Sir Run Run Shaw and his wife, Lady Mona Shaw, were trailblazers in cultivating exceptional talents for Hong Kong’s film and television industry. During 1950’s to 1970’s, Sir Run Run identified and nurtured many iconic stars such as Linda Lin Dai and Ti Lung, all of whom became household names across Asia. As television began to flourish in 1970’s, Run Run Shaw established TVB’s inaugural Artist Training Class, investing substantially in the systematic development of talents. This groundbreaking programme nurtured a generation of talents that grew to international fame including Chow Yun-fat, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Andy Lau, and Maggie Cheung. By pioneering structured training for actors, screenwriters, and directors, Shaw underpinned Hong Kong’s emergence as a cinematic powerhouse. Over the decades, the Shaw Foundation has carried this legacy forward, upholding its dedication to the arts while enriching art and cultural education in Hong Kong.
Promote Creativity
Cultivating Industry Talent through Formal Education
The Shaw Foundation has strategically advanced arts education through university partnerships. As early as the 1980s, it began actively supporting Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) — then still Hong Kong Baptist College — in developing its specialised academic programmes, providing funding in particular for its pioneering education in film and television, making it a pioneer in formal media studies in Hong Kong. This initiative later evolved into the School of Communication, comprising three constituent departments: Journalism, Cinema and Television, and Communication Studies. The school has produced influential alumni who have achieved successful careers across media and the arts.
The Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre at City University of Hong Kong represents another significant milestone. Completed in 2011, this innovative nine-storey building was designed by Daniel Libeskind with Leigh & Orange, featuring advanced facilities including sound stages, recording studios, screening rooms, theatres, and exhibition spaces. Housing the School of Creative Media, it has become a vital venue for fostering interdisciplinary creative exchange, spontaneous collaboration and innovation.
At Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the Shaw Auditorium now stands as an architectural landmark. This modern complex, completed in 2021 with Shaw Foundation’s support, features adaptable seating and staging for concerts, conferences, exhibitions, and theatrical productions. It serves as a dynamic hub integrating technology, creativity, and cultural enrichment within the university and wider community.
Scholarship Programmes and Creative Spaces for Young Talent
The Shaw Foundation continues investing in new generations through scholarship schemes supporting creative young people. Lately, Shaw Studios partnered with HKBU, Hong Kong Design Institute, and Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts to launch the Shaw Studios Scholarship to recognise students who have demonstrated academic achievements in film-related fields and to support them in further developing their talents and potential.
Another major initiative, the Shaw Creative Hub, serves as a collaborative co-working facility specifically designed for emerging talents in film and multimedia production. The initial phase encompasses 11,000 square feet and is equipped with facilities such as green screens, dubbing rooms, and production equipment, providing an all-in-one environment for collaboration, experimentation, and innovation. The Hub stands as a testament to the commitment of both the Shaw Foundation and Shaw Studios in making creative opportunities and professional networks readily accessible, ultimately fostering a vibrant and sustainable entertainment ecosystem in Hong Kong.
Decades of Support for Local Arts Development
Beyond education, Sir Run Run Shaw was a pioneer in establishing and sustaining Hong Kong’s premier arts institutions. As Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Festival Society from 1974, and later Honorary Life President, he helped shape one of Asia’s leading international arts festivals. Today, the festival stands as a globally renowned platform for presenting world-class artists while also promoting local talent on the international stage.
The Shaw Foundation also contributed significantly to constructing the Hong Kong Arts Centre in Wan Chai, completed in 1977 when facilities for arts administration and management were scarce. Continued support throughout the 1980’s solidified the Centre’s status as one of Hong Kong’s most vital cultural venues, hosting performances and exhibitions whilst also advancing arts education through a wide range of programmes.
Additionally, the Foundation has supported numerous organisations including the Hong Kong Virtuoso Chorus, Vienna Boys Choir Music Academy, and Music for Our Young Foundation. This comprehensive approach — spanning talent cultivation, education, contemporary venues, and creative hubs — illustrates the Shaw Foundation’s enduring dedication to nurturing Hong Kong’s arts and culture.
Global Vision
The Shaw Foundation’s commitment to advancing arts and culture extends beyond Hong Kong’s borders. A notable example is its contribution of HK$29 million (approximately GBP 2.8 million) towards the redevelopment of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) headquarters at 195 Piccadilly in London. Reopened in 2022, the revitalised venue now serves as a state-of-the-art hub for global talent development and public engagement in film, television, and games. The Foundation has also supported other international initiatives such as Opera West and the BBC Northern Singers, further demonstrating its belief in the power of the arts to connect and inspire across cultures.
The Foundation’s multifaceted support ensures that Sir Run Run and Lady Mona Shaw’s legacy continues inspiring and empowering successive generations of artists, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a leading regional cultural hub.
