blog image

In a generous display of philanthropy, Galaxy Entertainment Group Chairman Francis Lui Yiu Tung donated MOP 30 million (approximately USD 3.7 million) to the Macao University of Tourism (UTM), a contribution that led to the main campus building being renamed the Yiu Tung Building. The naming ceremony took place on July 23, 2025, when UTM officially unveiled the rebranded, 14‑storey facility—formerly known as the Silver Jubilee Building.

The Yiu Tung Building is both substantial and state‑of‑the‑art. It encompasses roughly 16,000 m² over 14 floors and includes 58 lecture halls, 54 academic offices, four specialized teaching kitchens, and hospitality labs—designed to serve over 2,000 students concurrently. Beginning this academic year, it will serve as the central teaching hub for degree programs in tourism and hospitality.

At the dedication ceremony, Mr. Lui—who also chairs the K. Wah Group and serves as inaugural Chair of the Trustees Committee of the UTM Development Foundation—articulated his motivation. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Macao SAR Government and university leadership for their support and underscored his appreciation for UTM’s dedication to developing tourism talent in Macao. “Through the donation, Mr. Lui hopes to further support UTM in advancing high-quality and innovative teaching and research, and bridging academic achievements with the evolving needs of the industry,” he affirmed, reflecting his deep belief in collaboration between academia and social stakeholders.

Dr. Cheung Kin Chung, Chair of UTM’s Development Foundation, acknowledged Mr. Lui as the foundation’s first Honorary Patron. He highlighted that the donation will finance a range of academic initiatives—teaching excellence awards, research honors, prizes for outstanding papers, and strengthened exchange and collaboration efforts. Dr. Cheung described the new building as “a benchmark for high-quality teaching, breakthrough research, and effective talent cultivation,” signaling its central role in shaping Macao’s future tourism professionals.

Francis Lui Yiu Tung is a notable figure in Macao’s tourism and hospitality landscape. As the Chairman and CEO of Galaxy Entertainment Group—which operates Galaxy Macau among other prestigious resorts—he has played a pivotal role in the city’s economic and leisure development. His generosity aligns with a family legacy of philanthropy: his late father, Dr. Lui Che‑woo, supported numerous educational and medical institutions, while Francis himself continues this tradition through scholarships and charitable trusts.

This donation and the establishment of the Yiu Tung Building mark a significant step forward in strengthening Macao’s position as a world-class “Tourism and Leisure Centre.” Leveraging this modern educational infrastructure, UTM is now better equipped to nurture talent tailored to the tourism industry, further aligning academic excellence with the region’s strategic development goals.