Ng Wai Han was sworn in today (15) as Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR), bringing to a close a period of about two months during which the portfolio was under the interim management of Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, following the retirement of Tai Kin Ip in April.
The appointment was decided by the State Council of China, upon the proposal of Sam Hou Fai. Her assumption of office comes just days after Tai Kin Ip was seconded, on a temporary assignment, to join the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Macau International Airport Company (CAM), effective June 3.
In her inaugural address, Ng Wai Han stated that the appointment represents “a vote of confidence, but above all, a responsibility,” emphasizing that decisions in the economic and financial sectors are directly linked to Macau’s future development and the daily lives of its people.
The new secretary pledged to follow the guidelines set by the Macao SAR Government, advocating an approach based on problem-solving and the achievement of the objectives outlined in the Government’s Action Plan. Among the priorities identified is the implementation of the Plan for the Appropriate Diversification of the Economy, with the aim of strengthening the region’s economic resilience.
Read more: Tai Kin Ip: Out of the Government, into the airport
Ng Wai Han also noted that the team under her leadership will coordinate the work of the upcoming 3rd Five-Year Plan of the Macao SAR with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, seeking to align with the development strategies set by the Central Government.
She also emphasized the need to ensure that the results of economic growth translate into tangible benefits for the population. “Nothing related to the well-being of the population is insignificant. The fruits of economic development must ultimately translate into tangible benefits for residents in general,” she stated.
With a bachelor’s degree in Law and a master’s degree in Criminal Law from Sun Yat-sen University, Ng Wai Han was born in Macao in 1976 and joined the civil service in 1999 as a senior officer at the Labor Affairs Bureau (DSAL).
Throughout her career, she held leadership positions at DSAL, rising to the rank of deputy director, and subsequently led the Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau (SAFP) from 2020 to 2025. Since May of last year, she has served as director of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).
In 2024, she joined the Electoral Affairs Committee for the sixth term of the Chief Executive and the Electoral Affairs Committee of the eighth Legislative Assembly.
