Macau’s gaming watchdog sees leadership changes

February 12, 2025

Macau’s gaming watchdog sees leadership changes

Deputy director Peter Chui Hou Ian has left the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) after his term ended on 8 February. Chui served in the role for two years, and his departure leaves one of the bureau’s two deputy director positions vacant. The DICJ has also been without a permanent director since Adriano Marques Ho stepped down in December 2023 to lead Macau Customs.

Meanwhile, Lei Seak Chio has been appointed as the new deputy director, bringing extensive public administration experience to the role.

Peter Chui Hou Ian’s departure

Peter Chui Hou Ian is no longer listed as a deputy director on the Macau SAR Government portal. Chui was first appointed to the position two years ago, having previously served as an adviser to then-Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong, since 2020. Before his appointment, he had no prior experience in public administration.

Chui’s father, António Chui Yuk Lum, is a well-known businessman in Macau, leading the Industrial Association of Macau. He has also been a key ally of former Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, playing a crucial role in Ho’s successful 2019 election campaign. Despite his background and connections, Chui was not reappointed to his position at the DICJ.

New deputy director takes office

Lei Seak Chio has been appointed as the new deputy director of the DICJ. He officially assumed office on Monday in a ceremony led by Secretary for Economy and Finance, Tai Kin Ip. During his swearing-in, Lei pledged to uphold the SAR Government’s policies and strengthen the bureau’s supervision and regulatory functions.

Lei brings extensive experience in public administration. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering management and a master’s degree in public administration. His career began in 2005 at the Labour Affairs Bureau, where he worked as a technical assistant. In 2016, he was promoted to lead a unit focused on occupational accident inspections. Before joining the DICJ, he headed the Occupational Safety and Health Department, a role he held since 2023.

Director position remains vacant

The DICJ has been operating without a permanent director since Adriano Marques Ho left in December 2023 to become Director-General of Macau Customs. Since then, deputy director Lio Chi Chong has been serving as acting director.

According to the DICJ’s organisational structure, the bureau should have two deputy directors. However, with Chui’s departure, one of these positions remains unfilled.