Renowned for their credibility and integrity, the Global Gaming Awards continue to set the benchmark for excellence within the gaming industry. Every nominee and company have been shortlisted for a reason, outlined in the official Shortlist magazine, which will be available to read here on GamblingInsider.com in early May.
As always, a panel of senior executives with vast knowledge and experience in the Asia-Pacific gaming sector will cast their votes to determine this year’s winners. The voting process is once again independently adjudicated by KPMG to ensure transparency and fairness.
“Congratulations to the eight exceptional leaders shortlisted this year. Your dedication and hard work are instrumental in driving not only your organisations, but the entire industry forward,” said Mariya Savova, Event Manager of the Global Gaming Awards.
The 2025 Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific presentation ceremony will take place on the Tuesday of the SiGMA Asia Summit, 3 June, at the Conrad Manila. Tables for the official luncheon are available for booking via the event website. For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be live streamed from 1pm local time on Gambling Insider’s LinkedIn.
The Global Gaming Awards are powered by Gambling Insider. BetConstruct is the Lead Partner of the event and other sponsors include Aristocrat Gaming, SPRIBE, Interblock Gaming, GR8 Tech, DSTGAMING, Z-Gaming, 1xBet, Pronet Gaming, Uplatform and Bet88.
The full Shortlist across all 10 categories will be revealed in the coming days. For now, it is our pleasure to present this year’s Executive of the Year Shortlist, along with the reasons behind each nomination. Listed in no particular order, the 2025 nominees are:
Joe Pisano, Founder & CEO, Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies - Mr. Pisano is one of the industry experts who is always in the spotlight, known to share valuable insights about the Asian Market with the media and at events around the globe. Under his leadership, Jade Entertainment experienced significant growth and evolution. What started as a land-based distributor, has since expanded into digital gaming and even ventured into new markets, such as Sri Lanka, where Jade now operates fantasy cricket and a licenced sportsbook.
Dae Sik Han, Chairman & CEO, Hann Resorts - Mr. Han pioneered the integrated resort concept in Clark with its hugely successful Hann Casino Resort (formerly known as Widus). Under his leadership, the property has redefined gaming and hospitality in the region. Last year, he secured a deal with IHG which will see the return of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts to the Philippines. A trailblazer, Mr Han is also currently developing the multi-billion-dollar Hann Reserve with sustainability in mind.
Maria Garcia, Executive Director, Asia Pioneer Entertainment - Since first joining APE in 2006 (and later rejoining in 2020), Maria Garcia has emerged as a key figure within the organisation. In 2024, she made history by becoming APE's first female Executive Director. With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry as a Sales Director for Macau and SEA, she has skilfully led her team to enhance the company's offerings, forge valuable partnerships and develop innovative business ideas, driving significant advancements for APE.
Ian Hughes, Chief Commercial Officer, Gaming Laboratories International - Mr. Hughes oversees the commercial success of GLI’s global gaming group. In addition, he plays a key role in GLI’s operations in APAC and is the company’s CEO for Australia, Japan and Macau. He is a leading expert in AI-driven regulatory solutions, focusing on AML, CTF, and RG, ensuring compliance and integrity. He assisted the Japan Casino Regulatory Commission in establishing technical standards for the country’s casino sector.
Michael Hu, President of Asia-Pacific, Interblock - Since joining the company in 2004, Michael Hu has built Interblock Asia from the ground up, overseeing 20,000+ ETG installations across APAC. He has expanded the brand into new markets, including Taiwan, Vietnam, Laos, Korea, and Nepal, while securing market leadership in Macau, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia. His influence continues to shape the future of gaming in Asia.
Vina Claudette Oca, Assistant Vice President – Gaming Licensing and Development, PAGCOR - Ms. Oca has been in the gaming industry and with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation for over 25 years, holding numerous roles in customer relations, marketing and administration. Today she is a key figure at PAGCOR, involved in the licensing and regulation of integrated resorts and land-based casinos in the country.
Andy Tsui, President, DigiPlus - With a vast experience in finance as well as in the gaming industry, Mr. Tsui has positioned DigiPlus as a leader in the digital entertainment space in the Philippines with a roughly 50% market share and over 40 million registered users. Under his leadership, DigiPlus continues to invest in new technologies and product development in order to offer unparalleled online gaming experience to Filipinos.
Daisy Ho, Chairman & Executive Director, SJM Holdings - Since the re-opening of Macau post-Covid, Ms. Ho has been working towards positioning SJM for long-term sustainable growth. Under her leadership, the company made an impressive return to profitability in 2024 and its market share increased, driven in part by the success of its newest IR - Grand Lisboa Palace.
