AGP Executive Report

Air Quality & Regional Cooperation: Guangdong plans “blue skies” for the APEC summit, tightening smog and air pollution controls across Shenzhen and nearby cities and coordinating with Hong Kong and Macau on forecasting, monitoring, warnings and response. Marine Climate Signals: A South China Sea sediment study says post-1950 dam building has reshaped the seafloor record, weakening how reliably single climate proxies can be read in this region. Biodiversity in Action: In Shanghai, residents use smartphone-linked acoustic sensors to join a “City Bat Hunt” for bats, feeding a growing biodiversity database and aiming for the city’s first bat distribution map. Local Food Safety: Macau’s health authority reports no lead poisoning cases so far after follow-up on a powdered infant formula batch flagged for possible excessive lead. Hengqin Tech & Tourism: A new embodied AI theme park is set for Hengqin Chimelong, aiming to build an end-to-end embodied AI ecosystem for culture and tourism. UM & Talent: UM welcomed nearly 80 new academic staff, including research spanning sustainability-related social mechanisms and other advanced fields.

Citizen Science for Biodiversity: In Shanghai, residents are joining the “City Bat Hunt” using smartphone-linked ultrasound sensors to map hidden bat populations, feeding sightings into a growing database aimed at producing the city’s first reliable bat distribution map. Marine Climate Signals Revisited: A new South China Sea sediment-core study says dam-building after 1950 has reshaped the seafloor record so strongly that it can mask monsoon-linked climate signals, raising questions about single-proxy reconstructions. Macau Food Safety Follow-up: Macau’s Health Department reports no lead poisoning cases so far after follow-up on a batch of powdered infant formula (Frisolac Prestige Stage 1) found with lead possibly above the permissible level. Local Governance Reform: Macau’s Executive Council announced restructuring of several entities and departments to streamline bureaucracy, merge bodies, and shift supervisory responsibilities to improve efficiency and service delivery. Regional Air-Quality Push: Guangdong plans coordinated smog and pollution controls for the APEC summit period, including monitoring and cross-border tackling with Hong Kong and Macau. Smart-City Research: UM’s State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City held its academic committee meeting, reviewing work and discussing research directions and talent cultivation.

Embodied AI & Tourism in Hengqin: Guangdong-Macao’s Hengqin cooperation zone says a world-first immersive “embodied AI” theme park will open at Hengqin Chimelong International Ocean Resort, mixing humanoid-robot experiences with smart hotels, shows, and an on-site AI lab aimed at scaling robots for culture and tourism. Biodiversity Watch in China: In Shanghai, a citizen-science “City Bat Hunt” uses small ultrasound detectors and volunteer reports to build a bat distribution map, framing bats as key ecosystem players and a sign of improving local environmental conditions. Air-Pollution Controls for APEC: Guangdong’s plan for “blue skies” ahead of APEC includes tighter smog and pollution monitoring across Shenzhen and nearby cities, plus cross-border coordination with Hong Kong and Macau to forecast, warn, and tackle pollution during the summit window. Food Safety Follow-up in Macau: Macau’s health authorities report no lead poisoning cases so far after follow-up on a powdered infant formula batch flagged for lead possibly above limits, with a hotline and referrals continuing. Green-Energy Youth Exchange: Youth leaders in Shenzhen visited a “zero-carbon smart educational substation” and discussed green and low-carbon transition, linking electricity and computing power to regional sustainability goals. Electric Mobility for Health: Macau’s CEM ran an indoor e-karting event promoting electric power and “healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyles” for families and youth.

APEC Air-Quality Crackdown: Shenzhen and Guangdong are tightening smog and pollution controls ahead of the November APEC summit, with AI used to pinpoint sources and cross-border steps planned with Hong Kong and Macau to “forecast, monitor, warn and tackle” pollution. Public Health Watch: Macau reported a new Legionnaires’ disease case (10 so far this year), with health officials set to collect environmental samples around the patient’s home to trace the source. Hengqin Green Access: Macau residents can start renting farmland in Hengqin, with the “Peach Blossom Spring Farm” opening end-September for cultivation, picking, nature education, and family-friendly outdoor recreation. Sustainable Learning & Climate Youth: A Macau youth summit (WYF-FLALS) put “Our Changing Climate” at the center, using arts, science, and social studies to explore climate change’s scientific and economic impacts. Smart City Research: UM’s State Key Laboratory for Smart City held its academic committee meeting, focusing on research directions, talent, and technology transfer.

Air Quality & Regional Coordination: Guangdong plans “blue skies” for the APEC summit, with smog controls, AI source-tracking, and cross-border pollution forecasting, monitoring, warning and response involving Hong Kong and Macau. Public Health: Macau reported a new Legionnaires’ disease case (10 so far this year); health officials will collect environmental samples at the patient’s home and surroundings to find the source. Green Energy Youth Exchange: A Shenzhen gathering brought Asia-Pacific youth to discuss the green and low-carbon transition, including visits to a zero-carbon smart educational substation. Smart City Research in Macau: UM’s State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City held its academic committee meeting, focusing on research directions, talent, and technology transfer. Community Nature Access (Hengqin): Macau residents can rent farmland at “Peach Blossom Spring Farm” in Hengqin from today, with cultivation, picking, nature education and family facilities. Electric Mobility (CEM): CEM ran a free indoor e-karting event in Macau to promote electric power and more environmentally conscious lifestyles. Policy Consultation (Macau): Macau launched a one-month public consultation on the 2027 Policy Address, inviting residents to submit views via multiple channels. Sustainable Agriculture (APEC): Macau’s environment chief is set to attend APEC’s Food Security Ministerial Meeting in Hangzhou, focusing on high-quality agricultural and rural development.

APEC Air-Quality Push: Guangdong plans “blue skies” for the Nov Apec summit, tightening smog controls in Shenzhen and nearby cities and coordinating with Hong Kong and Macau on pollution forecasting, monitoring, warnings and response, including AI source-tracking and tougher checks on straw burning and polluting plants. Health & Environment: Macau reported an 82-year-old Legionnaires’ disease case; the Health Bureau will collect environmental samples around the patient’s home to find the infection source and apply targeted fixes. Green Food Security Diplomacy: Macau’s Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan is set to attend the Apec Food Security Ministerial Meeting in Hangzhou, focusing on sustainable agriculture, fisheries and digital innovation for regional food security. Nature Access in Hengqin: Macau residents can start renting farmland in Hengqin, with the “Peach Blossom Spring Farm” opening later this year for cultivation, picking, nature education and family recreation. Smart City Research: University of Macau’s State Key Laboratory for Smart City IoT held its academic committee meeting, discussing research directions, talent and technology transfer. Electric Mobility Lifestyle: CEM ran a Macau-themed indoor e-karting event promoting electric power and “environmentally conscious” habits.

Legionnaires’ Disease Alert: Macau’s Health Bureau reported a new 82-year-old male case, bringing the city’s total to 10 this year; officials will collect environmental samples around the patient’s home to trace the source and apply targeted fixes. Smart, Cleaner Energy Lifestyle: CEM held a free indoor e-karting event at Lisboeta Macau with 90 competitors, promoting “healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyles” while letting residents experience electric power. Smart City Research Push: The State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City at UM convened its academic committee meeting, reviewing progress and mapping next steps for research, talent, and technology transfer. Policy Input Window Opens: Macau launched a one-month public consultation on the 2027 Policy Address (24 Aug–23 Sep), inviting residents to submit views via the One Account platform and other channels. Hengqin Nature Access: Macau residents can now rent farmland on Hengqin’s “Peach Blossom Spring Farm,” a 20,000 sq m site mixing cultivation, picking, nature education, and family facilities. Tourism-Led Economy Update: DSEC said Macau’s economy grew 3.7% in real terms in the first half of 2026, driven by rising visitor arrivals and service exports. Youth Climate Learning in Macau: WYF-FLALS 2026 wrapped up in Macao, bringing 400+ students to explore “Our Changing Climate” through interdisciplinary learning and cultural exchange.

Public Health Watch: Macau reported a new Legionnaires’ disease case—an 82-year-old man with chronic illness tested positive after fever and cough, and the Health Bureau will collect environmental samples around his home to find the source. Climate & Food Security Diplomacy: Hong Kong’s Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan is set to attend APEC’s Food Security Ministerial Meeting in Hangzhou, focusing on high-quality agricultural and rural development, science, and digital tools. Hengqin Nature Access: Macau residents can now rent farmland in Hengqin’s “Peach Blossom Spring Farm,” a 20,000 sq m site planned for cultivation, picking, nature education, and family-friendly eco-leisure. Local Economy & Sustainability Context: Macau’s economy grew 3.7% in the first half of 2026 on stronger visitor and tourism services exports, while investment weakened—an important backdrop for how environmental and land-use priorities may be shaped. Youth Climate Learning: A WYF-FLALS 2026 summit in Macao brought 400+ students to explore “Our Changing Climate” through interdisciplinary projects spanning science, economics, arts, and music.

Legionnaires’ Disease Alert: Macau’s Health Bureau reported a new 82-year-old male case, bringing the city’s total to 10 this year; officials will collect environmental samples around the patient’s home to find the source and apply targeted fixes. Hengqin Green Recreation: Macau residents can now rent farmland on Hengqin’s “Peach Blossom Spring Farm,” a 20,000 sq m site planned to open fully at end-September with cultivation, fruit/veg picking, nature education, and family facilities. Policy Feedback Window: The government has opened a one-month public consultation on drafting the 2027 Policy Address, running until Sept 23, with submissions via One Account, phone, fax, email, or mail. Macao’s 3rd Five-Year Plan: Economy and Finance Secretary Dora Ng says the 2026–2030 plan targets raising non-gaming value to about 60% of GDP by 2030, using an “1+4” industrial framework and a government guidance fund to attract investment. APEC Food Security: Environment and Ecology Secretary Tse Chin-wan will attend the APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting in Hangzhou to push high-quality agricultural and rural development. Green Skills for Youth: A “Green City” themed Macao student fashion competition encouraged recycled materials and low-carbon production methods. Green Energy Talk in Shenzhen: Asia-Pacific youth gathered in Shenzhen to discuss how the green energy transition can shape the region’s future, including visits to a zero-carbon interactive substation.

APEC Food Security: Macau’s Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Tse Chin-wan, is set to travel to Hangzhou to attend the APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting, focusing on high-quality agricultural and rural development, science and digital transformation for food security. Macao-Hengqin MICE Push: In Hengqin, revised support measures for the MICE industry are being highlighted as “regularized and sustainable,” including conference subsidies tied to ICCA statistics and incentives for first-time accreditation—aiming to attract more international bids over the next two years. Community-First Tourism: At PATA Travel Mart’s knowledge forum, Macau’s tourism-plus strategy was presented as a way to keep tourism sustainable and locally relevant, including revitalising historic streets as living cultural spaces. Green Skills for Youth: The 2026 Macao Student Fashion Creativity Competitions used a “Green City” theme, encouraging recycled materials and low-carbon production methods in student designs. Wildlife Watch: Gongbei Customs seized 158 terrapins, underscoring ongoing wildlife protection enforcement in the region.

Macao-Hengqin Planning & Heritage: During talks on Macau’s Third Five-Year Plan, an urban planner urged clearer population and mobility data before protective renewal around the Ruins of St. Paul’s, warning that piecemeal fixes won’t work without firm goals. Green Skills for Youth: The “Green City” theme shaped the 2026 Macao Student Fashion Creativity Competitions, pushing recycled materials and low-carbon production methods into student designs. Tourism With a Community Lens: At PATA Travel Mart, Macau’s tourism office highlighted a “tourism-plus” approach that ties visitor experiences to local life and heritage, with awards also spotlighting sustainability and social responsibility across the region. Cross-Boundary Governance: Macau’s administration and justice chief said aligning rules and mechanisms with Hengqin is a key, complex task for integrated development. Wildlife & Nature Notes: Gongbei Customs seized 158 terrapins, underscoring ongoing wildlife protection needs. Regional Media Links: Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union signed an MOU to share local stories globally, a reminder that environmental reporting also depends on cross-border communication.

Cross-Border Transport Readiness: Hong Kong ran its first stress test for Huanggang Port passenger and vehicle flows with Shenzhen, mobilising 10,000+ civil servants and testing “collaborative inspection” automated clearance plus crowd management. Legal Services & Compliance: China’s MOFCOM placed the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) on its countermeasure list, raising major knock-on risks for companies that rely on RBA-linked supplier audits in China. Macao-Hengqin Governance: Macau’s administration and justice chief stressed rule-and-mechanism alignment with Hengqin as a key, difficult task under the city’s Third Five-Year Plan. Sustainable Youth Skills: Macao’s student fashion competitions adopted a “Green City” theme, pushing recycled materials and low-carbon production methods. Biodiversity-Friendly Planning: A “butterfly-friendly garden” is set for Macau’s peninsula, aiming to boost urban habitat for pollinators. Community Heritage vs Renewal: Planners and scholars urged protective renewal around the Ruins of St. Paul’s to balance residents’ needs with heritage preservation.

Green Skills in Fashion: Macao’s 2026 Student Fashion Creativity Competitions pushed sustainability into design, with the “Green City” theme encouraging recycled materials and low-carbon production methods. Heritage vs. Renewal: During discussion of Macau’s Third Five-Year Plan, planners and a scholar urged protective renewal around the Ruins of St. Paul’s to balance residents’ needs with heritage conservation. Cross-border Governance: Macau’s administration said rule alignment with Hengqin is a key, complex task for integrated development under the Third Five-Year Plan. Tourism Sustainability Recognition: Macau’s tourism projects and resorts won a record seven PATA Gold Awards 2026, including honours tied to sustainability and social responsibility. Biodiversity Moment: A local “butterfly-friendly garden” for Macau’s peninsula was flagged as the first of its kind, aiming to support urban nature. Regional Climate Context: A global diesel price ranking highlighted energy-cost pressures worldwide, with implications for transport and emissions planning.

Urban Renewal & Heritage: Macau’s Third Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) is out, with a city-wide building survey due in the second half of the year to support urban renewal, while planners warn the Ruins of St. Paul’s area must balance residents’ needs with historical fabric. Hengqin Integration Governance: Macau says it will push “alignment of rules and mechanisms” with Hengqin as a key, difficult task under the plan, aiming to deepen cooperation in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone. Sustainable Skills for Youth: The 2026 Macao Student Fashion Creativity Competitions used a “Green City” theme, urging recycled materials and low-carbon production methods. Biodiversity & Nature Care: A local “butterfly-friendly garden” for Macau’s peninsula is slated for next month, adding to efforts to bring nature into the city. Tourism With Community Impact: At PATA Travel Mart, Macau’s tourism strategy was highlighted as “community-first” and tied to sustainability and social responsibility, with MGTO and resort projects winning PATA Gold Awards. Wildlife Smuggling Crackdown: Gongbei Customs seized 158 terrapins in Gongbei, underscoring ongoing wildlife enforcement risks in the region.

Urban Renewal & Building Health Checks: Macau’s Third Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) is now published, with a city-wide building survey set to start in the second half of the year as part of urban renewal and “health checks” to assess building and public facility conditions. Sustainable Skills for Youth: The 2026 Macao Student Fashion Creativity Competitions (54 students, 22 schools) used a “Green City” theme, pushing recycled materials and low-carbon production methods into fashion technology, merchandising display, beauty tech and illustration. Wildlife Protection at the Border: Zhuhai’s Gongbei Customs seized 158 live terrapins from a Macau resident; the species is listed under CITES Appendix II, highlighting risks from illegal wildlife transport. Community-First Tourism: At PATA Travel Mart 2026, Macau’s tourism office showcased a “tourism-plus” approach that ties historic streets and local culture to sustainable, community-involved visitor experiences. Tourism Awards for Sustainability: Macau secured a record seven PATA Gold Awards, including MGTO wins tied to destination marketing and social media engagement, alongside broader sustainability recognition across the region.

Electric Mobility Push: Macau’s Environmental Protection Bureau says electric motorcycle charging points in public parking lots will rise 45% to about 1,400 this year, with ~1,000 spaces already in 58 lots plus battery-swap cabinets in 8 lots and 7 street-side sites; the city is also expanding safety via British/Chinese sockets and a QR-code charging system, alongside a subsidy scheme to scrap petrol bikes for new electric models. Wildlife Smuggling Crackdown: Zhuhai’s Gongbei Customs seized 158 live terrapins from a Macau resident at the Gongbei checkpoint on July 24; the species is listed under CITES Appendix II, and the case highlights strict rules on transporting endangered wildlife across the border. Climate Education for Kids: The Greater Bay Area “Little Meteorological Anchors” contest is now open for local primary-school applicants in Macau, focusing on early warning for extreme weather, disaster prevention, climate adaptation, and how meteorology supports society. Tourism Sustainability Recognition: Macau-linked projects picked up seven PATA Gold Awards 2026, including MGTO wins tied to destination marketing and social media, reinforcing the city’s push for more sustainable, community-focused tourism. Macau-Hengqin Governance Alignment: Macau’s Third Five-Year Plan stresses deeper integration with Hengqin, including aligning rules and mechanisms—an institutional step that can shape how environmental and urban renewal priorities get delivered.