AGP Executive Report

APEC Tourism in Macao: APEC tourism ministers met in Macao to push digital innovation and seamless travel across the Asia-Pacific, with China’s culture and tourism minister calling for tools like real-time translation and VR to cut language barriers. Local Governance & Sustainability: Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai said the city will use the meeting to share sustainable tourism know-how and deepen regional cooperation, as visitor numbers hit a record high in 2025. Wildlife Management: Macao’s giant panda twins “Jian Jian” and “Kang Kang” will be relocated to Chengdu in October, with their return to the city still uncertain; the pavilion will undergo enclosure and air-conditioning upgrades. Green Finance: The New Development Bank priced a bond in Macao for the first time, supporting infrastructure and sustainable development. Tourism Skills: Agoda and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council marked the first anniversary of the Sustainable Tourism Academy, topping 3,000 registered users and training hospitality professionals across Asia. Mobility & Emissions: Li Auto entered the Macao market on June 26, expanding EV retail and localized vehicle upgrades for cross-border users.

APEC Tourism in Macau: The 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting opened in Macau under “Digital Innovation, Collaborative Empowerment,” with Culture and Tourism Minister Sun Yeli urging digital tools, closer regional cooperation, and wider sharing of tourism benefits. Wildlife Conservation: Macau’s giant panda twins Jian Jian and Kang Kang marked their 10th birthday, with IAM saying they will be relocated to Chengdu at the end of October as part of national management, while the Macau pavilion will undergo upgrades. Culture as Environment for Tourism: An editorial argues Macau shows cultural heritage can be both what visitors come to see and what shapes the destination itself, linking long-running tourism to local identity. Youth Heritage Practice: The Na Tcha Temple Association’s “Na Tcha Temple Lotus Door Three Banquets” fair runs through Thursday, using workshops, performances, and hands-on activities to get young people involved in preserving UNESCO-listed heritage. Sustainable Hospitality: Galaxy Entertainment Group reported further EarthCheck certifications across its hotel brands and MICE facilities, including Banyan Tree Macau moving to Platinum.

APEC Tourism in Macao: Tourism ministers meeting in Macao put digital innovation and sustainable tourism front and center, with China’s minister calling for real-time translation tech, smarter travel facilitation, and better cross-border routes so tourism benefits are shared more broadly. Local Tourism Planning: Macao’s chief executive used the APEC welcome dinner to signal deeper Asia-Pacific cooperation on sustainable tourism, while the pre-ministerial APEC Tourism Working Group discussed digital transformation, travel facilitation, and competitiveness. Giant Panda Conservation: In Seac Pai Van Park, Macao’s giant pandas “Jian Jian” and “Kang Kang” celebrated their 10th birthdays with public events and keepers’ special preparations, highlighting ongoing nature conservation support. Green Hospitality Benchmarking: Galaxy Entertainment Group reported further EarthCheck certifications across its Macau hotels and MICE venues, including Banyan Tree Macau’s upgrade to Platinum, pointing to continued environmental management and sustainability standards in the tourism sector.

APEC Tourism in Macao: Macao hosted the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting and the 67th APEC Tourism Working Group, with officials pushing digital innovation and sustainable tourism. Hong Kong’s tourism strategy was highlighted as it uses big data and AI for smarter visitor info, while Macao’s chief executive said the city is ready to deepen Asia-Pacific cooperation on sustainability. Green finance milestone: The New Development Bank priced a $50m bond in Macao, its first issuance in the SAR, aimed at supporting infrastructure and sustainable development. Sustainable hospitality certification: Galaxy Entertainment Group reported further EarthCheck progress, with Banyan Tree Macau reaching Platinum and other properties upgraded to Gold and Silver, citing stronger environmental management. Wildlife celebration: Macao’s giant pandas “Jian Jian” and “Kang Kang” marked their 10th birthday at Seac Pai Van Park, spotlighting ongoing nature conservation efforts.

APEC Tourism in Macao: Macao is hosting the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting after a 67th APEC Tourism Working Group meeting this week, with officials pushing digital transformation, travel facilitation, human capital, and sustainable tourism plus a 240-hour visa-free transit push to attract multi-destination visitors. Sustainable hospitality certification: Galaxy Entertainment Group says multiple hotel brands and its convention centre have again earned EarthCheck certifications, including Banyan Tree Macau upgrading to Platinum and other properties moving up to Gold/Silver. Wildlife conservation milestone: Macao’s giant pandas “Jian Jian” and “Kang Kang” marked their 10th birthday at Seac Pai Van Park, with keepers preparing an ice cake and conservation-linked public events. Green tourism leadership: SJM Resorts becomes the first Macau organisation to join the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), aiming to embed sustainability across hospitality and events. Finance for infrastructure: The New Development Bank priced a $50m bond in Macao for the first time, tied to infrastructure and sustainable development funding. Transport pressure warning: Lawmakers flagged traffic risks in Zone A if key sea-link works are delayed, urging summer roadworks and better pedestrian access.

APEC Tourism: The 67th APEC Tourism Working Group meeting wrapped up in Macao, with delegates focusing on digital transformation, human capital, travel facilitation, competitiveness, and sustainable tourism ahead of the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting; Macao shared its “tourism+” and smart tourism push, including a 240-hour visa-free transit policy to boost multi-destination travel. Wildlife Conservation: Macao’s Municipal Affairs Bureau marked the 10th birthday of giant pandas “Jian Jian” and “Kang Kang” at Seac Pai Van Park, highlighting ongoing nature conservation support. Sustainable Hospitality: Galaxy Entertainment Group reported further EarthCheck certification progress, with Banyan Tree Macau upgraded to Platinum and other Galaxy hotels and venues earning Gold or Silver, pointing to continued environmental management improvements. Green Tourism Governance: SJM Resorts became the first Macau organisation to join the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), aiming to embed responsible travel standards across hospitality and MICE operations. Urban Environment & Mobility: Lawmakers warned Zone A’s traffic could worsen as it relies on limited bridge access, urging timely summer works and better pedestrian infrastructure while pushing for integrated transport planning. Energy Storage & Climate Tech: Sunwoda showcased next-generation 588Ah-based energy storage systems in Europe, underscoring safer, more compact liquid-cooled battery solutions for utility and commercial use. Drug Abuse & Public Health: A UNODC-linked interview in Macau flagged hidden youth drug use trends, including private e-cigarette consumption, as a growing challenge for anti-drug efforts.

Sustainability in Macau’s tourism sector: Galaxy Entertainment Group says its hotel brands and MICE facilities have again performed strongly under EarthCheck, with Banyan Tree Macau reaching Platinum for the 10th straight year and Galaxy Hotel upgraded to Gold, while several venues earned Silver—highlighting ongoing environmental management and sustainability practices. Drug abuse and hidden risk: A Macau psychologist warns that official drug-abuse figures may miss a “hidden iceberg,” as newer synthetic drugs and private use methods like e-cigarettes can slip past enforcement, especially among youth. Public health and waste reduction: Mannings continues its “Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines Programme,” expanding collection points to 75 across Hong Kong with drop-off boxes at stores and community partners, aiming to prevent improper medicine disposal. Local governance and mobility pressure: Lawmakers warn Zone A’s rapid public housing and facility build-out could overwhelm access routes if key tunnel works slip, urging summer roadworks and better pedestrian infrastructure. Cross-border energy push: Hong Kong and London-linked climate talks focus on scaling urban climate solutions, while Hong Kong also moves to expand zero-carbon electricity imports and related infrastructure. Governance and compliance: Macau’s anti-graft body reports a kickback-and-fraud case tied to delivery contracts, involving bribes and inflated delivery records.

Macau-Hengqin Integration: Macau is accelerating its Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, with the first phase due to start in August for about 1,300 postgraduate students, aiming to deepen cross-border education and talent development. Urban Climate Collaboration: Hong Kong and London backed a seminar during London Climate Action Week to scale practical urban climate solutions across markets, highlighting cleaner energy, greener buildings, and sustainable transport. Marine Sustainability & Trade Links: A China-Caribbean cooperation forum in Trinidad and Tobago put the spotlight on the “Blue Silk Road,” linking marine resource protection, offshore aquaculture, and seawater desalination to sustainable development. Public Health & Waste Reduction: Mannings expanded its “Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines Programme” to 75 collection points in Hong Kong, running 26 June–23 July, to prevent improper disposal and protect health. Wildlife Conservation Spotlight: Macau’s giant pandas “Jian Jian” and “Kang Kang” turn 10 this Friday, with public events at the Giant Panda Pavilion and a card design contest. Governance & Integrity: Macau’s CCAC reported a case of alleged kickbacks and delivery-fee fraud tied to an international courier service, underscoring compliance risks in logistics.

Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Macau’s CCAC says a local supplier paid monthly kickbacks to the head of an international courier’s Macau branch to win delivery contracts, and helped falsify delivery records to steal service fees—netting over MOP5 million in alleged fraud. Public Health & Waste Reduction: Mannings in Hong Kong is running its “Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines Programme” for a fourth year, adding community collection points to reach 75 drop locations for expired or leftover pills (26 June–23 July). Energy & Climate Cooperation: Hong Kong outlined plans to expand zero-carbon electricity imports from the Mainland, aiming for 60–70% zero-carbon power by 2035, alongside grid and hydrogen-related collaboration. Low-Carbon Transport Innovation: Hong Kong is pushing a “low-altitude economy” with drone trials and regulatory sandbox projects, including environmental monitoring and cross-boundary logistics use cases. Macau Social Policy Pressure: A survey by the Macau Social Security Society finds most residents worry about future elderly care costs and lack confidence in long-term financial sustainability, with smart elderly care awareness higher than actual use. Local Governance Debate: Commentary questions whether Macau’s long-running cash handout is solving quality-of-life needs or masking gaps in housing, healthcare, and welfare reforms.

Cross-border green investment: InvestHK led its first New Energy and Sustainability Mission to the UK, bringing 25 Hong Kong firms (from start-ups to investors) to push clean-tech, batteries, renewables, hydrogen and EV infrastructure ties. Energy and climate policy: Hong Kong lawmakers heard plans to boost zero-carbon electricity imports from the Mainland, expand supporting infrastructure, and work on certification and standards as the city targets net-zero electricity generation by 2050. Low-altitude aviation trials: Hong Kong is expanding its low-altitude economy with more drone and aviation regulatory sandbox projects, including environmental monitoring and cross-boundary logistics in the Greater Bay Area. Macao governance and environment-adjacent planning: Macao is accelerating the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, with a first phase starting in August, aiming to deepen cross-border talent and innovation links. Public health and waste safety: Mannings in Hong Kong expanded its “Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines” programme to 75 collection points, encouraging proper disposal of leftover pills to reduce misuse and environmental harm from improper dumping. Integrity and fraud risk: The CCAC reported a case alleging kickbacks and delivery-fee fraud tied to an express service supplier, highlighting how procurement and reporting failures can undermine public trust.

Tourism & Water Recreation: Galaxy Macau is rolling out a summer takeover mixing football fever with high-energy Motorsurf shows at the Grand Resort Deck, plus a “secret garden” floral makeover along Galaxy Promenade and live entertainment across its venues. Cross-border Education: The Macao SAR is accelerating plans for the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, with a first phase opening in August for about 1,300 postgraduate students and a second phase expected by 2029. Wildlife & Public Nature Engagement: Giant pandas “Jian Jian” and “Kang Kang” turn 10 this Friday at the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion, with public activities including a card design award and themed photo spots. Cultural Heritage: The Cultural Heritage Committee approved new inheritors for Macau’s intangible heritage, including Na Tcha Temple Association president Ip Tat, keeping the tradition alive near the UNESCO-listed Na Tcha Temple. Sustainable Tourism Diplomacy: Indonesia’s consulate held an event at Wynn Macau on sustainable tourism and Greater Bay Area partnerships, positioning Macau as a key entry point into the region. Climate & Sustainability Policy Dialogue: Greenway 2026 in Hong Kong highlighted sustainability targets and innovation-led decarbonisation, with speakers stressing climate risks and the role of green finance. Mobility Governance: FIA’s World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau approved updates to motorsport rules and discussed future power unit concepts, including sustainable fuels.

Motorsport & Heat Safety: FIA’s WMSC meeting in Macau approved updates to 2026 rules and ratified proposed 2027–28 changes, including a split “Heat Hazard” declaration between Sprint and Race and safer Boost Mode limits in wet, low-visibility conditions. Sustainable Gastronomy in Macau: MGM China hosted a forum on sustainable food and beverage operations, linking responsible sourcing and food-waste reduction to better environmental performance and resilience, in line with UN Sustainable Gastronomy Day. Circular Fashion with DHL: DHL Express and Hong Kong designer Eric Wong launched an upcycled collection made from retired DHL courier uniforms, with proceeds supporting Redress and circular design. Food Safety Alert: Hong Kong’s CHP is investigating suspected paralytic shellfish poisoning after a family ate whelk; the toxin is heat-stable, so cooking won’t remove it. Climate-Linked Policy Push: At Greenway 2026, Hong Kong leaders stressed sustainability through innovation, citing rising global temperature risk and the need to cut emissions while scaling green finance and clean energy. Public Health & HIV Prevention: Hong Kong’s AIDS Advisory Council backed a one-stop sexual health service and aligned local HIV prevention planning with UNAIDS’ 2026–2031 global strategy.

Sustainability & Climate Policy: Acting CE Paul Lam opened Greenway 2026, stressing that climate risks are intensifying and that innovation is key to driving sustainability, citing rising global temperature odds and the likelihood of El Niño. Green Motorsport & Youth Pathways: FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem visited Coloane Karting Track and backed efforts to make grassroots racing more affordable; the FIA also announced a new Silver Cup format for the FIA GT World Cup in Macau to spotlight emerging Silver-rated talent. Public Health & Food Safety: Hong Kong’s CHP is investigating a suspected paralytic shellfish poisoning case after whelk consumption, while the Hospital Authority invited the public to observe its June 25 board meeting covering community care and hospital service updates. Circular Fashion & Emissions: DHL Express and Hong Kong designer Eric Wong launched an upcycled accessory line made from retired courier uniforms, with proceeds supporting Redress and shipments using GoGreen Plus to cut CO2 via sustainable aviation fuel. Heat & Worker Safety: Hong Kong’s Labour Department issued a heat-stress warning urging employers to assess risks and adopt measures like shade, ventilation, and rest breaks. Biodiversity & Wildlife Trade: Gongbei Customs seized 10 musk turtles at the HZMB, highlighting ongoing wildlife protection enforcement.

Heat & Food Safety: Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection is investigating suspected paralytic shellfish poisoning after a family ate whelk in Causeway Bay; symptoms appeared within minutes to hours and the case is being followed up by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Workplace Climate Risk: Hong Kong’s Labour Department issued a Heat Stress at Work warning, urging employers to assess heat-stroke risks and adopt measures like rescheduling, shade, ventilation, and water/rest breaks. Macau Digital Constraints: An AI symposium in Macau highlighted how data residency rules block integrated resort operators from using standard public cloud services, pushing costly on-premise setups and raising concerns about Macau’s competitiveness in the regional AI race. Circular Fashion (Macao/HK): DHL Express and designer Eric Wong launched an upcycled collection made from retired courier uniforms, with proceeds supporting Redress and circular fashion initiatives; DHL says international shipping will use GoGreen Plus with sustainable aviation fuel. Aquaculture & Oceans: A UN FAO report says global aquatic animal and algae production hit a new high in 2024, with Asia driving most growth through aquaculture expansion. Public Health/Environment Link: Hong Kong also reported a major fine against Phoenix Feast Group for violating employee compensation rules after a workplace injury—an indirect reminder that safer workplaces matter alongside environmental protections.

Upcycled fashion with climate angle: DHL Express Hong Kong and Macau teamed up with designer Eric Wong/Absurd Laboratory to launch the DHL x Absurd Laboratory BFFS Upcycled Collection, made from retired courier uniforms; proceeds support Redress and its circular-fashion programmes, while DHL says GoGreen Plus shipping uses Sustainable Aviation Fuel to cut CO2. Heat risk guidance: Hong Kong’s Labour Department issued a Heat Stress at Work Warning, urging employers to assess heat-stroke risks and adopt controls like rescheduling, shade, ventilation, and water/rest breaks. Macau AI cloud constraint spotlighted: At an AI symposium in Macau, tech leaders warned that strict data residency rules force integrated resort operators to run AI on-premise, raising costs and slowing deployment versus regional cloud-based rivals. Motorsport and mobility sustainability focus: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem visited Coloane Karting Track ahead of the FIA Extraordinary General Assembly in Macau, where delegates will discuss road safety and sustainable mobility. Giant panda conservation outreach: Macau’s IAM plans a 10th birthday celebration for pandas “Jian Jian” and “Kang Kang” at Seac Pai Van Park, with public events and themed activities. Aquaculture and marine food pressure: A UN FAO report says global aquatic animal and algae production hit a new high in 2024, driven mainly by aquaculture expansion, with Asia producing the bulk.

Heat & Safety: Hong Kong’s Labour Department issued a Heat Stress at Work warning, urging employers to assess risks and use measures like rescheduling work, shade, ventilation, water breaks and rest to prevent heat stroke. Macau Digital Policy: Tech leaders at a Macau AI symposium warned that strict data residency rules force integrated resort operators to run AI on-premise, raising costs and slowing deployment versus cloud-based rivals in Hong Kong and Guangdong. Aquaculture & Oceans: A UN FAO report says global aquatic animal and algae production hit a new high in 2024, driven mainly by aquaculture, with Asia producing most of the growth. Wildlife & Trade Enforcement: Gongbei Customs seized 10 musk turtles at the HZMB, highlighting ongoing wildlife trafficking crackdowns. Tourism & Sustainability: MGTO released a documentary for UN Sustainable Gastronomy Day, linking Macao’s food culture with sustainable development goals. Public Health (Water): CHP reported four new Legionnaires’ disease cases and urged residents to maintain water systems and follow health precautions.