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Obituary In loving memory of our beloved founder Dr. Lui Che Woo GBM, LLD, DSSc, DBA, MBE, JP 1929-2024

12 Nov 2024

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Dr. Lui Che Woo GBM, JP, Founder and Chairman of K. Wah Group, Honorary Doctor of Laws, Honorary Doctor of Social Sciences, and Honorary Doctor of Business Administration, as well as the founder of the "LUI Che Woo Prize – Prize for World Civilization". A revered entrepreneur and philanthropist, he peacefully passed away on November 7, 2024, at the age of 95, surrounded by his family.

Dr. Lui, born in Jiangmen, Guangdong, and raised in Hong Kong, was a stalwart patriot of his country, Hong Kong and Macau. The K. Wah Group, under his stewardship, stood for integrity and innovation, contributing significantly to national development and inspiring the Chinese community to collectively pursue a more prosperous China.

Known as the "King of Quarry", Dr. Lui made remarkable contributions to Hong Kong's post-war redevelopment and economic growth. Since establishing K. Wah Company in 1955, he spearheaded projects like land reclamation in East Kowloon; during the 1960s, he also introduced modern automation technology in the Anderson Road Quarry. His ventures into property development laid a robust foundation for the company. In the 1970s, he ventured into building five-star hotels, elevating Hong Kong's tourism sector, and played a pivotal role in talent development and quality management. He also established the Hong Kong Hotel Owners Association and served as its founding chairman.

During the early stages of reform and opening up, Dr. Lui was a pioneer in investing in Mainland China, setting up numerous building material bases and cement plants across the country. Committed to sustainable development, he championed energy conservation and environmental protection. Since the 1980s, he grew the property business in Hong Kong and the USA, and eventually expanded into the Yangtze River Delta and Greater Bay Area, establishing himself as a leading developer.

In 2002, Dr. Lui founded Galaxy Entertainment Group in Macau, guiding the company to support the region's economic diversification and fostering innovation in the integrated tourism and leisure industry. Galaxy's listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2005 and its inclusion in the Hang Seng Index in 2013 underscored its success and unique management philosophy blending Eastern and Western practices.

Under Dr. Lui's stewardship, K. Wah Group not only achieved commercial success but also set a benchmark for social responsibility. His philanthropic endeavors, spanning from education to healthcare and public welfare, included the establishment of over a hundred schools and  numerous scholarships. His commitment to education culminated in the creation of the "LUI Che Woo Prize – Prize for World Civilization" in 2015, advocating for virtues, harmony and the enrichment of humanity. In 2016, Dr Lui topped the Hurun China Philanthropy List for Hong Kong, Macau and overseas Chinese, recognized as a leading philanthropist.

Dr Lui was actively involved in public affairs, having held key positions in various councils and committees, making significant contributions to society. He received numerous international and regional honors, including the Grand Bauhinia Medal, the Gold Bauhinia Star, and Justice of the Peace. Early on, he was honored by the Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which named an asteroid, numbered 5538, "Lui Che Woo Star," highlighting his extraordinary achievements and high moral character.

Dr. Lui Che Woo lived his life with integrity and a pioneering spirit, deeply embedding these values into K. Wah Group's corporate culture and serving as a role model for future generations. His profound patriotism and selfless dedication earned him the respect of all sectors of  society, and his admirable qualities were cherished by employees, friends, and partners.

Dr. Lui's spirit and legacy will forever remain in our hearts. We extend our deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time.

K. Wah Group

Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited

K. Wah International Holdings Limited

K. Wah Properties (Holdings) Limited

K. Wah Construction Materials Limited

Stanford Hotels International Limited

In Mourning