Lui Che Woo: A legacy of vision, innovation, and philanthropy

Lui Che Woo, the Hong Kong construction magnate who reshaped the casino industry in Macau and possibly elevated it beyond the reach of its rival, Las Vegas, passed away at the age of 95 on November 7, 2024. His death marks the end of an era for one of the most influential figures in both Hong Kong and Macau’s business landscape. A statement from Galaxy Entertainment, his most prominent business venture, acknowledged his profound impact, stating that his “vision, tremendous leadership and guidance” were the cornerstone of the company’s success.

Life built on resilience and innovation

Born on August 9, 1929, in Jiangmen, Guangdong, China, Lui moved to Hong Kong with his family at the age of four. His early life was marked by hardship as he began working at the tender age of 13 in a food manufacturing business during Japan’s occupation of Hong Kong in the 1940s. Despite the challenges, Lui’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to venture into diverse industries such as car parts, heavy machinery, and quarrying. By the 1960s, he turned his attention to property investments, a move that would lay the foundation for his later empire.

In the 1980s, he expanded into hotel development, and by the 1990s, he had solidified his presence in the property and construction sectors, with his company K Wah Group expanding globally, including to mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia.

Shaping Macau’s casino empire

In 2002, Lui made a bold leap into the gaming industry when Macau liberalised its casino sector, granting Lui’s company, Galaxy Entertainment, one of the six coveted gaming licenses. At a time when Macau was striving to become a global gambling hub, Lui’s foresight and expertise helped Galaxy become one of the dominant forces in the region, competing with the likes of Stanley Ho, Sheldon Adelson, and Steve Wynn. Under Lui’s leadership, Galaxy developed world-class resorts and entertainment complexes, with some of the largest properties on Macau’s Cotai Strip.

Galaxy’s success was not only built on its casinos but on a comprehensive vision for leisure, hospitality, and entertainment, with luxury hotels, state-of-the-art convention spaces, and the largest indoor arena in Macau. His company’s properties, including the Galaxy Macau Resort, are known for their scale and lavish offerings, positioning Macau as a destination that far outstripped Las Vegas in gaming revenues by the mid-2010s.

Lui was also instrumental in fostering strong ties with Beijing, becoming a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. These connections played a pivotal role in his business ventures, both in Macau and mainland China, where his investments have had far-reaching impacts.

A distinguished philanthropist

Beyond his business empire, Lui was a generous philanthropist with a deep commitment to advancing social welfare. He established the LUI Che Woo Prize in 2015, a prestigious international award that recognises individuals and organisations for their contributions to sustainable development, positive life attitudes, and the welfare of mankind. His philanthropic efforts extended to medical care, education, and the development of information technology.

Lui’s contributions were not only felt in business and charity but also in the world of science. In 1995, an asteroid was named “Lui Che Woo Star” in honour of his extensive achievements. Discovered by the Purple Mountain Observatory in China, the asteroid’s naming symbolises the far-reaching legacy of a man who, in his later years, continued to inspire the next generation of leaders.

Legacy and family

Survived by his wife, Chiu Kam Ping, and five children, Lui’s legacy lives on through both his family and his companies. While his son, Francis Lui, has taken a leading role in the daily operations of Galaxy Entertainment, Lui Che Woo’s influence remains central to the group’s direction and success. Galaxy’s operations continue to thrive, and the company has announced that a new chairman will be appointed in due course, ensuring the continuation of his visionary leadership.

Dr. Lui’s career, spanning over seven decades, has been a testament to the power of innovation, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to society. As one of Hong Kong’s richest and most influential businessmen, his impact extends beyond just the casino industry. His entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his deep-rooted values, has made him a role model for generations of business leaders. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy—shaped by a unique blend of ambition and generosity—will endure for years to come.

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