[FULL] Dialogue with Uli Sigg: The Journey of a Businessman, Diplomat and Art Collector

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As the former Swiss Ambassador to China, Uli Sigg was first brought to China through business, and further extends his career paths in politics and art. His venture in Asia is no less fascinating than a world traveler, as he became a contemporary art collector, in which he has formed 2,500 works of Chinese art collection around the globe.

Art presents the voices behind the artists and a reflection of the cultures and the environment. Uli Sigg started collecting Chinese contemporary art in a systematic way, which allows him to promote Chinese art on an international stage, and to get the artists voices heard. In 2012, he donated 1450 works to M+ Museum for Visual Arts in Hong Kong, as it unveils another chapter of modern Chinese art. What are some key take-away in his journey as a businessman and diplomat? What is his vision for the future art scene?

Join us for a vivid conversation with Uli Sigg, Asia Society Switzerland Board Member, and Member of the M+ Museum Board, International Council of New York Modern Art Museum MOMA and International Advisory Council of Tate Gallery. The dialogue will be moderated by Ronnie C. Chan, Chairman of Asia Society Hong Kong Center.

Join us at Asia Society Hong Kong Center for an in-person dialogue with Uli Sigg and Ronnie Chan.

Uli Sigg, born 1946, grew up in Switzerland. He completed his studies with a Ph.D. of the University of Zurich Law Faculty. He then worked as journalist and editor for various Swiss newspapers and magazines. From 1977 to 1990 he joined the Schindler Group where he held positions as Area Manager for Asia Pacific and later Member of the Group Executive Committee and Shareholders Board. He established in 1980 the first Joint Venture between China and the West and remained its Vice Chairman for ten years. He then served on the boards of a number of global companies till 1995 the Swiss federal government appointed him for four years ambassador to China, North Korea and Mongolia. Upon his return to Switzerland he again assumed the chairmanship or board membership of several multinational companies. Presently he also serves as Vice-President of the Ringier Media Group and as member of the Advisory Board of China Development Bank and other Chinese entities. He is Honorary Director of China Foreign Investment Association, Beijing and Board Member of Asia Society Switzerland.

As collector of contemporary art he has formed with 2500 works the most substantial collection of contemporary Chinese art in the world of which he donated in 2012 1450 works to M+ Museum for Visual Arts in Hong Kong. He is a member of the M+ Museum Board, the International Council of New York Modern Art Museum MOMA and International Advisory Council of Tate Gallery, London. 

Ronnie C. Chan is the Chair of Hang Lung Group Limited and its subsidiary Hang Lung Properties Limited, both publicly listed in Hong Kong. The Group expanded into mainland China in 1992, developing, owning and managing world-class commercial complexes in key tier one and tier two cities. He founded and chairs the China Heritage Fund, is a co-founding Director of The Forbidden City Cultural Heritage Conservation Foundation in Beijing, and is former Vice President and former Advisor of the China Development Research Foundation in Beijing. Mr. Chan is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Chair Emeritus of the Asia Society and Chairman of its Hong Kong Center, and Co-Founder and Chairman of the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society. He serves or has served on the governing or advisory bodies of several think tanks and universities, which include: Peterson Institute for International Economics, World Economic Forum, East-West Center, Pacific Council on International Policy, Eisenhower Fellowships, The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation, University of Southern California, Indian School of Business, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Yale University, Tsinghua University, and Fudan University. 

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The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and participants and, unless expressly stated to the contrary, do not reflect the opinion, position or official policy of Asia Society Hong Kong, its members, or its committees. Asia Society Hong Kong does not endorse or approve, and assumes no responsibility for the content of the information presented.