Chan has been appointed for a two-year term from Friday to March 31, 2024, succeeding current chairman Victor Lo Chung-wing, who has had the post for six years.

Former chief executive of Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Anita Fung Yuen-mei, regional chief executive of United Overseas Bank Christine Ip Yeung See-ming, deputy chairman of Ocean Park Paulo Pong Kin-yee and founding and managing partner of Sequoia Capital China Neil Shen Nan-peng were also appointed as members of the M+ board.

Chairman of WeSure Alan Lau Ka-ming and founder and honorary member of the Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Uli Sigg were both reappointed as members of the board, with Lau also appointed the new vice chairman for a two-year term, succeeding current vice chairman Vincent Lo Wing-sang.

Henry Tang Ying-yen, chairman of the board of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, said Chan has “a profound understanding of the development and vision” of the cultural hub.

Chan has also served as chairman of the board of Hong Kong Palace Museum Limited since 2018, Tang said.

“Under his leadership, the preparation and construction of the Hong Kong Palace Museum have been progressing well despite the tight schedule and numerous challenges," Tang said.

He also extended his gratitude to Victor Lo for leading the development of M+ for over 15 years.

“He has made tremendous contributions to the M+ project at various stages, from conceptual design and construction to establishing the museum’s professional team and collections,” Tang said.

“Thanks to his leadership and commitment over the years, M+ has laid a solid foundation as Asia's first global museum of contemporary visual culture."

Lo was also convener of the Museums Advisory Group under the Consultative Committee on the Core Arts and Cultural Facilities of the WKCDA, as well as a board member.

The WKCDA board said it is confident that M+ museum will scale new heights under Chan’s leadership, along with the wide-ranging experience and expertise of the incumbent and new members of the M+ board.

The M+ Board is responsible for formulating the vision and mission, as well as strategies, policies and guidelines related to the museum and professional standards of M+’s operations.

Sources said after his appointment, Chan will have to lead the M+ board in establishing the admission fee mechanism, as well as improving its finances by adapting the business model and finding new sponsors.

M+ Museum opened last November. Admission to the M+ galleries is free for visitors during the first year of its opening, although it is currently closed due to the ongoing pandemic.

The museum is currently hosting online programs, calling on people to immerse themselves in contemporary visual culture.

Meanwhile, six xiqu, theater, dance and music programs produced by the Xiqu Centre and Freespace have received accolades in Beijing and award nominations in Hong Kong.

Experimental Cantonese opera Farewell My Concubine (New Adaptation), produced by Xiqu Centre, was listed as one of “The 40 Most Influential Productions in Chinese Contemporary Black Box Theatre” -- it is also the only Cantonese opera among the 40 awarded productions.

Five programs produced by Freespace also received nominations in various categories in the 2021 Critics Awards by the International Association of Theatre Critics (Hong Kong) and the 23rd Hong Kong Dance Awards by Hong Kong Dance Alliance. Results will be announced in April.