Macau Gaming Authority Appoints Lio Chi Chong as Acting Head

In a significant administrative move, Macau's Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), has promoted Lio Chi Chong to serve as the Acting Director. The announcement was formalized through a dispatch by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, published in Macau’s Official Gazette on Wednesday, January 8th. The dispatch, however, backdates the transition to December 26th, aligning closely with the induction of Macau's new governing administration.

Lio Chi Chong ascended to the acting director role immediately following the departure of former Director Adriano Marques Ho, facilitated by the previous subdelegation of powers from his tenure as Deputy Director. Lio had a history of stepping into the acting director position whenever necessary during Ho's unavailability. This seamless leadership transition is part of the broader governance shifts occurring in Macau's gaming oversight structure.

Departure of Adriano Ho and Historical Context

Adriano Marques Ho, the former Director of the DICJ, transitioned to the position of Commissioner of Macau Customs on December 20th, leaving his previous role vacant. The appointment of directors outside the DICJ's internal ranks has been a consistent pattern, with Ho assuming his role in mid-2020 and having previously served as an advisor to the Secretary for Security. His predecessor, Paulo Martins Chan, held the director position from 2015 to mid-2020 and brought his experience as a former Public Prosecutor to the bureau. This trend may potentially influence future decisions regarding the permanent leadership of the DICJ. The agency has witnessed changes in its authority over the years, especially following legislative shifts that have transferred substantive decision-making capabilities to the office of the Secretary for Economy and Finance.

Adjustments in Decision-Making Dynamics

While the DICJ officially stands as Macau's gaming regulatory authority, its operational influence diminished following recent legislative developments. These adjustments have centralized substantial regulatory decision-making within the remit of the Secretary for Economy and Finance. Since last December, this office has been under the leadership of Tai Kin Ip, who commenced his career in the Macao Economic Services in 1995 and most recently led the Economic and Technological Development Bureau.

As these hierarchical and structural shifts continue, it remains to be seen whether an official from the external governmental landscape will assume the director role permanently, following the trend set by Ho and Chan. The evolving leadership within Macau's gaming regulatory system underscores the ongoing operational changes and strategic priorities aimed at enhancing governance and oversight in the region.

Source: Macau’s gaming watchdog has named an interim replacement for its top position, elevating former Deputy Director Lio Chi Chong to the role of Acting Director, AG Brief, January 8, 2025. 

Posted by Wizard
Jan 09 2025