Telecom Overhaul: Macau approved a new Telecommunications Law for review, replacing the 20-year tender system with application-based, technology-neutral network and service licences and removing operator caps—aimed at boosting competition and digital-economy growth. Digital Finance & Cross-Border Payments: Project mBridge is moving toward broader commercial use as Industrial Bank launched mBridge payment services for cross-border transactions with Macau, supporting settlements between the mainland and both Hong Kong and Macau. Jobs & Skills Gap: A Macau Federation of Trade Unions survey found 43% of residents faced job-seeking difficulties, driven mainly by insufficient experience, skills mismatch, and pay expectations—while job hunting still leans heavily on personal networks. Food Safety Watch: Macau’s IAM reported 98.9% of Q2 food samples passed microbiological and chemical tests; eight failed cases were handled, including issues like Vibrio and Listeria contamination and excessive lead in egg noodles. Energy & Infrastructure: CGN’s Taipingling nuclear project Unit 2 (Hualong One) entered operation in Huizhou, adding clean power capacity for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Education & Innovation: UM inaugurated five science-and-tech faculties plus two research institutes (Smart City Technologies; AI & Brain Sciences), and opened new postgraduate applications for 2027/28. Tourism & Diversification: iRad Hospital at Studio City was featured on CNN’s “Meanwhile in Asia,” highlighting Macau’s medical and wellness tourism push beyond gaming.