The funeral of Dr Lui Che Woo, founder and chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group (27) and K. Wah Group (173), was held at the Hong Kong Funeral Home on Wednesday (4 December) and dozens of political and business leaders attended the ceremony to honour the legacy of the late tycoon.
Donald Tsang Yam Kuen and Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet Ngor – former chief executives of Hong Kong – as well as Edmund Ho Hau Wah and Fernando Chui Sai On – former chief executives of Macau – are among the 10 pallbearers for Dr Lui, who passed away at the age of 95 on 7 November.
Among the political heavyweights and social dignitaries who attended Wednesday’s memorial service included: Zheng Yanxiong, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong; Chen Zuo’er, former deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council; Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka Chiu; Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo Po; Hong Kong Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting Kwok; National Committee member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Henry Tang Ying Yen; former Financial Secretary Antony Leung Kam Chung; Angela Leong On Kei, director of SJM Holdings (880); Allan Zeman, chairman of Wynn Macau (1128); Emperor Group chairman Albert Yeung Sau Shing; David Li Kwok Po, chairman of Bank of East Asia; and Shih Wing Ching, founder of Centaline Group.
Other dignitaries and organizations also sent wreaths to the ceremony, including the United Front Work Department, the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong, the Office of the CPPCC, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong, as well as celebrities such as Jacky Cheung and his wife, Andy Lau and his wife, and Yao Ming.
A video commemorating Lui’s life was played during the ceremony. Starting at 4 p.m., a steady stream of mourners visited the Hong Kong Funeral Home to pay their respects. The Funeral Committee distributed commemorative booklets to attendees, which included a biography of Lui’s life and condolence messages from dignitaries.
The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office praised Lui in its condolence letter, describing him as a highly respected figure in the business community of Hong Kong and Macau. It highlighted his long-standing patriotism and contributions to the successful reunification and prosperity of Hong Kong and Macau, as well as his support for China’s reform and opening-up policies. The Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong also commended Lui, calling him a philanthropist who cared deeply for his country and hometown, and whose generosity supported education, healthcare, culture, and technology initiatives.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka Chiu, in his message of condolence, described Lui as an outstanding entrepreneur who made significant contributions to the economic development of Hong Kong, Macau, and the mainland. He highlighted Lui’s achievements in property development and tourism and praised his lifelong patriotism and dedication to society, expressing deep sorrow over his passing.
Lui Che Woo passed away on 7 November at the age of 95. A public memorial service was held on Thursday (December 5) in the morning, followed by a funeral procession at noon. The late tycoon will be laid to rest at the Hong Kong Buddhist Cemetery in Chai Wan.
