Francis Lui, the eldest son of Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) founder Lui Che Woo, has officially taken the helm as chairman following the passing of his father on 7 November at the age of 95. The transition was effective immediately, marking a new chapter for the company his father built into a global name in gaming and hospitality.
A Smooth Succession for a Gaming Giant
Lui, 67, isn’t new to GEG’s leadership circle. He has been part of the organisation for over four decades, having joined the group in 1979. By 1987, Lui was already serving as an executive director, and in 1997, he became deputy chairman. His deep familiarity with the company’s operations and vision is likely to ensure a seamless transition.
The timing of this appointment carries weight. Galaxy Entertainment is in the midst of one of Macau’s most ambitious expansions, and the continuity of leadership provides stability. Tom Chan Pak-lam, from the Institute of Securities Dealers, echoed this sentiment, telling the South China Morning Post that “the business direction and leadership of GEG should not see a big change following Lui’s appointment. It will be a smooth transition.”
Building on a Legacy in Cotai
Under Lui Che Woo’s vision, Galaxy Entertainment helped transform Macau’s Cotai district into a hub for gaming and luxury tourism. Today, GEG operates three landmark properties: Galaxy Macau and Broadway Macau in Cotai, and StarWorld Macau on the peninsula. The crown jewel, Galaxy Macau, is the world’s fifth-largest casino, with a sprawling 37,000-square-metre gaming floor, top-tier restaurants, and the 14,000-capacity Galaxy Arena.
Francis Lui has pledged to honour his father’s legacy while pushing the company toward broader horizons. “We will strive to make GEG the world’s leading integrated tourism and leisure company,” he said in a statement, promising to align with Macau’s push for economic diversification beyond gaming.
Galaxy’s Ambitious Phase 4 Expansion
The numbers behind Galaxy Entertainment’s expansion are staggering. With a price tag of HK$5.1 billion (approximately £519 billion or $651.6 billion), Phase 4 of the Galaxy Macau project is set to further reshape Cotai’s landscape.
The project will bring six additional hotels, a 4,000-seat theatre, and expanded non-gaming facilities. By the time Phase 4 is completed in 2027, Galaxy Macau will have grown to more than two million square metres — a development pipeline GEG claims is unmatched by any other operator in Macau.
Notably, the expansion prioritises non-gaming attractions. In a recent earnings report, GEG highlighted its “strong focus on entertainment and family facilities,” underscoring its alignment with the Macau government’s strategy to attract broader tourist demographics.
MICE-E: A Vision Beyond Gaming
Francis Lui and his father were pioneers in redefining tourism in Macau. Together, they coined the concept of “MICE-E,” adding entertainment to the traditional “MICE” framework — meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions.
Macau’s “4+1” strategy aims to transform the city into an international destination, reducing its reliance on gambling revenues. The government has made MICE tourism a cornerstone of this effort, and Galaxy Entertainment has positioned itself as a leader in this space.
“I’m confident Macau can compete to attract international visitors,” Francis Lui said. “But not because it’s cheaper… We will be competing because we have better quality.”
Honouring Lui Che Woo’s Vision
Lui Che Woo’s impact on Macau and the gaming industry cannot be overstated. In its retrospective on 14 December, Macau Business described Lui as a “key player” in developing Cotai into a world-class destination. His belief in Macau’s potential shaped GEG’s growth into a Hong Kong-listed powerhouse, now a constituent of the Hang Seng Index since 2013.
Father and son often shared the same vision for Macau’s future. Earlier this year, in an interview with Macau Business, Lui Che Woo endorsed the government’s push to diversify the economy, a sentiment echoed by Francis Lui. “We will continue to help enrich the mix of Macau’s tourist source markets,” the elder Lui had said.
Recognition and Future Prospects
Galaxy Entertainment’s reputation speaks for itself. This year, Galaxy Macau was named “Best Integrated Resort in Asia Pacific” at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards. Such accolades reflect the group’s success in balancing gaming and hospitality, and Francis Lui appears determined to build on that momentum.
While the competition in Macau’s gaming industry remains fierce, Galaxy Entertainment’s long-term strategy looks set to deliver. From record-breaking developments to innovative concepts like MICE-E, the group has positioned itself to thrive well into the next decade. The elder Lui’s passing may mark the end of an era, but with Francis Lui at the helm, the future of GEG seems firmly on track.
