Cecil Chao’s Career and Achievements
After graduating at Durham University, Dr. Cecil Chao returned to Hong Kong as a Registered Architect, a Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects and ultimately the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from Morrison University.
Between 1958 and 1972 he served in the Hong Kong Government Buildings Office, rising in the ranks and notably signing the Occupation Permit for what became the city’s best known social landmark, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. These years gave him an insider’s grasp of statutory planning, land-use regulations and urban design—knowledge he would then turn into valuable expertise in private enterprise.
Career
In 1972, Dr. Cecil Chao founded Cecil Chao & Associates Ltd, a full-service architectural practice that has since delivered more than 300 projects ranging from luxury residences to government complexes; the firm remains the in-house design engine for every Cheuk Nang development. Seeing land as the ultimate canvas, he managed strategic sites across the globe including Austria, Singapore, Malaysia, as well as Hong Kong and China. The turning point came in 1988 when he acquired Far East Wool & Fibre Mill, Limited (“Far East”) and changed it to Cheuk Nang (Holdings) Limited on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE: 0131) and as the Founder and Executive Chairman.
Achievements
● Founded Cecil Chao & Associates, Architects—early projects ranged from luxury residences to government facilities, 1972
● Established Cheuk Nang (Holdings) Ltd; listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange the same year. Served continuously as Executive Chairman, 1988
● Delivered signature developments: Cheuk Nang Plaza; pioneered mixed-use concepts in Central & Tsim Sha Tsui, 1990s-2000s
● Established Cecil Chao Charitable Foundation, 1993
● Launched the “Dr Cecil Chao Architectural Prize” at the University of Hong Kong to nurture emerging design talent, 2016
● At 89, remains active—overseeing strategic direction, mentoring next-generation leaders, and chairing the Foundation, 2025
Business Interests Beyond Property
Chairman & Beneficial Owner
● Yan Yin Company Limited (investment holding)
● Cecil Chao & Associates Limited (architecture)
● Szehope Securities Company Limited (brokerage)
Past Public Service – Director, Hong Kong Real Estate Developers’ Association for 20+ years; member of Town Planning Board advisory panels.
Since the 1980s Dr Chao has funded scholarships, medical-research endowments and heritage-conservation projects across Hong Kong, Mainland China and Southeast Asia—work now consolidated under the Cecil Chao Foundation.
Sports – Dr. Cecil Chao was not only a passionate athlete in his youth, but also a dedicated supporter of the community throughout his life. He excelled as a competitive swimmer, proudly representing the Hong Kong swim team in the butterfly stroke and demonstrating remarkable technique in freestyle events at regional competitions. His love for sports extended to basketball, where he played at a professional level, and later in life, he enjoyed golf as well. Beyond the sports arena, Dr. Chao was a generous advocate for meaningful causes, supporting organizations such as the Hong Kong Cancer Fund and the Hong Kong Basketball Association—always lending his strength and efforts that uplifted others.
Awards
| Year | Award | Issuing Organisation |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Honorable Member | Hong Kong Basketball Association |
| 2018 | Hole-in-one | Hong Kong Golf Club |
| 2018 | Top 100 Enterprise in Futian District | The People's Government of Futian District |
| 2017 | Honorable President | Beihai City Overseas Friendship Association |
| 2016 | Life Achievement Award | Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) |
| 2008 | Honorable President | Hong Kong Guangxi Beihai City Friendship Association |
| 2004 | World Outstanding Chinese Award | World Chinese Entrepreneurs Association |