University & R&D Push: The University of Macau is stepping up industrial diversification with 11 research institutes and five new science-and-tech faculties, including AI and smart-city units set to start operations on Aug 1, aiming to move lab work into real-world applications. Education Expansion: Macao is also accelerating the Macao-Hengqin International Education (University) Town, with the first phase due to open in August for about 1,300 postgraduate students across three public universities, plus a “whitelist” recognition pilot to support more internationally oriented programs. Tourism & Heritage: Ahead of the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting, Macao is leaning hard into its heritage-and-leisure positioning, with officials framing the city as a cultural crossroads that blends Chinese and Portuguese legacies. Safety & Heritage Protection: A smoky blaze at the San Ma Lou heritage ensemble has prompted guidance that fire-damaged historic buildings can apply for Cultural Development Fund support. Cross-border Payments Trend: Visa says Greater Bay Area travel is getting more frequent and shorter, with digital wallets driving both northbound and southbound spending and smoother payments tied to higher trip frequency. Gaming Real Estate: Macau’s failed ultra-luxury The 13 Hotel has rebranded as The 13 Palace after a creditor sale, with its next chapter likely tied to future casino-operator partnerships. Industry Tech Showcase: Huawei used MWC Shanghai to pitch AI-powered 5G-A upgrades and monetization ideas for telecom operators.