Real estate and Macau gaming tycoon Lui Che-woo has died at the age of 95, one of his listed firms announced on Monday. Galaxy Entertainment Group said he passed away peacefully last Thursday. "[Lui's] vision, tremendous leadership and guidance were the foundations for the Group’s development and continued success," the group said in a filing to the stock exchange. "The board would like to express its deepest sorrow for the passing away of Lui and extends its deepest condolences to his family." The group said it will continue its operations in accordance to the strategies laid down by its board, adding that Lui's passing won't have any impact on how the group is run. The tycoon made his last public appearance in late September when a host of local celebrities joined him in a party celebrating his birthday. Lui was also the chairman of the K. Wah Group, a multinational conglomerate he founded in the 1950s, focusing on construction materials and quarry mining. He later expanded his business into real estate investment. Besides various housing and hotel developments in Hong Kong, K. Wah also holds projects in major mainland cities such as Shanghai, Nanjing and Guangzhou, as well as Singapore and Malaysia. In 2002, Lui ventured into Macau's gaming business, winning one of the gambling licences issued by the government. His group now owns six casinos there. Almost a decade ago, the businessman founded a prize under his own name, recognising people who have contributed to the world civilisation. In 2012, Lui was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal, the city's top honour, for his contributions to Hong Kong. He had also been a member of the local Election Committee, as well as a member of the national advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Lui is survived by his wife and five children.
