CiG iDEA Summit > Speakers

Mon 14 Sep

• 10:05-10:25 Keynote: Keynote Address
• 14:20-15:05 Panel: Future-Proofing the Industry

Jessa Mariz Raymundo Fernandez serves as Assistant Vice President for the Remote Operations and Ancillary Services Department and Concurrent Officer-In-Charge of the Electronic Gaming Licensing Department at the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Throughout her career at PAGCOR, she has held key leadership positions, including Assistant Vice President for the former Offshore Gaming and Licensing Department and the Corporate Secretary Support and Compliance.

Prior to her role at PAGCOR, she built extensive legal and public sector experience working as a Public Attorney for the Public Attorney's Office, as well as serving in various capacities, including Technical Assistant and Intelligence Officer, at the Bureau of Immigration.

A member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, she holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from San Beda University College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of the Philippines.

Mon 14 Sep

• 10:25-10:30 Remarks: Summit Chairman's Welcome
• 11:35-12:20 Panel: Localizing for Success in the Philippines
• 15:25-16:10 Panel: The Rest of Asia
• 16:55-17:00 Remarks: Summit Chairman's Closing

Tue 15 Sep

• 12:10-12:40 Panel: Familiar Faces

Wed 16 Sep

• 11:55-12:40 Panel: AI Today
• 14:40-15:20 At the bar: Suppliers Panel: Innovating for Asia's Next Gen Players

Kelsey Wilhelm arrived in Macau as the SAR’s casino monopoly was broken, growing up amongst the noise of the construction of the city’s integrated resorts. Casinos were the main social meeting place and the intriguing conversations he had with casino management, hotel and construction execs, and friends entering the industry sparked a curiosity to know the internal workings of the operations that caused Macau’s boom.He started covering gaming while still in university, initially at a daily business newspaper and later at numerous magazines, shifting early on from journalist to Editor-in-Chief. This prompted a shift into television, where he interviewed top gaming CEOs and celebrities, including on the talk show that he led.After COVID, he began to focus exclusively on gaming, branching out from land-based into the online segment which he still finds fascinating. He now lends his time to both IAG and Complete iGaming as Senior Contributing Editor – keeping a finger on the pulse of both worlds which are now intersecting more than ever.

Mon 14 Sep

• 10:00-10:05 Remarks: Welcome and Keynote Introduction
• 14:20-15:05 Panel: Future-Proofing the Industry

Tue 15 Sep

• 10:00-10:05 Remarks: Summit Chairman’s Welcome
• 10:25-11:05 Panel: Vietnam in Focus: A Market on the Move
• 15:50-16:00 Remarks: Summit Chairman’s Closing

Wed 16 Sep

• 10:05-10:50 Fireside chat: If the Crown Fits

Andrew W. Scott is Vice Chairman and CEO of Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) and CEO of its parent, Complete Media Group (CMG), overseeing one of the most influential gaming media and event platforms worldwide, with a strong Asia-Pacific focus. His career spans high-stakes gambling, regulatory advocacy, and media leadership, giving him rare insight into the global gaming ecosystem.

Born in Australia, Andrew began his professional career in the mid-1980s with a Chartered Accounting firm, preparing accounts and tax returns and working in audit and liquidation, while also frequenting casinos. In 1993 he launched a sports betting business in Vanuatu before returning to Australia as a base from which to travel extensively, visiting over 200 casinos across the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. A regular guest on leading Australian programs including Four Corners, Sky News, A Current Affair, Today Tonight, and The Midday Show, Andrew has long commentated on gaming issues and helped shape debate on gambling fairness and regulation.

Relocating to Hong Kong in 2005 and Macau in 2009, Andrew shifted to media. He founded O MEDIA and launched World Gaming, covering Asia’s gaming industry. In 2015 O MEDIA acquired IAG, then an English-only monthly magazine.

As CEO, Andrew transformed IAG into a multi-platform leader: expanding its magazine, growing asgam.com, launching the daily IAG Breakfast Briefing, adding Chinese-language coverage, and building a thriving events business. On 1 January 2020 he was also appointed Vice Chairman. On 1 January 2025, IAG merged with US-based CDC Gaming, both becoming subsidiaries of newly formed CMG, of which Andrew became CEO.

His eclectic career has included roles as accountant, nightclub manager, sports betting operator, educator, high-stakes poker player, poker TV commentator, journalist, and publisher. Today he is a journalist and executive with deep expertise in gaming and leisure across Macau, Asia-Pacific and globally.

Andrew was named 2014 Macau Person of the Year. He is a Fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Directors, a permanent member of the Macau Gaming Management Association, and former Vice Chairman of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Macau. He is also a member of the International Federation of Journalists, the Portuguese and English Press Association of Macau, and the Poker Tournament Directors Association. His network spans Macau, Singapore, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Australia, and beyond.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Tasmania (with multiple awards) and a Master of Science (International Integrated Resort Management) with honors and a perfect 4.0 GPA from the University of Macau, where his thesis examined why some Asian integrated resorts outperform others.

Andrew has chaired major international conferences, advised governments on gaming policy, and authored numerous works on regulation, investment and innovation. Having been player, advocate, entrepreneur, and executive, he commands industry credibility across many jurisdictions. Based in Macau, and continuing to travel extensively, he connects East and West with pragmatic insight, analytical rigor, and lived experience in a rapidly evolving sector.

Mon 14 Sep

• 10:30-11:15 Fireside chat: How to Enter the Philippines? Why to Enter the Philippines?
• 12:20-13:05 Panel: Outsourcing or Going It Alone: What’s the Right Model?

Tue 15 Sep

• 11:25-12:10 Panel: Emerging Markets
• 14:00-14:45 Panel: The Japan Effect: What Happens Next in Northeast Asia?
• 15:05-15:50 Panel: Bridging Land-Based and Online: The Power of Player Data

Wed 16 Sep

• 10:00-10:05 Remarks: Summit Chairman’s Welcome
• 11:10-11:55 Panel: Metro Manila Gaming: Attacking the ‘Burbs
• 14:00-14:40 At the bar: Operators Panel: Operating in an Evolving Market
• 15:40-16:25 At the bar: The Era of Leisure Tourism
• 16:25-16:30 Remarks: Summit Chairman’s Closing

Ben began his career as a sports journalist in Sydney in 1999, working for a number of leading news publications before his interest was piqued by the TV poker shows that frequented the airwaves late at night. He soon found himself not only playing the game but writing about it too – taking on the role of Editor for PokerNews Australasia and subsequently visiting Macau for the very first time in 2008.

He was appointed Managing Editor of World Gaming Magazine in February 2013, subsequently overseeing O MEDIA’s editorial catalogue including High Life, Hengqin Record and more. He was appointed Chief Content Officer in 2017.

In 2016, Ben became Managing Editor of Inside Asian Gaming and has spent his years since then delving ever more deeply into the business of gaming. He was instrumental in the launch of the industry-leading daily e-newsletter IAG Breakfast Briefing in April 2017.

Mon 14 Sep

• 14:20-15:05 Panel: Future-Proofing the Industry

Harmen, a seasoned leader in the gaming industry with over 30 years of experience, is a serial entrepreneur and investor with a proven track record in technology development, manufacturing and distribution. He has significantly impacted the gaming landscape across more than 75 countries, with a particular focus on emerging markets. Harmen is recognized for his innovative contributions to the industry, including pioneering concepts in jackpots, game design and casino monitoring systems.

Currently, Harmen is the executive chairman at NYCE International, a publicly listed company on the Aquis Exchange, which represents over 40 leading gambling companies while actively developing strategic technical ventures. NYCE International goes beyond traditional representation by taking a stake in promising ventures, creating equity value alongside product representations. This unique approach leverages Harmen's deep industry knowledge and network to connect industry-leading companies with operators worldwide, fostering innovation and growth.

Throughout his career, Harmen has been instrumental in the success of over 25 companies in the technology, distribution and operations sectors. He has collaborated with major industry players like IGT, Novomatic, Playboy Casino and many others, solidifying his position as a key influencer in the gaming world. His efforts have led to improved industry practices, including assisting governments in optimizing gaming tax revenues and establishing effective regulatory frameworks.

Further demonstrating his commitment to industry advancement, Harmen founded the Gaming Incubator in 2007, investing in over 20 technology-focused companies. As the former Founding Chairman of the European Gaming Organization, he has shared his expertise by delivering over 100 keynotes at international gaming conferences.

Mon 14 Sep

• 16:10-16:55 Panel: Suppliers and Special Class BPOs

Rob is Founder and CEO of The Conexus Group, a platform of specialist professional services businesses focused on the global Gaming industry.

Over more than 25 years, he has built and co-founded a group of recognised specialist businesses including Pentasia, iGaming Academy, Partis and Incline, spanning talent, learning and development, marketing, consulting, executive advisory and M&A.

Today, Pentasia has built on its 25-year leadership in specialist recruitment to become a broader capability platform, combining talent expertise, specialist advisory and proprietary intelligence to help Gaming companies build capability and make better decisions. Partis complements this by working with businesses at pivotal strategic moments, combining expert advice with hands-on execution to deliver complex strategic outcomes, while Incline provides specialist marketing expertise.

As CEO, Rob focuses on the vision, strategy and long-term development of Conexus, connecting relationships, expertise, intelligence and technology across the Group. His ambition is to build the most trusted professional services and intelligence platform in the industry, helping Gaming companies become stronger, make better decisions and achieve the outcomes that matter most.

Mon 14 Sep

• 12:20-13:05 Panel: Outsourcing or Going It Alone: What’s the Right Model?

Tue 15 Sep

• 15:05-15:50 Panel: Bridging Land-Based and Online: The Power of Player Data

Laurent Fresnel is Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Syntrii.

He brings more than 25 years of global technology leadership across casino and entertainment, with deep expertise delivering transformation inside highly regulated environments. As former Group Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at The Star Entertainment Group, he led enterprise-wide programs spanning carded play, digital wallets, cashless ecosystems, real-time financial crime detection, customer risk profiling, safer gambling, and the modernisation of loyalty and marketing systems at scale.

That experience gives him a clear understanding of the technology challenges operators face as competition increasingly moves online, and an entrepreneurial instinct for using emerging technology not as an end in itself, but as the means to true customer centricity.

Laurent co-founded Syntrii on a simple observation: operators already hold the data required to compete with online-native rivals, but it sits fragmented across gaming, non-gaming, loyalty and payments systems that were never designed to speak to one another.

Syntrii was built to close that gap — providing the digital foundation for loyalty, marketing, payments and compliance in the regulated gaming sector, combining production-ready technology with the strategic expertise to shape the future of patron engagement.

He is well placed to speak to the convergence now underway in the Philippines: what land-based data can and cannot tell you about an online audience, what smart table data is actually revealing, and why marketing to a patron on their phone demands a fundamentally different model to marketing to them on the floor.

Mon 14 Sep

• 16:10-16:55 Panel: Suppliers and Special Class BPOs

Kris Galloway has spent 16 years in iGaming, including a combined 12 years at Flutter and Entain, long enough to have seen the industry reinvent itself several times, and long enough to know which problems are genuinely new and which have merely learned some new tricks.

Today, as Head of iGaming Product at Sumsub, Kris sits between gambling, technology, regulation and fraud. His world includes everything from verification, AML and player protection to compliance, transaction monitoring, bonus abuse, next-gen game hacks, PvP exploits, account takeovers and the increasingly creative ways bad actors find to exploit perfectly good technology.

He works with operators, regulators and industry bodies around the world, helping turn complex risks into practical conversations, dynamically considering various local factors such as tech adoption, fraud rates, crypto usage, age demographics and advertising exposure in driving the debate.

A regular speaker and moderator at international iGaming events, Kris is particularly interested in where the industry is heading next: how AI will change both fraud and fraud prevention, its impact on RG, how regulators can keep pace with technology, what regulated markets can learn from the growth of illicit operators, and how we can harness protection without making legitimate customers feel like suspects.

His approach is simple: challenge comfortable assumptions, make complicated things understandable, and never confuse “we’ve always done it this way” with a good reason to keep doing it.

Mon 14 Sep

• 15:25-16:10 Panel: The Rest of Asia

Samuel Gauci is a Senior Foreign Lawyer for Australian law firm Addisons. Sam’s background in gambling law stems over 15 years with roles with the Maltese gambling regulator, the Malta Gaming Authority, and in private practice as a senior associate with a leading Maltese law firm, prior to joining Addisons in 2019.

Sam advises and assists international land-based and online gambling operators (from startups to large companies) in various stages of their licensing and compliance requirements.

He has completed secondments with multi-national gambling operators, which assists with a deeper understanding of the internal operations of gambling operators.

Furthermore, Sam’s regulatory background enables him to successfully assist clients in their interactions with international and Australian gambling regulators, navigate licensing and probity requirements across the globe and address compliance matters.

Mon 14 Sep

• 12:20-13:05 Panel: Outsourcing or Going It Alone: What’s the Right Model?

Mark Gilbert is the VP of online gaming operations for Newport World Resorts, where he supports the strategic design and growth of the company’s online gaming operations. With more than 30 years of global gaming and hospitality experience, his career began on the Las Vegas Strip and has since spanned senior roles in operations, product strategy, and analytics across the United States and Asia.

Before moving to the Philippines, Mark held leadership positions with Caesars Entertainment (Harrah’s Entertainment) and Bally Technologies (now Light & Wonder). In the Philippines, he has spent over eight years working with leading B2C and B2B operators, advancing platforms, analytics, and operational excellence to strengthen the country’s dynamic online gaming sector. He holds a Master’s degree in Hospitality Management-Gaming Operations from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Mon 14 Sep

• 16:10-16:55 Panel: Suppliers and Special Class BPOs

Pia Theresa Gutierrez is a seasoned BPO leader with a diverse background spanning nearly all functions within the industry. From operations and customer support to strategy and process improvement, she has managed and optimized teams across multiple geographies and business units, giving her a deep understanding of the end-to-end service delivery ecosystem. This perspective enabled her transition from leading teams to governing entire Philippine sites—overseeing all functions and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives—allowing her to deliver sustainable operational excellence and drive strategic growth.

As Head of Philippine Operations for Evoke PLC's Shared Services Center (William Hill Group Customer Services), her mission is to drive continuous growth in the BPO industry, empower individuals to reach their full potential, and transform workplace culture in the Philippines to elevate the industry's global reputation.

Mon 14 Sep

• 15:25-16:10 Panel: The Rest of Asia

Lead Entain’s external-facing team across Australia and New Zealand, overseeing the racing and sports industries, key partnerships, government relations, media, and external communications. Role sits at the intersection of commercial growth, stakeholder influence and management, reputation, and regulatory engagement, helping Entain secure good outcomes across its commercial partners, stakeholders, and the broader public landscape.

Mon 14 Sep

• 10:30-11:15 Fireside chat: How to Enter the Philippines? Why to Enter the Philippines?

Richard Howarth is the Managing Director at Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), a global leader in independent gaming testing, technical consulting, compliance assessment, and regulator training services. With a career spanning over two decades across sales, marketing, and commercial leadership, Richard brings a wealth of expertise to his role at GLI, where he oversees strategic business development for the APAC Region, including Australia, New Zealand, Macao, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, and Cambodia. His focus is on fostering relationships with suppliers, operators, regulators, and industry bodies, and ensuring alignment with delivery teams to meet the standards and expectations of the global gaming industry.

Before joining GLI in December 2023, Richard held leadership roles across diverse industries, including gaming, hospitality, telecommunications, and technology. This included roles with IXUP Limited, Tattersall’s Group, Sportingbet, and The Star Entertainment Group, where he built a track record of driving substantial growth that solidified his reputation as a results-oriented leader in high-stakes industries. He also held prominent positions at Telstra, the Australian Defence Force, and Coca-Cola, where he honed his expertise in strategic sales and commercial marketing.

Richard holds an MBA from the University of Technology Sydney and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Business (Marketing) and Arts (Psychology, Sociology) from Monash University in Melbourne. A committed industry leader and advocate, he is also active in community initiatives, serving as a Crisis Support Volunteer at Lifeline.

Mon 14 Sep

• 12:20-13:05 Panel: Outsourcing or Going It Alone: What’s the Right Model?

Tue 15 Sep

• 11:25-12:10 Panel: Emerging Markets

Shaun McCamley is a seasoned executive and respected figure in the global gaming and casino industry, recognized as one of the top 25 industry people to watch. With decades of experience, he has held senior leadership roles across land-based and online casino operations, guiding numerous ventures to success through strategic insight and operational excellence.

His deep expertise spans casino management, gaming operations, digital gaming and regulatory compliance. As a trusted consultant, Shaun has advised gaming operators, governments and regulatory bodies, playing a key role in optimizing operations and ensuring compliance in complex jurisdictions.

His international portfolio encompasses projects across Asia, Europe and other major gaming markets, where he has made significant contributions to the growth and evolution of the gaming industry.

Shaun is a sought-after speaker at global gaming conferences, where he shares forward-looking perspectives on industry trends, emerging technologies and best practices in player engagement and retention. His thought leadership is also reflected in numerous published articles on casino strategy and management.

Known for his leadership and innovative thinking, Shaun consistently drives transformation and embraces cutting-edge solutions to elevate gaming experiences. His ability to bridge traditional casino operations with the evolving demands of digital gaming has made him a valuable force in shaping the industry's future.

Mon 14 Sep

• 11:35-12:20 Panel: Localizing for Success in the Philippines

Brian K. Ng is President of PhilWeb Corporation, one of the pioneers of regulated electronic gaming in the Philippines. He joined PhilWeb in January 2011 as Senior Vice President for Gaming and was appointed President effective February 2020. His 15+ years with the company give him a firsthand view of the industry's evolution—from the nationwide eGames model to eBingo, gaming-machine supply, and today's online-led B2B gaming technology ecosystem.

Throughout his tenure, Brian has played a key role in guiding PhilWeb through the evolving Philippine gaming landscape. Building on the company's pioneering roots in eGames, PhilWeb expanded its footprint to include eBingo outlets and gaming technology services, broadening its presence across the regulated electronic gaming sector.

This experience has given Brian a unique perspective on the evolution of the industry—from venue-based electronic gaming to today's increasingly digital and interconnected gaming environment.

PhilWeb's legacy is rooted in the early development and nationwide expansion of regulated eGames in the Philippines. Brian has helped guide the company through successive stages of that evolution. In 2026, PhilWeb began repositioning toward an online-led, asset-light B2B model spanning online gaming platform technology, systems integration, content distribution and aggregation, and operational support for licensed operators.

Recent initiatives include B2B deployments with major gaming operators and resort-linked brands. PhilWeb has also secured PAGCOR accreditation as a gaming affiliate and support service provider, further positioning the company as a technology and infrastructure partner within the regulated Philippine gaming ecosystem.

Brian combines deep operational experience with institutional knowledge of the Philippine gaming market. His career at PhilWeb spans the growth of retail electronic gaming, diversification into eBingo and machine supply, major shifts in regulation and consumer behavior, and the rapid rise of online gaming—giving him a distinctive perspective on where the industry has been and where it is heading.

Mon 14 Sep

• 10:30-11:15 Fireside chat: How to Enter the Philippines? Why to Enter the Philippines?
• 16:10-16:55 Panel: Suppliers and Special Class BPOs

Marie Antonette “Tonet” Quiogue is the CEO and Founder of Arden Consult, a premier advisory firm specializing in gaming regulation, strategy, and compliance. Widely regarded as one of the Philippines’ foremost authorities on gaming law, Tonet brings deep expertise across both land-based and online (iGaming) sectors, advising multinational clients on transactional, corporate, and regulatory matters within the country’s complex legal environment.

Prior to establishing Arden Consult, Tonet served as co-head of the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) practice and head of the Gaming practice at a leading Philippine law firm. She has since built a distinguished track record that includes structuring compliant joint ventures and investments, securing PAGCOR licenses and accreditations, and resolving regulatory issues with government agencies at both local and national levels. She has also played a prominent role in advancing the recognition of Special Class Business Processing Outsourcing (SCBPO) operators and represents many of the country’s largest gaming companies.

Tonet’s client base spans the full breadth of the industry — from casinos and gaming machine manufacturers to online gaming operators, sports betting and lottery providers, technology suppliers, and payment processors. Her counsel draws on a thorough understanding of compliance standards across heavily regulated jurisdictions, including Nevada, Malta, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

A trusted adviser to regulators, operators, and investors alike, Tonet continues to contribute to the industry’s development as a lecturer, author, and resource person on gaming law, policy, and TMT regulation throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Mon 14 Sep

• 11:35-12:20 Panel: Localizing for Success in the Philippines

Mr. Spytma is the CEO of Casino Plus and Hotel Stotsenberg Leisure Park and Hotel Corporation, which offers world-class facilities and online casino services to guests and visitors in the Philippines. Before joining Casino Plus, he held executive positions at leading interactive gaming companies such as Electronic Arts, Unity Technologies, and PopCap Games.

Mr. Spytma’s career in Asia spans more than 24 years, during which he has managed and grown businesses across the region’s dynamic and competitive mobile markets, with a strong focus on gaming.

A sought-after speaker, moderator, and panelist, he is widely regarded as a champion within the gaming community. Mr. Spytma holds a Master’s degree in International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Mon 14 Sep

• 11:35-12:20 Panel: Localizing for Success in the Philippines

Erick Su is the Chief Global Growth Officer of DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the pioneer and leading digital entertainment provider in the Philippines behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone. In his current role, he supports DigiPlus’ global expansion strategy and initiatives to unlock new growth opportunities, while leveraging his extensive experience in international business growth and market expansion.

With over two decades of experience across both operator and supplier roles, Su brings a well-rounded understanding of the global gaming industry. He has previously worked with Betfair (Flutter Group), Unibet (Kindred Group), Kambi, and Genlot, covering markets across the UK and Asia.

Mon 14 Sep

• 15:25-16:10 Panel: The Rest of Asia

Danny Too is a seasoned gaming, hospitality and business executive with more than 26 years of international leadership experience spanning Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania. Rising from frontline hotel operations to senior executive and C-suite leadership, he has successfully led gaming operators, luxury hospitality businesses, technology providers and strategic consulting initiatives across multiple markets. Throughout his career, Danny has built a reputation for transforming businesses, driving sustainable growth, strengthening operational excellence and developing high-performing teams. Passionate about mentoring future leaders and giving back to the industry, he believes that leadership is defined not only by commercial success but also by the positive impact made on people and communities. His expertise encompasses business strategy, operational transformation, business development, customer experience, regulatory engagement and international market expansion.