Lui Che Woo (吕志和), the Hong Kong tycoon with an extensive portfolio of hotels, resorts and property in Hong Kong and Macau, has died. He was 95 years old. His companies, K.Wah International (嘉華國際集團有限公司) and Galaxy Entertainment Group (銀河娛樂集團有限公司), announced his death on 11th November 2024 (Monday).
According to the official statement by Galaxy Entertainment Group, their founder and chairman died peacefully on 7th November 2024 (Thursday). While the statement never revealed the cause of death, it’s believed Lui Che Woo died of natural causes. The statement also never disclosed details of his final resting place or funeral proceedings.
Before his death, Lui Che Woo had recently celebrated his 95th birthday in a celebration hosted by his children, Francis Lui (吕耀东), Lawrence Lui (吕耀南), Alexander Lui (吕耀华), Paddy Lui (吕慧瑜) and Eileen Lui (吕慧玲). The event was held in Hong Kong on 24th September 2024, with family, friends and high-ranking individuals in attendance.
Aside from being the founder of K.Wah International and Galaxy Entertainment Group, Lui Che Woo is also the managing director and chairman of both companies. Following his death, K.Wah International and Galaxy Entertainment Group announced they would continue operations as usual, and would elect a new managing director and chairman in due course.
Lui Che Woo was one of the richest people in Hong Kong, with an estimated net worth of US$14.5 billion (approximately RM64 billion). He’s also known for his philanthropy, and in 2015, his philanthropic foundation established the “Lui Che Woo Prize for World Civilization”, offering a HK$20 million cash award towards sustainability and the betterment of welfare.
We extend our condolences to Lui Che Woo’s family and loved ones. May they find solace during this difficult time.
Sources: Galaxy Entertainment Group, K.Wah International, Oriental Daily, South China Morning Post
