The Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific has officially revealed the 2025 Shortlist for Executive of the Year, recognising eight influential leaders who are shaping the future of gaming across the region.
Renowned for their credibility and industry integrity, the Global Gaming Awards set the benchmark for excellence in the gaming world. Each nominee has been carefully selected based on their contributions and achievements.
The winners will be determined by a panel of senior executives with extensive expertise in the APAC gaming sector. To ensure transparency, the voting process is independently verified by KPMG.
“A massive congratulations to the eight exceptional leaders shortlisted this year. Your vision and commitment are shaping not only your businesses but the entire gaming landscape in the region,” said Mariya Savova, Event Manager for the Global Gaming Awards.
The 2025 Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 3 June, at the SiGMA Asia Summit in Conrad Manila, where the winners will be celebrated at a formal luncheon.
Meet the 2025 Executive of the Year Nominees:
Listed in no particular order, the Executive of the Year Shortlist for 2025 includes:
- Joe Pisano, Founder & CEO, Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies
Renowned for his market expertise, Pisano has led Jade Entertainment’s transformation from a traditional land-based distributor to a leading digital gaming force. Under his leadership, Jade has expanded into new markets like Sri Lanka, with offerings that include a licensed sportsbook and fantasy cricket. Jade Entertainment - Dae Sik Han, Chairman & CEO, Hann Resorts
Han has been a driving force behind the integrated resort sector in the Philippines, particularly with Hann Casino Resort. His forward-thinking leadership extends to the multi-billion-dollar Hann Reserve project, which is committed to sustainability, alongside his recent partnership with IHG to bring InterContinental Hotels & Resorts back to the country. Hann Resorts - Maria Garcia, Executive Director, Asia Pioneer Entertainment
A key figure at APE, Garcia made history in 2024 by becoming the company’s first female Executive Director. With nearly 20 years of experience, her leadership has been integral in strengthening APE’s presence across Macau and Southeast Asia, fostering key partnerships and driving product innovation. Asia Pioneer Entertainment - Ian Hughes, Chief Commercial Officer, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
Hughes leads GLI’s commercial operations in APAC and holds a pivotal role in the company’s Australia, Japan, and Macau branches. A true expert in regulatory solutions, he helped establish technical standards for Japan’s nascent casino sector and is a key player in compliance technology across AML, CTF, and RG. Gaming Laboratories International - Michael Hu, President, Asia-Pacific, Interblock
Hu’s leadership at Interblock has positioned the company as a market leader in electronic table gaming across APAC. From overseeing more than 20,000 ETG installations to driving expansion into Taiwan, Vietnam, and Nepal, his work continues to set the standard in innovation and growth. Interblock Gaming - Vina Claudette Oca, AVP – Gaming Licensing & Development, PAGCOR
With over 25 years in the industry, Oca is one of the most influential figures at PAGCOR. Her contributions to the regulation and development of integrated resorts and land-based casinos have been key to shaping the Philippine gaming landscape. PAGCOR - Andy Tsui, President, DigiPlus
Under Tsui’s leadership, DigiPlus has captured a dominant position in the Philippine digital entertainment market, with over 40 million registered users and a 50% market share. His focus on continuous innovation in online gaming platforms has cemented DigiPlus as a leader in the sector. DigiPlus - Daisy Ho, Chairman & Executive Director, SJM Holdings
Ho has led SJM through a period of remarkable recovery post-COVID, with the company returning to profitability in 2024. Her strategic vision, including the successful launch of Grand Lisboa Palace, has set SJM up for long-term growth in the competitive Macau market. SJM Holdings
The full shortlist across all categories will be announced in the coming days, but for now, these eight leaders represent the very best of Asia-Pacific’s gaming industry. Each nominee is shaping the region’s future, driving innovation, and setting the pace for the next wave of industry developments.
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Stay tuned to iGaming Enquirer for the latest updates on the 2025 Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific and follow the awards’ journey to see who will take home the title of Executive of the Year.s Asia-Pacific and follow the awards’ journey to see who will take home the title of Executive of the Year.