Macau appoints Ng Wai Han as first female head of gaming regulator

Macau has named Ng Wai Han as the new director of the city’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), marking the first time a woman has taken the helm of the powerful gaming regulator.

Ng’s appointment, effective immediately for a one-year term, was announced in the Boletim Oficial, the government’s official publication. Her selection comes amid a period of regulatory transformation in the world’s largest casino hub as Macau seeks to diversify its economy and strengthen oversight of the gaming sector.

Ng brings nearly two decades of experience in public administration, having held senior positions at the Labour Affairs Bureau from 1999 to 2017, including acting deputy director. More recently, she served as director of the Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau after her appointment in September 2023.

Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin Ip, who appointed Ng, cited her “professional competence and aptitude” as central to the decision.

Educated at Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, Ng holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Master’s degree in Criminal Law. Her legal and administrative background is expected to support the DICJ’s mission of regulating Macau’s casino operators and maintaining market integrity.

Ng steps into the role at a pivotal moment. Macau’s gaming industry is undergoing a shift toward greater regulatory scrutiny, with authorities emphasizing corporate accountability, worker protections, and non-gaming development. The government has also outlined plans for a coordinated transition of satellite casinos, calling on concessionaires to take more responsibility for their operations and staff.

“The government is emphasizing tighter oversight and a coordinated transition for satellite casinos,” officials said, noting a broader strategy to promote sustainable investment and reduce reliance on gaming revenue.

Ng is expected to play a key role in shaping policy during this transitional phase as Macau recovers from years of pandemic-induced disruption and looks to stabilize its core industry while expanding into new economic areas.