Macau Economy Watch: DSEC’s preliminary GDP for 1H2026 hit MOP209.89 billion, up 3.7% year-on-year in real terms, with growth driven by higher services exports and visitor arrivals. Tourism & Jobs: Hotel occupancy averaged 90.4% in 1H2026, while the April–June unemployment rate edged up to 2.4% as more fresh graduates entered the market. Healthcare Privacy: From Aug 15, Family Medicine Clinics’ telephone appointment system will only accept calls with caller ID to better protect personal data and curb impersonation. Elderly Support: The 2026 Non-Mandatory Central Provident Fund special allocation opens for withdrawal from Aug 1, with eligible elderly automatic payments credited on Sept 24. Cross-Boundary Transport: Hong Kong private-car quotas to Macao via HZMB (1,400 regular quotas) open Aug 7, including both eligibility-based and open quotas. Labour Enforcement: DSAL reported intensified inspections against illegal work and covert hiring in 1H2026, with penalties and filed cases rising sharply. Infant Formula Safety: Health and related bureaus said removing a Dutch Frisolac lead-contaminated batch is consistent with international practice, with expanded sampling and no reported lead-poisoning emergencies among those seeking care. Culture & Governance: IC and Sports Bureau unveiled a packed August programme, while lawmaker Ip Sio Kai pressed for stronger “cultural security” measures in a Legislative Assembly Q&A. Industry Cooperation: CE Sam Hou Fai met MIIT Vice Minister Xiong Jijun and signed a cooperation agreement to support Macau’s technology and industrial diversification, including the Macao Science and Technology Research and Development Industrial Park. Regional Finance: AMCM said Guangdong will issue offshore provincial bonds in Macau for the sixth straight year, including green and blue bonds tied to Hengqin development. Public Safety: Macau’s film and television industry service centre is set for trial operations in mid-August, and authorities continue follow-up on public health and safety issues.