Chief Executive Donald Tsang has appointed Chief Secretary Henry Tang chairman of the Board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, and named 18 board members.

Non-public officers appointed to the board are Yip Wing-sie, Ma Fung-kwok, Danny Yung, Yuko Hasegawa, Jenny So, Victor Lo, Lee Chack-fan, David Lung, Andrew Lam, Paul Chan, Ronald Arculli, Allan Zeman, Sin Chung-kai, Jeffrey Lam and Edmond Chung.

Three public-officer members are the Secretary for Home Affairs, Secretary for Development and Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury.

Mr Tsang is confident that under Mr Tang's leadership, the board will ensure that the planning and development of the Cultural District is in harmony with its environment and can meet users' needs.

"The West Kowloon Cultural District is a major initiative to promote arts and cultural development to enrich Hong Kong people's cultural life," he added.

He expressed confidence that the board members, with their collective expertise, experience and distinguished record of community service, will make this vital project a  success.

CEO to be recruited

In its initial phase, the authority will ensure the arts and cultural facilities and the supporting infrastructure facilities in the Cultural District are planned and designed in a co-ordinated manner.

Mr Tang said he has been engaged in the preparatory work of the Cultural District project in the past year.

"I have felt the community's expectations about this exciting project and their wish to see its early implementation," he said.

"I fully understand the immense challenges and responsibility attached to the chairmanship."

The board will hold its first meeting this month to launch the project and a CEO will be recruited.