David FONG Man-hung
Mr David FONG Man-hung
Honorary University Fellow (2024)
A man of integrity and commitment to values, Mr David Fong Man-hung is the Managing Director of Hip Shing Hong (Holdings) Company Limited (Hip Shing Hong), one of the longest-standing property developers in Hong Kong. After earning an Economics degree from the Simon Fraser University in Canada and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Hong Kong, Mr Fong spent over a decade involving himself in the family’s property business in the United States, before returning to Hong Kong in 1993.
When he started his career at Hip Shing Hong, Mr Fong showed his respect to the local working culture while pushing for modernised management practices to be adopted in the company. Through conviction and perseverance, he overcame the challenges and led the company steadily forward. Mr Fong demonstrated his leadership qualities by assuming the current role as Managing Director of Hip Shing Hong in 2009. With modern practices like data-driven decision making and the emphasis on teamwork, Mr Fong has steered the company from strength to strength, branching out in business, residential as well as hospitality properties.
Empowered with a deep understanding of the world around him, Mr Fong has an acute sense of risk management and preparedness. Following the financial crisis and the dot-com bubble burst in the 2000s, Mr Fong was poised for the next “black swan”. Furthermore, the volatile macro-environment has presented challenges that are more unpredictable than before, with greater levels of complexity and profound repercussions, like the rapidly changing technology, the geopolitical landscape, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. When contemplating these issues, Mr Fong holds a grounded view. He believes that when there is a surge in the market, one must also anticipate the potential pitfalls; and when the going gets tough, one should stay positive and look for new opportunities. He stresses the importance of creativity, but cautions against acting rashly. It is also important to learn from the past before putting new ideas into practice.
Dutiful and generous, Mr Fong also carries the philanthropic baton for his family, serving as Chairman of the Fong Shu Fook Tong Foundation and the Fong’s Family Foundation. Selflessly contributing his time and effort in community work with various public bodies, Mr Fong finds it rewarding when the projects he championed can directly benefit society. In a true convergence of his commercial and public engagements, he spearheaded the development project that revitalised an industrial building in Wong Chuk Hang into a commercial building, while providing about 10% of the office space for lease at concessionary rates to support young artists, start-ups and non-governmental organisations. Mr Fong has also initiated pilot projects to provide tenants of subdivided flats with home appliances, thereby improving their livelihood and safety.
The development of the future generations is dear to Mr Fong’s heart. He has continued his family’s commitment to education and has long supported Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU). He is currently an Honorary Court Member of HKBU, an Honorary Trustee of the HKBU Foundation and a former member of its Board of Governors and the Entrepreneur Committee.
The Fong’s family has generously backed various initiatives of the University over the years, including the research projects of the School of Chinese Medicine and the construction of the Fong Shu Chuen Library on campus. In addition, the Fong’s Family Foundation made the pledge to support HKBU in its appointment as the contractor for the service deed of Hong Kong’s first Chinese medicine hospital. The significant support from Mr Fong and the Fong’s family not only helps HKBU advance its strategic development of Chinese medicine, but also empowers the University to extend its impact in research and education.
Over the past 20 years, Mr Fong has contributed his expertise to the community. He was a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and is currently a member of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. He has also served as the Honorary Council Member of the Hong Kong Committee for United Nations Children’s Fund, Executive Council Member and Trustee of the World Wide Fund For Nature Hong Kong, as well as Life Honorary Chairman of The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong. For his outstanding contributions to Hong Kong, Mr Fong was appointed as a Justice of the Peace in 2008 and honoured with the Bronze Bauhinia Star by the HKSAR Government in 2011.
The first two Chinese characters in the name of Mr Fong’s family business, “Hip” and “Shing”, bear the meanings of “synergy” and “growth”. The meanings echo well with Mr Fong’s accomplishments in business, and his exceptional contribution to the community and HKBU. Mr Fong has unequivocally set an exemplary example with his unwavering commitment to the betterment of society.