A Macau judge who became President of the Court of Final Appeal in December 2024 — the first woman to head Macau's highest court. She has worked in Macau's judiciary since 1996, served as a judge of the Court of Final Appeal, and presided over major cases, including that of former Prosecutor-General Ho Chio Meng.
On Macau's highest bench, Song Man Lei became the first woman to take the President's seat.
Song Man Lei is a Macau judge, President of the Court of Final Appeal, and the first woman to head Macau's highest court.
Profile
- Chinese Name: 宋敏莉
- English Name: Song Man Lei
- Born: 1966
- Domains: Politics · Judiciary
- Subject type: Judge · President of the Court of Final Appeal
Background
Song Man Lei was born in 1966 and has worked in Macau's judiciary since 1996. She long served on the Court of Final Appeal, rising through professionalism and seniority to the top of Macau's judicial system.
Career
I. Judge of the Court of Final Appeal
Before becoming President, Song served for years as a judge of the Court of Final Appeal, presiding over or sitting on major cases — including the high-profile corruption case of former Prosecutor-General Ho Chio Meng — demonstrating her command of significant criminal and public-office cases.
II. First woman President of the Court of Final Appeal (2024)
In December 2024 Song became President of the Court of Final Appeal, the first woman to head Macau's highest court. The appointment was both a recognition of her professional standing and a milestone for Macau's judiciary.
Key Achievements
- President of the Court of Final Appeal from December 2024
- First woman to head Macau's highest court
- Presided over / sat on major cases (including the Ho Chio Meng case)
- Has worked in Macau's judiciary since 1996
Information compiled from publicly available sources (the Court of Final Appeal of Macau, the Macau Official Gazette and public reporting). If anything is inaccurate or needs updating, please contact us — we aim to respond within 48 hours.