The government on Tuesday announced the appointment of Bernard Chan as the new chairman of the board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA), to succeed Henry Tang.

Chan has been a member of the board since 2016, serving in various leadership roles across its managed cultural facilities, before becoming vice-chairman in 2022, a position he has held until now.

He will begin his two-year term as chairman on October 1.

“I am deeply grateful to the chief executive for his appointment and confidence, which provides me the opportunity to lead West Kowloon Cultural District towards a new milestone," Chan said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Tang said he was grateful for having served as chairman for 11 years. He also thanked residents and visitors from around the world for their continuous support of the cultural hub.

"This collective backing has enabled West Kowloon Cultural District to achieve significant milestones, establishing itself as a vibrant cultural hub that brings together both traditional and modern, Chinese and Western cultural elements, and laying a solid foundation for the development of Hong Kong's cultural and creative industries," he said.

Culture Secretary Rosanna Law said she believes Chan, a former Executive Council convenor, can drive the development of the district.

“Chan's rich experience in administrative management and public services, as well as his extensive business network, will enable him to lead the district in developing the district into a cultural tourism landmark earning worldwide acclaim,” she said.

Law also expressed gratitude to Tang for his contributions over the years, praising him for leading the cultural hub to achieve many important milestones.

Alongside Chan, Senior Counsel Jat Sew-tong has been appointed as the new vice-chairman, and Executive Council member Eliza Chan has joined as a new member of the board.