Executive of the Year Shortlist Unveiled

The 2025 Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific has officially unveiled the Executive of the Year shortlist. This prestigious recognition spotlights eight visionary leaders who are transforming the gaming landscape across Asia-Pacific through innovation, growth, and resilience. From digital trailblazers to integrated resort pioneers, each nominee has made measurable contributions that reflect the future direction of the global gaming sector. The awards ceremony will be held during SiGMA Asia 2025 on June 3 at Conrad Manila, offering attendees a front-row seat to celebrate regional excellence.

Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific 2025: Meet the Executives Shaping the Future of Gaming

3 Key Points:

1. The 2025 Executive of the Year shortlist features eight standout leaders driving innovation in APAC gaming.
2. Winners will be chosen by a panel of senior regional executives, with oversight by KPMG for transparency.
3. The awards ceremony takes place during SiGMA Asia and will be livestreamed globally on LinkedIn.

Gambling Insider and the Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific have announced the shortlist for one of the most coveted categories: Executive of the Year 2025. This highly anticipated shortlist recognizes standout leadership and strategic vision in the fast-evolving Asia-Pacific gaming sector.

The Global Gaming Awards have long been regarded as the industry’s most trusted awards programme, with each nomination rigorously reviewed and all voting independently adjudicated by KPMG to ensure credibility and fairness.

This year’s Executive of the Year category highlights eight exceptional individuals whose contributions span land-based casinos, digital transformation, compliance, innovation, and market expansion.

The 2025 Executive of the Year Shortlist

• Joe Pisano, Founder & CEO, Jade Entertainment & Gaming Technologies
  Led Jade’s evolution from a land-based distributor to a diversified operator. Expanded into digital gaming and fantasy sports in Sri Lanka.
• Dae Sik Han, Chairman & CEO, Hann Resorts
  Revolutionized integrated resorts in Clark. Now developing Hann Reserve with sustainability and global partnerships at the core.
• Maria Garcia, Executive Director, Asia Pioneer Entertainment (APE)
  First female executive at APE. A veteran in Macau and SEA markets, driving innovation and commercial growth for APE.
• Ian Hughes, Chief Commercial Officer, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
  Leads GLI operations in Australia, Japan, and Macau. A global compliance expert advancing AI-driven regulatory tools and AML frameworks.
• Michael Hu, President of Asia-Pacific, Interblock
  Oversaw 20,000+ ETG installations. Led Interblock’s expansion into Korea, Nepal, Vietnam, and other high-growth markets.
• Vina Claudette Oca, AVP – Gaming Licensing and Development, PAGCOR
  A 25-year veteran shaping Philippine gaming regulation. Key voice in licensing for IRs and commercial gaming properties.
• Andy Tsui, President, DigiPlus
  Orchestrated DigiPlus’ dominance in the Philippines’ digital gaming market. Serves over 40 million users with tech-forward innovation.
• Daisy Ho, Chairman & Executive Director, SJM Holdings
  Returned SJM to profitability post-COVID. Grand Lisboa Palace success under her leadership boosted market share and brand revitalization.

Ceremony Details and Broader Recognition

The winners will be revealed at the Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific 2025 ceremony, held on Tuesday, June 3, during SiGMA Asia Summit at Conrad Manila. Tables for the awards luncheon can be booked via the official event website, and the ceremony will also be live streamed via Gambling Insider’s LinkedIn for global accessibility.

This year’s Lead Partner is BetConstruct, with additional support from Aristocrat Gaming, Interblock, GR8 Tech, 1xBet, Pronet Gaming, DSTGaming, SPRIBE, Z-Gaming, Uplatform, and Bet88.

The full shortlist across 10 award categories will be published in the upcoming Shortlist Magazine, set to go live on GamblingInsider.com in early May.

The 2025 Executive of the Year shortlist shines a spotlight on trailblazers redefining gaming across Asia-Pacific. From IR development to digital dominance, these leaders are not only guiding their companies forward—they’re also shaping the next chapter of the regional and global gaming industry. As the countdown to the Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific continues, all eyes are on Manila for what promises to be a landmark event in celebrating excellence.