AIA Grand Theatre opens to nurture culture and arts

On Sept 26, 2023, AIA celebrated the opening of the AIA Grand Theatre at the AIA Financial Centre in the North Bund, Shanghai, China. The opening ceremony was officiated by Edmund Tse, AIA Group Non-executive Chairman, Lee Yuan Siong, AIA Group Chief Executive and President, Jacky Chan, AIA Regional Chief Executive and Group Chief Distribution Officer, and Fisher Zhang, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Life Insurance Company Limited (AIA Life).

The AIA Financial Centre is the largest real estate acquisition of AIA Life since its establishment in 2020. This investment reinforces AIA's confidence in and commitment to China, and in particular Shanghai, where it traces its roots back more than a century. The comprehensive multi-purpose building comprises a super-grade-A office building, a retail podium and a professional theatre. The 1,700-seater AIA Grand Theatre, the largest professional theatre in the inner ring of North Shanghai, will not only host renowned local and international productions but also champion arts and culture appreciation in the North Bund.

Edmund Tse, Non-executive Chairman of AIA Group, said, "AIA has been steadfast in delivering on our commitment to China by promoting international best practices, nurturing local talent and helping the insurance industry, local economies and communities to thrive. The AIA Financial Centre is not only the biggest real estate acquisition of AIA Life but also the largest under AIA Group. This investment reaffirms AIA's long-term commitment to Shanghai and Mainland China. In the future, we look forward to accelerating our business development in Mainland China and helping many more Chinese families live 'Healthier, Longer, Better Lives'."

The North Bund is a vibrant and dynamic area, which is a natural fit for AIA. Building on Hongkou District's profound historical and cultural heritage, AIA Life will leverage the region's rich and quality art resources to nourish local culture and education in the arts. Through partnerships with professional organisations and academies, the AIA Grand Theatre will nurture home-grown talent through offering workshops and education groups around music, arts and culture for people of all ages and skills. The wide range of activities will raise people's awareness of arts appreciation and contribute to Shanghai's arts and culture strength.

Fisher Zhang, AIA Life Chief Executive Officer, said, "The AIA Grand Theatre not only brings together talent and arts but also serves as a bridge to connect culture and individuals' emotions. In the future, the AIA Financial Centre will capitalise on its advantages of combining 'Real Estate + Commerce + Culture' and leverage its unique arts appreciation programmes to drive people's confidence, as well as to meet their diverse needs in the arts, thereby helping more Chinese families realise 'Healthier, Longer, Better Lives'."