Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) announced the peaceful passing of its founder and Chairman, Dr. Lui Che Woo, on November 7, 2024, at the age of 95. Dr. Lui’s death marks the end of an era for the company he began and shepherded to remarkable heights in the gaming and hospitality industries.
From humble beginnings to tycoon:
Dr. Lui Che Woo’s journey from a street vendor to a celebrated gaming tycoon is a narrative of extraordinary ascent. Born in 1929 into a prosperous family in Jiangmen, Guangdong, Dr. Lui moved to Hong Kong at a young age. His early life was marked by adversity, including the disruption of his education at 13 due to regional conflicts and later, the challenge of rebuilding a business from scratch after the devastation of the Sino-Japanese War.
Throughout the decades, Dr. Lui’s sharp business acumen led him to success across various sectors. After noticing a shortage of building materials during Hong Kong’s construction boom in the late 1950s, he entered the mining industry, which eventually earned him the nickname “King of Quarrying.” His business, K. Wah Group, which he founded in 1955, quickly expanded into a multinational conglomerate with ventures in construction, real estate, and hospitality, among others.
Despite entering the gaming industry at the age of 73, Dr. Lui quickly established himself as a significant figure alongside contemporaries like Stanley Ho and Sheldon Adelson. In 2002, his firm Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) secured one of the coveted gaming licenses in Macau, setting the stage for its future success. Under his leadership, GEG launched several key properties in Macau, including the renowned Galaxy Macau, which became a cornerstone of his legacy in the industry.
Contributions to civilization and philanthropy:
Beyond his business achievements, Dr. Lui was deeply committed to philanthropy and cultural advancement. He established the Lui Che Woo Prize for World Civilisation to recognize and support global efforts toward enhancing world civilization and promoting a harmonious society. His philanthropic efforts were wide-ranging, focusing particularly on education and health.
In its statement, GEG expressed that Dr. Lui’s vision and leadership formed the foundation of the company’s growth and success. As reported by Inside Asian Gaming, the company reassured stakeholders and customers: “His vision, tremendous leadership and guidance were the foundations for the Group’s development and continued success. The Board is of the view that the passing away of Dr Lui will not have any impact on the operations of the Group. A new Chairman of GEG will be appointed in due course and an announcement will be made of that appointment.”
As GEG navigates forward without its iconic leader, the industry reflects on Dr. Lui’s monumental impact—not only as a business magnate but as a visionary who shaped the very fabric of the gaming and hospitality industries in Asia and beyond. The Board and the entire GEG family expressed their profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to Dr. Lui’s family during this time of loss. His story—from overcoming adversity to building empires and fostering global cultural initiatives—leaves a lasting legacy that will inspire generations to come.