The community of HKAPA is deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Tung Chee-hwa, former Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the first Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and former President of the Academy.
Mr Tung devoted his life to serving both the country and Hong Kong, and was committed to advancing Hong Kong’s long-term development in all respects. His outstanding contributions, particularly in the fields of education, culture, and talent development, were far-reaching and deeply impactful. As the first Chief Executive of the HKSAR, he guided Hong Kong through a pivotal period following its return to the motherland and rendered remarkable service to the city's stability, long-term prosperity, and integration with national development, earning the deep respect and admiration of people from all walks of life.
A firm believer in the transformative power of education, he championed educational reform and strengthened the higher education sector while steadfastly supporting arts and cultural development, laying a very solid foundation for nurturing future generations of talent.
Mr Tung had a longstanding commitment to performing arts education. During a visit to the Academy in 2000, he attended student performances and creative demonstrations, encouraging young artists to strive for excellence and embrace their role in shaping Hong Kong's cultural future. He also commended the Academy's open academic environment and dedication to artistic excellence. When he was the President of the Academy, he provided staunch support to HKAPA for its growth and to the development of performing arts education, helping nurture generations of artists and cultural practitioners.
The Academy extends its deepest condolences to Mr Tung's family and loved ones. His spirit and legacy will forever remain in our hearts.
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The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (www.hkapa.edu)
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), established by The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Ordinance in 1984, is a world-leading higher education institution for the performing arts. It provides professionally-oriented undergraduate education and postgraduate studies in Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film and Television, Music, and Theatre and Entertainment Arts. Its educational philosophy reflects the cultural diversity of Hong Kong with an emphasis on Chinese and Western traditions, and interdisciplinary learning. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, the Academy ranks 10th for Performing Arts and 1st in Asia.
The Academy has been granted Programme Area Accreditation status by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications to award its own Certificates, Diplomas, Bachelor’s (Honours) Degrees and Master’s Degrees. In the past four decades, more than 10,000 artists have graduated from the Academy, going on to become performing artists, creative arts practitioners, filmmakers, educators and cultural leaders with global impact – many have won international awards and shone in their respective artistic fields.
Besides the main campus in Wanchai, Béthanie, the Academy’s Landmark Heritage Campus in Pokfulam, houses educational facilities for the School of Film and Television.