Timeline of events

JANUARY

After nearly three years of restrictive measures due to the pandemic, Macau completely re-opened borders for all travelers.

Gaming operators commenced operation of fresh licenses following the largest gaming law overhaul. Pledges will amount to USD15 billion in the coming decade, the majority of which are for the diversification of non-gaming elements.

FEBRUARY

Following the resumption of group tourism visas, the first mainland tour groups arrived.

Masks were no longer suggested for use outdoors, although they were still required at certain indoor venues.

The government signed an agreement with the Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) for the management and operation of the Islands Medical Center.

MARCH

The Executive Committee of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin published a series of measures to support the establishment of Macau companies in Hengqin.

A total of 300 new surveillance cameras, part of the fifth phase of the “Eyes in the Sky” program, were installed.

The local government held a conference and symposium to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law of the Macau SAR, a milestone in the historical process of the ‘One country, two systems’ policy.

APRIL

Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng made his first official trip to Portugal since becoming the city’s top official. This was his first trip outside Greater China since he took office in December 2019.

The Court of First Instance delivered its decision on the case known as the “Land, Public Works, and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT) Case,” sentencing Li Canfeng and Jaime Carion, among 16 others for several crimes related to corruption, money laundering and participating in a secret society.

The casino sector continued to recover, recording MOP14.7 billion in revenue. This was the highest monthly taking since January 2020.

MAY

The SAR witnessed robust tourism recovery during the five-day May Day holiday in the mainland, receiving around 300 travel groups and nearly 500,000 visitors.

The Londoner Macao hosted a grand celebration marking completion of the integrated resort’s redesign and ushering the Cotai Strip into a new chapter.

The National Security Law Amendment Bill passed unanimously in parliament with only two questions raised by lawmaker Ron Lam.

JUNE

Au Kam San declared that candlelight vigils to shed light on the events that took place at Tiananmen Square in Beijing in what become known as the “June Fourth Incident” are not to return, after being held for three decades.

The National Security Defense Commission (CDSE), an entity created in 2018 with the mission of supporting the Chief Executive in decision-making on matters related to the SAR and in the scope of the defense of the State security, replaced the Legislative Assembly Electoral Affairs Commission (CAEAL) in the task of inspecting and evaluating the eligibility of the candidates submitting applications to run for the post of legislators.

JULY

Former junket mogul Alvin Chau was ordered to sell 36 real estate properties, which total to approximately MOP600 million in value.

An alleged stabbing occurred in a secondary school and a female student was injured, causing concern within the education bureau.

The government decided to suspend the building of a Kun Iam statue at the Hac-Sa Reservoir Park due to public opinion that opposed the MOP1.6 billion project.

AUGUST

Iris-facilitated border crossing was tested on invited residents.

The Grande Hotel Macau, better known locally by its Cantonese name “Kuok Chai,” reopened its doors to guests after 27 years. The closure had caused the space to devolve into almost complete ruin.

Following a nearly identical saga 12 years ago, many Macau residents rushed to purchase table salt after Japan started discharging wastewater from Fukushima’s nuclear power plant.

SEPTEMBER

Happiness Street becomes a trial pedestrian zone.  These streets were blocked and reserved exclusively for pedestrians from morning to evening,

Hong Kong busker Oliver Ma was deported and banned from reentering Macau as local police forces claim he posed risks to national security.

The 700-plus room Andaz Macau opened as an integral part of the Galaxy International Convention Centre (GICC).

OCTOBER

A four-month-old girl was found unconscious at Fong Chong (Taipa) Nursery during an afternoon nap, before being declared dead at the hospital.

Typhoon Signal No. 8 was hoisted for 17 hours and 30 minutes, one of the longest hoistings in years.

Macau sweltered through its hottest October on Oct. 4, reaching 35.2 degrees Celsius, which was attributed to Typhoon Koinu.

NOVEMBER

The SAR government released a development plan for Macau’s economic diversification from 2024 to 2028, the first systematic industrial development plan issued in Macau.

The government announced a new ID card design that enhances encryption technologies and security features.

The 70th Macau Grand Prix event was extended to two weekends, covering six days.

Guangdong authorities published a three-year plan to digitalize the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

DECEMBER

The Macao Union Hospital partially opened, marking a significant milestone in local healthcare services.

Ethiopian runners showcased exceptional performance at the 42nd Macau International Marathon.

A Japanese tourist died after bungee jumping from Macau Tower. The 56-year-old man became short of breath and then stopped breathing following the jump.

Macau concessionaires traded at rock-bottom valuations as operators were saddled with declines of at least 20% since the beginning of the year.

The LRT Barra station commenced operations linking passengers from Barra, on the peninsula, to the Airport and the Ferry Terminal in Taipa.