Dr. Gillian Choa

Professor Gillian Choa, a passionate educator, became the first woman and the first Hongkonger to head The Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts when she stepped up to the role of the organisation’s Director in 2021. She joined the Academy full time as a member of its Theatre Design Department in 1996 and was appointed Dean of the School of Theatre and Entertainment Arts from 2013 to 2019, and Deputy Director and Provost from 2019 before her appointment as Director. Under her leadership, the Academy has been ranked 1st in Asia for six consecutive years at the latest QS Ranking – performing arts category. She has also worked in numerous different roles within the arts. She began her career in Hong Kong as the first Resident Designer of the Chung Ying Theatre Company, then worked in a wide variety of roles across Hong Kong’s performance and entertainment industry, including as set, costume and lighting designer for theatre, film and television. She also designed displays for luxury brands including Tiffany and Hermes, presented a classical music TV programme, and edited architectural and fashion magazines. Professor Choa is currently serving many boards and committees of organisations and advisory groups that serve the community; they include Human Resources Planning Commission, HKSAR Outstanding Students’ Union, HKJC Music and Dance Fund, HK Society for the Deaf, Federation of New Territories Youth, HK Youth & Tertiary Students Association, VTC’s Design Discipline Advisory Board, HK Designers Association, Wofoo Leaders’ Network, Zonta Club of Hong Kong, and so forth.