Incoming Ocean Park head admits he’s taking over at most challenging point in attraction’s history
- Lau Ming-wai says management is under no illusions about the difficult task ahead
- Park will focus on rebuilding staff morale and stepping up conservation efforts, according to new chief executive
The new head of Hong Kong’s Ocean Park has admitted the theme park is facing the most challenging time in its existence and he will need to hammer out a blueprint to modernise the tourist attraction over the next six months.
Lau Ming-wai, 39, takes over from chairman Leo Kung Lin-cheng on Wednesday, while the park’s chief financial officer and corporate secretary Ysanne Chan Sein-yu will replace retiring Matthias Li Sing-chung as chief executive.
Lau has served on the park’s board since 2008 and becomes its youngest chairman following his promotion from deputy. Lau, whose father is real estate tycoon Joseph Lau Luen-hung, is also chairman of property developer Chinese Estates Holdings.
“Ocean Park is facing the worst time in over 40 years of history,” Lau said on Monday. “We don’t underestimate the challenges it is facing.”
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Hong Kong’s Ocean Park reopens after closing for over four months amid the coronavirus pandemic