PRESIDENT
Golden Dragon Group
POWER SCORE: 645
POSITION LAST YEAR: 42
CLAIMS TO FAME
- Former member of Macau’s Legislative Assembly
- One of Macau’s biggest property owners
EVEN THOUGH he wasn’t running personally, Chan Meng Kam achieved a political triumph in the Macau Legislative Assembly (AL) election in 2021 that may prove significant in the years ahead.
The reach of the AL may be somewhat limited but its voice remains strong, meaning we’re set to hear plenty from the Chan-backed Macau United Citizens Association (ACUM) – the only list to win three seats at this year’s election.
Although Chan withdrew from running in the 2017 election to focus on his business interests instead, he still maintains a close connection with ACUM, a group he founded in 2005.
The economic recovery of Macau and particularly its gaming industry are the ACUM’s priorities and it is notable that the AL will have a say in the upcoming re-tendering of gaming licenses.
One of the SAR’s wealthiest businessmen, Chan’s Golden Dragon Group operates Casino Golden Dragon, Casino Royal Dragon and Casino Million Dragon – all of them running gaming operations as satellite casinos under the license of SJM Holdings. It also operates Casino Grand Dragon in Taipa under Melco Resorts’ license and is preparing to open 185 rooms in the newly built China Dragon Hotel, located a stone´s throw from Grand Lisboa on the peninsula.
Chan was once considered a candidate to be granted a seventh Macau casino concession, and although the chances of that happening are remote at best, expect him to at least have a say in what the future of the city’s gaming industry looks like.
For the full list of 2021 Asian Gaming Power 50 winners, click here.
