Hong Kong - People - Statistical Data Included

Business Asia, Sept 13, 1999

Philip Chen
Chief Operating Officer, Cathay Pacific Airways
Born: 1955
Contact: 852-2747-5210

In the past two years, Philip Chen, the first ethnic Chinese to be named chief operating officer of Cathay, has guided the airline through the most turbulent period in its 35-year history. Not only did Cathay have to contend with the Asian economic crisis slashing profits and contributing to a loss for the carrier for the first time, it also had a highly public and disruptive labour dispute with its pilots. The worst seems to be over for Chen: passenger numbers are rising and the dispute was settled in June.

Donald Tsang Yam-kuen
Financial Secretary
Age: 54
Education: Harvard University
Contact: fsohome@fso.gcn.gov.hk

Tsang seems destined to keep on rising through the ranks, and analysts suggest he'll be Hong Kong's number two man by 2002. Despite Hong Kong's current economic problems, Tsang is highly regarded for his skill in managing the economy. He was chiefly responsible for the city-state's massive intervention in the stock market -- now considered a success. He also helped limit the damage to Hong Kong's economy from speculators. Latest figures showing a surprise economic expansion in the second quarter must be heartening for Hong Kong and Tsang.

Victor Fung
Chairman, Hong Kong Airport Authority; Hong Kong Trade and
Development Council; Chairman, Prudential Asia Investments
Age: 53
Education: MIT, Harvard University
Contact: 852-2868-5330

As well as maintaining his many business interests, Fung, regarded as one of the region's Leading venture capitalists, now has the task of turning around perceptions on Hong Kong's new airport. Fung took over as Airport Authority of Hong Kong chairman last month -- a year after the bungled opening of the Chek Lap Kok airport. The appointment is testament to Fong's strong links within the government and the public sector.

Lee Shau Kee
Chairman, Henderson Land Development Company;
Chairman, Hong Kong & China Gas Co
Age: 71

Lee's wealth is on the rebound courtesy of the region's improving financial condition and Hong Kong's intervention in the stock market. He's now worth US$12 billion -- up US$1.9 billion on a year ago -- which means he is still the richest tycoon in Hong Kong.

But Lee is not just wealthy -- his status and connections in business throughout Asia are matched by few. One way he maintains those contacts is by playing golf with fellow business gurus. Lee continues to look for new investment opportunities.

Marjorie Yang
Chairman, Esquel Group
Age: 45
Education: MIT; Harvard Business School
Contact: 617-421-7000

While other businesses in Hong Kong cut down on staff salaries during the economic crisis, Yang's Esquel Group refused to do so. This and other examples of thoughtful management -- encouraging employee loyalty, commitment to vertically integrated operations and high-quality output from cost-efficient inputs -- has made Yang one of the business people to look out for in Hong Kong. Esquel was Launched in 1978 and has now established itself as a Leading supplier of shirts and blouses to the top clothing stores around the world. Yang has excellent family-based business connections.

ON THE RISE: RICHARD LI

Chairman, Pacific Century Group; Deputy Chairman, Hutchison Whampoa

Born: 1966 Education: Stanford University Contact: 65-438-2366

Being the son of Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka Shing garners him plenty of connections, but the ambitious young executive is quickly making his own name in the region. Li is spearheading Hong Kong's efforts to become the technological hub of Asia through the controversial US$1.7 billion Cyberport project, as well as pushing his Pacific Century Group's insurance arm into the massive untapped market of China. If his past record is anything to go by, Li is set to succeed. For example, Li founded Star TV at the age of 23 and sold it three years later to Rupert Murdoch for six times his original investment.

Don't forget

Martin Lee Chu-Ming, Legislator, Democrat chairman.

HONG KONG: AT A GLANCE

Capital:                         Hong Kong
Surface area:                    1000 sq km
Population:                      6.7 million (1998)
GDP:                             US$166.8bn (1998)
GDP per capita:                  US$24,900 (1998)
Exports of goods and services:   US$225.4bn
Imports of goods and services:   US$232.1bn