Macau's gambling industry welcomes a historic moment. The Macau Special Administrative Region Government Gazette announced that the former Director of the Administrative Public Positions Bureau, Wu Huixian, has officially taken office as the Director of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), becoming the first female leader of the institution since its establishment. She replaces Adriano Marques Ho, who was appointed as the director of customs last year, marking the completion of a key position handover in the new government.
Transformation of a seasoned civil servant
Wu Huixian's resume highlights her extensive experience in public administration:
Served in the Macau Labour Affairs Bureau from 1999 to 2017 and gradually promoted to leadership positions
Has been the Director of the Administrative Public Positions Bureau since September 2023
Holds a Master's degree in Criminal Law from Sun Yat-sen University
The Secretary for Economy and Finance of Macau, Lei Wai Nong, particularly emphasized in the appointment statement that Wu Huixian's "professional competence and personal talent" fully meet the requirements of this important position. According to the arrangement, her initial term is set for one year.
A critical transformation period for the world's largest gambling market
This personnel change occurs at a crucial juncture in the development of Macau's gambling industry:
By 2024, Macau's total gambling revenue is expected to reach 226.8 billion Macau Patacas (28.1 billion US dollars), continuing to lead the global casino market
Significant pressure on industry recovery post-pandemic, with the special administrative region government implementing a "1+4" economic moderately diversified development strategy
The six major casino operators are fulfilling new franchise agreements, committing to invest 16.2 billion US dollars in non-gambling projects
Changing regional competitive landscape
The challenges Macau faces are intensifying:
MGM's integrated resort in Osaka, Japan, with an investment of 9 billion US dollars, is expected to open in 2030
The Thai parliament is reviewing an entertainment complex bill that may approve the establishment of five casino resorts
Analysts predict that once Thailand's gambling industry matures, its annual revenue could reach 15.1 billion US dollars, reshaping the tourism landscape of Southeast Asia
In this period full of changes, how Wu Huixian will balance regulation and development and respond to regional competition has become a focal point of industry attention.
