Press Releases

(Hong Kong, 9 May 2014) – K. Wah International Holdings Limited (“KWIH” or “the Group”) (stock code: 173) sponsors the opera fantastique Faust on 9 May 2014 (Friday), co-presented by Opera Hong Kong (“OHK”) and Le French May. The showcase of the world-class opera helps promote the unique art form to the Hong Kong community and cultivate the local art scene.

This evening, Dr Lui Che-woo, Chairman of KWIH, and Mrs Lui, Paddy Lui, Executive Director of KWIH, Dr Moses Cheng, Non-executive Director of KWIH, Dr William Yip, Independent Non-executive Director of KWIH, Milton Au, Independent Non-executive Director of KWIH, Herbert Hui, Chief Financial Officer of KWIH, Edward Ho, Chairman of OHK, and Warren Mok, Artistic Director of OHK officiated at the pre-show cocktail reception.

 

Edward Ho, Chairman of Opera Hong Kong (Right) presents a souvenir to Dr Lui Che-woo, Chairman of K. Wah International Holdings Limited (Left)

The Group also invited representatives from 10 banks that recently concluded a HK$3,980 million five-year term loan and four-year revolving credit facility for KWIH to celebrate and enjoy the show. With positive response resulting in an upsize of the facility, the Group further strengthened its resources and flexibility for long-term sustainable development.

 

With the trust from the banking community, K. Wah International Holdings Limited recently closes a HK$39.8 million syndicated loan and invites the representatives from the participating banks to celebrate and enjoy the opera Faust

Paddy Lui, Executive Director of KWIH, said, “K. Wah has been striving for excellence in business advancement while promoting arts development in Hong Kong. Through our collaboration with OHK, we sponsor world-class opera productions in the community, enriching the local art scene and providing more opportunities for local artists to showcase their talent. As well, we support a series of education and outreach programmes for young people, in the hope of enhancing their understanding and appreciation of opera, widening their horizon in art and culture and encouraging more young talents to participate in the industry.”

 

Paddy Lui, Executive Director of K. Wah International Holdings Limited, gives an opening remark at the cocktail reception of Faust

As the Honorary Patron of OHK, KWIH deems its mission as promoting opera through a wide spectrum of productions and educational programmes including mini opera tours at local schools and tertiary institutes, summer camp, and Children Chorus. These help stimulate young people’s interest in performing arts, and promote the popularity and diversification of the art scene. Furthermore, the setting up of scholarships helps explore and nurture young art talents and uplift the quality of art education.

Ms Lui continued, “Hong Kong is a vibrant and dynamic city. KWIH believes that art development helps enhance creativity of the community, and nourish our soul. Looking ahead, we shall continue to support opera as well as to realize Hong Kong’s vision as an Asia top cultural hub through rejuvenating audiences and nurturing art talents, which in turn help enhance Hong Kong’s image as a culturally rich cosmopolitan.”

Faust, co-presented by OHK and and Consulate General of France in Hong Kong & Macau, will be showcased from 9 to 11 May at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The play, produced by Warren Mok and directed by Paul-Emile Fourny, is a folklore of Faust selling his soul to Satan in exchange for rejuvenation. The popularity of this opera is attributable to Gounod’s unique style as a composer, namely a rare mixture of romantic and religious inclination. Together with the exciting plots and the evergreen solos and ensemble pieces, Faust has long been the favourite subject of opera production.