Lui Che Woo pictured at convocation in 2004, when he received an honorary doctorate from Concordia.
Lui Che Woo, a visionary businessman, philanthropist and advocate for education, passed away on November 7, 2024. He was 95.
A 2004 Concordia honorary degree recipient, Lui made remarkable contributions to society.
He played a pivotal role in fostering cultural exchanges through the Concordia University Hong Kong Foundation. In 2005, Lui funded 50 scholarships valued at $10,000 each for deserving students.
“Lui Che Woo’s generosity and vision have left an enduring impact on the Concordia community and beyond,” said Paul Chesser, BA 94, GrDip 97, vice-president of University Advancement.
“His dedication to education and philanthropy strengthened cultural connections across the globe. We are deeply grateful for his unwavering commitment.”
Born in Jiangmen, Guangdong Province, in 1929, Lui moved to Hong Kong at the age of four. In 1955, he founded K. Wah Group, transforming it into a multinational conglomerate with over 33,000 employees worldwide.
The company oversaw the production of construction materials, property development and hospitality. His ventures were instrumental in shaping Hong Kong’s economic landscape and extending its global influence.
In 2015, he founded the Lui Che Woo Prize for World Civilization, an international award recognizing individuals and organizations for their contributions to sustainable development, positive energy and the betterment of humanity. The prize underscored his belief in creating a more harmonious world.
Lui earned numerous accolades. He became a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1982 and received Hong Kong’s prestigious Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2012.
He is survived by three sons and two daughters.