Asian Judges Biographies
Uli Sigg
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 Aerea 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 Boardmembership of several multinational companies such as Ringier Media Group. Presently he also serves as member of the Advisory Board of China Development Bank and other Chinese entities. He spent altogether many years in China, following the opening up of China and its contemporary art scene from day one. As collector of formerly Western contemporary art he now has formed the most substantial collection of contemporary Chinese art in the world. He also established 1997 the Chinese Contemporary Art Award, an art award for Chinese contemporary artists living in China. He is a member of the International Council of New York MoMA and International Advisory Council of Tate Gallery, London.