Macau appoints new Secretary for Economy and Finance following cabinet reshuffle

Macau has appointed Ng Wai Han as its new Secretary for Economy and Finance, filling a key cabinet position as the city continues efforts to diversify its economy and navigate a challenging external economic environment.

The appointment was approved by China’s State Council following a nomination by Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai. Ng officially took the oath of office at a ceremony held at Government Headquarters, where she was sworn in before the Chief Executive.

In her first public remarks after taking office, Ng described the appointment as both an honor and a significant responsibility. She said economic and financial policy decisions directly affect Macau’s long-term development and the daily lives of residents, adding that her team would continue working under the administration’s guiding principle of pursuing reform while maintaining stability.

Ng also pledged to advance Macau’s strategy for moderate economic diversification, a long-standing objective aimed at reducing reliance on the gaming sector. She said the government would continue strengthening the city’s economic resilience while aligning future development plans with China’s national development strategies, including the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan and Macau’s own third five-year development blueprint.

A native of Macau born in 1976, Ng holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in law from Sun Yat-sen University. She joined the public service in 1999 and spent much of her career in labor administration before serving as deputy director and later director of the Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau. In May 2025, she was appointed director of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, Macau’s gaming regulator.

Ng succeeds Tai Kin Ip, who was removed from office by the State Council in April after serving approximately 16 months in the role. Tai subsequently announced his resignation, citing personal reasons.

The appointment comes as Macau’s government continues to focus on economic transformation, investment attraction and sustainable growth beyond the gaming industry.