Timeline of events

JANUARY

• The Horta da Mitra Market reopens after a major revamp involving the preservation of its architectural appearance.
• 15-time Grammy Awards-winner, musician, and songwriter Bruno Mars performed his “The One & Only Night” concert at MGM Cotai.
• The public slammed the concert organizer who rented the Macao Stadium for causing the pitch to have mushy turf and damaged grass.

FEBRUARY

• Gov’t spent at least MOP45 million on Sai Van Bridge amid public outcry over LED lighting.
• Neway outlet reportedly closed following MACA association’s copyright complaint in a dispute that sparked public outcry.
• 1,600-signatures for petition opposing landfill off Coloane submitted.

MARCH

• New harbor bridge named ‘Macau Bridge’, amid indifference and criticism mostly concerning authorities’ lack of creativity.
• Macau welcomes new entries but loses stars in 2024 “Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau.”
• Vietnamese consul Pham Binh Dam urges Macau to restart and expand two-way tourism, relaxing visa policies for Vietnamese visitors.

APRIL

• Macau ranked fastest growing economy in Asia.
• The era of horse racing in Macau came an end after over 30 years of operation by the Macau Jockey Club.
• Macau hosted the ITTF Singles World Cup for the first time, putting the city on the map of world sports.
• Two customs officers accused of sick leave fraud costing MOP3 million in wages.
• Local ecological group slammed the government for failing to publicize the report of the dead finless porpoise found in Cheoc Van.

MAY

• Macau has been named second among the world’s richest countries or regions, with per-capita purchasing power surpassing USD125,000 from 2019.
• Eligibility requirements at Macau New Neighborhood relaxed in bid to boost purchasing.
• Tender for 500 new taxis concludes
• Xia Baolong, director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, had a seven-day visit to Macau to gain a better understanding of the latest developments in the society and economy

JUNE

• Mainland Chinese officials call for crackdown on illegal money exchanges in Macau.
• Pollution has increased after the pandemic years as the city resumes business activities mainly in the tourism sector.
• The SAR has established itself as the leading tourism revenue generator in China.
• Nearly 390,000 residents saw the return of MOP7,000 from the Central Provident Fund.

JULY

• Non-Chinese residents can apply for a multiple-entry visa valid for five years.
• The gov’t debunks rumors over the condition of Ho Iat Seng, clarifies he is in ‘good health’ amid extended leave.
• Debt-ridden The 13 Hotel resumes limited operations.
• Suncity reflects on contributions in light of legal hurdles.
• Gov’t announces plans aimed at enhancing community health, setting ambitious targets to be met by 2030.
• Gov’t announces QR code technology to streamline entry process for Macau residents when entering Hong Kong through electronic channels.
• Hotel Central reopens.

AUGUST

• MGTO reviews hotel swimming pool guidelines following death of drowned boy.
• Portuguese Education minister Fernando Alexandre criticizes leadership at EPM and renews contracts of dispensed teachers.
• SSM classifies Monkeypox as a mandatory reportable disease and secured vaccines.
• Ho Iat Seng announces he is not running for re-election.
• Sam Hou Fai announces his Chief Executive candidacy.

SEPTEMBER

• Typhoon Yagi disrupts travel and tourism in Macau, leaving a trail of death and destruction in Southeast Asia.
• Adele turns down a $200 million offer which reportedly included a residency in Macau.
• IAM accuses a street sign company of fraud for using stickers; acknowledges oversight shortcomings.
• Islands Hospital officially opens.
• Sole Chief Executive candidate Sam Hou Fai unveils his ambitious vision for the city.

OCTOBER

• Macau’s fourth bridge “Macau Bridge” officially opens to traffic.
• Zone D landfill preliminary work commences.
• China’s State Council appoints Sam Hou Fai as sixth-term Chief Executive, as he garners 394 of 398 votes from local voters.
• Network grows with the opening of the Seac Pai Van line, linking Taipa to Coloane with a stop at the Union Hospital.

NOVEMBER

• Gov’t unveils a revised urban plan for Ilha Verde, featuring fewer buildings and an expansion of recreational areas.
• Gov’t kicks off new health center in Hengqin, marking historic first for mainland operations.
• Davey Todd named winner of this year’s Macau Motorcycle GP amid the cancelation of the race, which was most affected by heavy rain.
• Gov’t launches reproduction subsidy.
• The Macau University of Science and Technology expels 24 students who enrolled using fake Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education credentials.

DECEMBER

• The Coloane Village Municipal Market closes, following steady decline in recent years due to a decrease in the local population.
• Sam Hou Fai unveils 10 officials to round out his cabinet, hailed by Beijing as a ‘strong and powerful’ government.
• LRT Hengqin line opens.
• President Xi Jinping makes three-day visit to Macau for handover celebrations and Sam Hou Fai’s inauguration.
• Cotai’s new outdoor venue drew about 11,000 attendees for its inaugural concert.