Mr. Heinrich Gantenbrink reflects on a partnership built across generations — on trust, long-term thinking, and what it means to carry a family legacy forward in architectural lighting.
Published 1 July 2026 · 8 min read · Interview
CONNECTED BY LIGHT · 50TH ANNIVERSARY · BEGA · PARTNERSHIP
As William Artists marks our 50th anniversary this year, we find ourselves reflecting on the enduring partnerships that have shaped our journey as Asia’s premier architectural lighting distributor. Since 1976, we have had the distinct privilege of supplying and supporting the world’s finest architectural lighting products, empowering architects and designers to bring their most ambitious visions to life across Greater China.
Our relationship with BEGA holds a profound place in our company’s story. The early foundations of this exclusive partnership were built by our founder, Mr. William Chui, alongside Mr. Heiner Gantenbrink and Mr. Bruno Gantenbrink — operating not just as peers and collaborators, but as genuine friends navigating a growing market together.
As part of our anniversary series, Connected by Light, we reached out to Mr. Heinrich Gantenbrink, Managing Partner of BEGA Gantenbrink-Leuchten. Today, as he carries his family’s legacy forward, we are deeply honoured to share his reflections on the shared history, enduring values, and future direction of our partnership.
“What particularly impresses me is that the success of this partnership was never based solely on commercial interests. What truly mattered were mutual respect, reliability, and the willingness to think long-term. These values remain of central importance to BEGA today.”
Mr. Heinrich Gantenbrink
Mr. Bruno Gantenbrink with Mr William Chui.
Your father, Mr. Heiner Gantenbrink, and Mr. Bruno Gantenbrink built the early foundations of BEGA’s partnership with William Artists alongside our founder, Mr. William Chui — as peers, collaborators, and friends. As you now lead BEGA, what does it mean to you to carry forward a relationship that began with the previous generation? Are there stories or values from that era that still shape how you see the partnership today?
The partnership between William Artists and BEGA means far more to me than a business relationship. It represents a relationship of trust between people that has existed and grown over many decades. What particularly impresses me is that the success of this partnership was never based solely on commercial interests. What truly mattered were mutual respect, reliability, and the willingness to think long-term. These values remain of central importance to BEGA today.
At a time when many things have become more short-term in nature, we value relationships that are built on trust and continuity. Our collaboration with William Artists is an example of how sustainable partnerships can be successfully carried forward across generations.
An early meeting between William Chui and Mr. Bruno Gantenbrink — a friendship that helped shape the William Artists–BEGA partnership, 1994.
BEGA and William Artists came of age in the Asian market together — at a time when European architectural lighting was still finding its place in this region. Looking back, what made that early partnership work? And how has the relationship evolved as both BEGA and the market itself have grown?
What has distinguished the partnership with William Artists from the very beginning is a shared understanding of quality and responsibility. Both companies have been willing to think long-term, to invest time and passion into our shared undertaking, and to work together to create an offering that is convincing in every respect.
William Artists has an exceptional understanding of the market, the people, and the cultural characteristics of the region. At the same time, we have always experienced a deep trust in BEGA’s values and commitment to quality. This combination has enabled us to build sustainable structures together.
The foundations of our collaboration have remained unchanged throughout all these years: openness, honesty, and the conviction that long-term success is based on mutual trust.
“When I think of William Artists, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t a specific project. I think of the people behind the company. Such a reliable partnership is not something that can be taken for granted today.”
Mr. Heinrich Gantenbrink
Is there a particular project, conversation, or moment in BEGA’s collaboration with William Artists that stands out to you — one that captured what this partnership is truly capable of?
When a partnership has existed for such a long time, it is often not individual projects that remain in memory, but rather the way challenges have been overcome together. When I think of William Artists, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t a specific project. I think of the people behind the company. Such a reliable partnership is not something that can be taken for granted today. To me, this may be our greatest shared achievement.
Of course, there have been many significant projects that we can be proud of together. Even more important, however, is the continuity of our collaboration through different phases of the market. The particular strength of our partnership lies in the fact that we have always been able to rely on one another. This mutual trust is ultimately more important than any individual project and forms the foundation of our shared success.
“My hope is that our partnership will continue to stand for reliability, integrity, and mutual respect. These values are timeless and form the foundation of every successful collaboration.”
Mr. Heinrich Gantenbrink
Both BEGA and William Artists are family-rooted businesses with a strong sense of legacy. As we mark 50 years and you guide BEGA into its next era, what do you hope this partnership will continue to stand for? And what role do you see BEGA — and partners like William Artists — playing in shaping the future of architectural lighting in Asia?
Both William Artists and BEGA are companies shaped by long-term thinking. We do not see tradition as looking back, but as a responsibility towards the future. My hope is that our partnership will continue to stand for reliability, integrity, and mutual respect. These values are timeless and form the foundation of every successful collaboration.
The demands placed on architectural lighting will continue to evolve. Product longevity, the responsible use of resources, digitalisation, and the quality of public spaces will be at the centre of this development. Partners who share common values and are prepared to take responsibility for the long term will therefore become even more important.
I am convinced that BEGA and William Artists will continue to contribute together to the development and implementation of high-quality and sustainable lighting solutions for architecture throughout Asia. The past has shown what is possible when trust and shared convictions form the basis of a partnership. Our common future can and will build on this foundation. We very much look forward to it.
William Artists is proud to be the exclusive distributor of BEGA in Hong Kong, Macau, Greater China, and Taiwan. Together, we continue to supply and support lighting design solutions that illuminate the way to a greener future.
