Ng Wai Han, former director of the Civil Service and Administration Bureau, is now the head of the Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Office. This appointment marks the first time a woman has held this position.
Ng Wai Han replaces Adriano Marques Ho, now General Director of Customs. The government announced the appointment on May 7, ensuring continuity of the administrative transition from Ho Iat-Seng and Sam, which began in December.
Ng Wai Han brings extensive experience, having served in leadership positions at the Labour Affairs Bureau of Macao from 1999 to 2017. Most recently, she was Deputy Director and then Director of the Public Administration Services.
She holds a degree in criminal law from Sun Yat-Sen University. According to Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin Ip, Ng Wai Han‘s “professional competence and aptitude” make her suitable for the position. Her initial term will be one year.
Importance of Ng Wai Han’s appointment in Macau
Ng takes over the helm of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) at a critical time for Macau, the world leader in gaming revenue, which took in MOP226.8 billion in 2024.
However, the pandemic ended up shaking this source of revenue and led the region to seek diversification through the “1+4” strategy. This strategy aims to promote finance, technology, health and events, supported by a robust gaming sector.
Casino operators, with 10-year concessions, are expected to invest $16.2 billion in non-gaming attractions. With the VIP sector in decline, they are focusing on the mass and premium mass segments.
Competition on the horizon
Southeast Asia presents competitive challenges, with Japan set to open its first casino, the $9 billion MGM Osaka, in 2030. In Thailand, a bill is discussing the opening of casinos integrated into resorts, which could generate revenues of up to $15.1 billion, boosting tourism and the gaming industry.
The new leadership in Macau therefore faces a scenario of opportunities and challenges as it leads the transformation of the gaming sector and explores new economic horizons.
