workshops ahead of 18 May. Business & Diversification: O MEDIA launched “Access Macau,” a new unit offering practical market-entry support for international firms, tied to concessionaires’ US$16.3bn non-gaming investment commitments for 2023-2032. Regional Finance: OCBC says it will expand wealth management in Hong Kong and Macau, hiring 30–50 relationship managers in 2026 and opening a Premier Private Client Centre for clients with at least US$1m in assets. Gaming Industry Watch: RWS management is pushing ahead with its casino transformation but rejects comparisons with Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, citing different priorities. Sports & Entertainment: Enhypen’s “Bite Me” and “Sweet Venom” keep climbing on Spotify, and the group’s tour includes Macau in October. Community & Cross-border Life: The Social Security Fund held Hengqin outreach sessions explaining new cross-border convenience rules for Macao residents.