ABOUT US
Our Story
Lighting the Path for Hong Kong’s Future
In the Shadow of Doubt: A Vision Born Before the HKSAR
The year was 1995. It was a crucial time as the future of Hong Kong, poised for the Handover from British to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997, was under global scrutiny. At this juncture, a group of Hong Kong’s most influential leaders decided to take a stance. Figures such as the cinematic titan Sir Run Run Shaw, entrepreneurial heavyweight Dr. Cheng Yu-tung, business magnate Dr. Stanley Ho Hung-sun, conglomerate “Superman” Li Ka-shing, real estate tycoon Lee Shau-kee and corporate titan Sumet Jiaravanon joined forces. They were inspired by a common concern over the negative portrayal by international voices, notably highlighted by a June 1995 Fortune magazine cover story entitled “The Death of Hong Kong”, which cast a long shadow over the city’s post-1997 future.
Refusing to let the world pen Hong Kong’s obituary, these 20 pioneers established the Better Hong Kong Foundation with a mission to promote the true spirit of Hong Kong globally, ensuring the city not only survived but also thrived beyond its imminent new era.
Building on this foundation, they spearheaded the HK$100 million extravaganza “Hong Kong 97 Spectacular” on the evening of July 1, 1997, bolstered by the backing from dozens of commercial sponsors. This colossal event was designed to commemorate the historic Handover in style and assert Hong Kong’s vibrant identity and resilience to the world.
A Legacy of Love and Leadership
Over the decades, their stories have become woven into the fabric of Hong Kong. Although some founding members have passed, their significant impact continues through the Foundation. Their legacy is now in the hands of their heirs – second and third generations, along with current leaders from various sectors like finance and investment, innovation and technology, textile and apparel, architecture and construction, transportation and aviation, travel and hospitality, commodities and manufacturing who bring fresh perspectives and expertise to lead our Foundation with an eye towards future horizons.
Together, we work to connect Hong Kong and mainland China with the wider world, change narratives, and build trust through active dialogue and discussion. Our delegations engage with peers in business, academia, and media across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, fostering mutual understanding and seeking opportunities.
Rewriting the Script
In an interesting turn of events, our engagement with a Fortune magazine journalist in 2007 flipped the script, leading to an article titled “Oops! Hong Kong is Hardly Dead”. This piece, coming a decade after the handover, acknowledged Hong Kong’s enduring spirit and vibrant presence, affirming our relentless effort to influence global perceptions of our city.
As we keep navigating through transitions, the Better Hong Kong Foundation stands steadfast as a beacon of hope and a pivotal global connector.
A Symbol of Hope: The Calligraphy of Promise
On the historic day of July 1, 1997, marking Hong Kong’s new beginning as the HKSAR, late President Jiang Zemin presented his calligraphy (left), “香港明天更好” (A Better Tomorrow for Hong Kong), to the city’s first Chief Executive, Tung Chee-hwa. This symbolic artwork is displayed in Government House, the official residence of the Chief Executive, signifying a promising future for the city.
In a parallel tribute, President Jiang concurrently penned a similar calligraphy scroll (right) for the Better Hong Kong Foundation. This second scroll, echoing the same vision, is proudly displayed in the Foundation’s office, uniting both in a common hope for Hong Kong’s continued prosperity.