The Academy is deeply saddened by the passing of its former Director, Professor Kevin Thompson OBE, an inspirational leader, visionary educator and steadfast champion of the performing arts.
Professor Thompson served as Director of the Academy from 2004 to 2012, leading a period of major transformation and growth. His strategic leadership brought about major academic, artistic and campus developments that significantly strengthened the Academy's standing as one of the world's leading institutions for performing arts education.
During Professor Thompson’s tenure, the Academy introduced master's degree programmes, opening new opportunities for advanced professional development. Professor Thompson also established the Academy's first Performing Arts Education Centre, a pioneering initiative that broadened public access to the performing arts, particularly for young people, and laid a solid foundation for future outreach and community engagement.
Committed to expanding the Academy's international horizons, Professor Thompson leveraged Hong Kong's distinctive role as a bridge between East and West to build partnerships with institutions around the world and in the Chinese Mainland. Through these efforts, he deepened academic collaboration and cultural exchange, broadened the Academy's international engagement and enhanced its global reputation.
Professor Thompson had a firm belief in preserving cultural heritage. He supported the establishment of the School of Chinese Opera, which was a landmark initiative that strengthened the preservation and passing on of Chinese cultural traditions by embedding the cherished art form within the Academy's academic framework.
Professor Thompson's tenure was also marked by major progress in campus development. He initiated the master plan for the expansion of the Academy's Wan Chai premises, and guided the Academy in assuming stewardship of the Béthanie campus, transforming the historic site into a vibrant centre for arts education and heritage conservation. With an exceptional ability to inspire support, he secured funding for the construction of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre, an important venue that enriched artistic and learning experiences for students and the public.
Beyond his professional achievements, Professor Thompson was admired for his kindness, humility and genuine care for others. Passionate about education, he encouraged students and young artists, celebrated their successes, and inspired generations to pursue excellence. Colleagues remember him as an approachable and thoughtful leader who listened generously, offered guidance and valued the contributions of others.
Following his distinguished service to the Academy, Professor Thompson served as the Founding Master of Moon Chun Memorial College at the University of Macau, where he remained dedicated to nurturing future leaders in the performing arts.
Professor Thompson's exceptional contributions have left a lasting impact on the Academy and on the development of performing arts education in Hong Kong and beyond. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists, educators and cultural leaders, and will live on in the many lives he touched as a leader, mentor and friend. He will be remembered with profound respect, affection and appreciation.
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts community extends its deepest gratitude for Professor Thompson’s remarkable service and offers its heartfelt condolences to his family.