Prominent HK tycoon Payson Cha dies of cancer at 77

Payson Cha Mou-sing, the chairman of Hong Kong conglomerate HKR International, famed for its development of the Discovery Bay community on Lantau Island, died in San Francisco on Saturday morning.

Cha was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1999. Sources said his illness has recurred this year with Cha having traveled to the US in recent months for treatment.

HKR International said in a statement this morning that the passing of Cha was a great loss to the group and the company would continue to follow the strategies laid down by the board.

A new chairman will be appointed in due course and further announcements will be made soon, the statement added.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said she was deeply saddened by the death of Cha and extended her condolences to his family.

“Cha was a successful businessman, achieving excellence in various areas. He have been making tremendous contributions to the development of tourism and the economy in Hong Kong over the years,” said Lam.

Cha was the Chairman of the Board of the Ocean Park Corporation, and appointed as an independent non-executive director to Hongkong International Theme Parks Limited to tender advice on the development of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.