Lui Che-woo, Hong Kong property and casino magnate of K. Wah and Galaxy, dies at age 95
Lui, the chairman of the K. Wah Group of companies, died peacefully on November 7, according to filings to the Hong Kong stock exchange by his companies
Lui Che-woo, who rose from humble beginnings selling peanuts and snacks to become one of Asia’s biggest casino magnates, with a portfolio of hotels, resorts and property in Hong Kong and Macau, has died. He was 95.
Lui’s “vision, tremendous leadership, and guidance were the foundations for the group’s development and continued success”, the companies said in their statements on Monday night. A new chairman will be appointed “in due course”, according to the statements.
Seldom photographed without his signature newsboy cap, Lui leaves behind a legacy as one of Hong Kong’s most successful entrepreneurs, transforming a small construction materials company into a diversified conglomerate spanning property development in Hong Kong and gambling operations in Macau. He was also one of Hong Kong’s most generous philanthropists, offering support in education and youth development.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu extended his condolences to Lui’s family and paid tribute to the tycoon’s commitment “to contributing to society over the decades”, according to a statement.
