As well they included a pedestrian bridge linking the tower to the Hong Kong elevated walkway network.

[4] Lai Sun Development ("LSD"), founded by textiles magnate Lim Por-yen, paid HK$7 billion for Furama Hotel Enterprises in June 1997.

Then the Asian financial crisis struck, plunging the entire group into distress and forced asset sales.

[6] In March 2000, LSD announced that a 65% stake in the Furama Hotel would be sold to a 50:50 joint venture between Pidemco and AIG for HK$1.88 billion.

AIA Central is a 37-storey grade A office building with a gross floor area of approximately 41,777 square metres.