Paulo Pong, founder and Managing Director of leading Hong Kong wine importer Altaya Wines, has been appointed Chairman of M+, Asia’s first global museum dedicated to contemporary visual culture.
Located in the West Kowloon Cultural District, M+ has quickly become one of the world’s most prominent cultural institutions. Since opening in November 2021, the museum has welcomed more than 9.7 million visitors. It ranked among the world’s most visited art museums in both 2023 and 2024 and has been recognised as one of Asia’s top three museums for two consecutive years.
With a total floor area of 65,000 square metres, M+ features 33 galleries along with a learning hub, a moving image centre, research facilities and a rooftop garden. Its signature M+ Facade — one of the world’s largest LED screens — illuminates the Hong Kong skyline each evening with commissioned digital artworks, reinforcing the museum’s role as a cultural landmark.
Pong founded Altaya Wines in 2001, building it into one of Asia’s most influential fine wine importers. The company provides a comprehensive portfolio of services to both trade and private clients, including wine list development, consultancy, food-and-wine pairing, export services and wine investment.
Altaya Wines now represents more than 200 internationally acclaimed wineries and carries a portfolio of over 10,000 SKUs, spanning Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace, the Rhône Valley, as well as Italy, Spain, Portugal, Scotland, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Austria, Argentina and the United States. In addition to its exclusive agency partnerships, the company also offers En Primeur sales. Wine critic Jancis Robinson has previously described Altaya Wines as “one of the most influential wine importers in Asia.”
Even before Pong’s appointment, Altaya Wines had been deeply engaged in the arts community. The company has long supported cultural and philanthropic initiatives, including the West Kowloon Cultural District, Asia Art Archive and the Friends of the Hong Kong Museum of Art — a reflection of its enduring commitment to the arts and cultural development.
Altaya Wines noted that Pong’s new role highlights his long-standing dedication to art, culture and community. The company added that this milestone will help strengthen collaborations with partners and open new opportunities for future growth.
