Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai has set out the Special Administrative Region's priorities for 2026, outlining a policy agenda centred on the three pillars of responsible gaming, economic diversification and enhanced public governance.
The address was delivered at the Legislative Assembly and marks the start of Macau's new "Three Five" planning cycle.
According to Sam, Macau has benefited from firm central support and collective community efforts over the past year. Visitor arrivals reached 29.67 million in the first nine months of 2025, including 1.89 million international visitors, while unemployment remained low at 1.8% overall and 2.4% among residents.
The Chief Executive noted progress in public administration reform, the implementation of "patriots administering Macau", and the smooth handling of the first Legislative Assembly election under revised electoral laws.
He also highlighted Macau's successful response to Typhoon Ragasa in September, which required coordinated mobilization across government and community groups.
A significant portion of the 2026 agenda focuses on guiding concessionaires to advance responsible gaming and broaden non-gaming offerings. The government will review its concessionaire investment between 2023 and 2025, covering both gaming and non-gaming commitments, adherence to statutory obligations and delivery of social responsibility programmes.
Sam said operators will be pressed to honor contract promises, adjust project portfolios and develop diversified tourism products. Employment protection remains a core priority.
The administration will direct public works and service tenders to favor local hires and urge banks, higher education institutions and other major employers to release more positions for residents.
Large scale job fairs and sector specific matching events will continue, while gaming operators will be required to expand staff training to improve professional competencies.
Public security measures will also be strengthened, with police instructed to monitor neighborhoods surrounding former satellite casinos and work closely with operators to prevent crime displacement following closures.
Sam said Macau will deepen cooperation with mainland China and strengthen its role as a platform connecting the mainland and international markets.
He added that the government aims to reinforce Macau's position as a centre for tourism, cultural exchange and high-end talent, contributing to national development.
Macau's GDP reached MOP 301.33bn (US$37.4bn) in the first three quarters of 2025, with fiscal reserves standing at MOP 658bn by the end of September
