Close aide to Hong Kong leader set to take over as head of troubled arts district

Long-time civil servant Betty Fung, who previously led the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority in an acting capacity, will officially take charge of the body for a three-year term starting in October

She will be taking the reins of an organisation that has been hit by controversy in recent months over the content of its collections and the departure of Fung’s predecessor

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Betty Fung will take over as head of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority for a three-year term in October. Photo: Edmond So

Published: 9:08pm, 18 Jun 2021Updated: 10:06pm, 18 Jun 2021

A close political aide of Hong Kong’s leader will take over as head of the authority managing the city’s troubled arts hub for a three-year term starting October 15.

Betty Fung Ching Suk-yee, 56, had been seconded by the government to the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority to serve as its acting chief executive since December, completing her tenure earlier this month. But the authority on Friday announced she would be officially reappointed to the post after it obtained the prior approval of Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.

Fung was selected for the position from about 100 candidates in a global search.

Henry Tang Ying-yen, chairman of the authority’s board, welcomed the appointment, praising Fung for her exceptional leadership and industry expertise in the fields of local arts and culture.

Fung has been involved in the West Kowloon arts hub in various capacities for years. Photo: Pool

“She has a clear vision for West Kowloon and sets ambitious goals with a view to developing the district into an iconic arts and cultural destination that would be the pride of Hong Kong and a premium international brand on its own,” Tang said in a statement.