Tung Chee Hwa

$3.18 B

Ranked #1350 in World

About Tung Chee Hwa

Former Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Tung Chee-hwa, a Chinese national born in Shanghai on 7 July 1937, led a career intertwining business and politics. Stepping into leadership at Orient Overseas Container Line after his father, he later faced financial hurdles, aided by Henry Fok and Beijing in 1986. Tung served as Hong Kong's inaugural Chief Executive (1997-2005), facing criticism and mass protests over policy. Resigning due to health concerns, he stayed politically active, earning recognition for fostering China-US ties.

Born

July 07, 1937 in Shanghai, China

Age

88 years

Source Of Wealth

Shipping

Industries

Logistics

Citizenship

Hong Kong

Residence

Hong Kong

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering, University of Liverpool

Spouse

Betty Tung

Children

Alan Tung Lieh-sing, Andrew Tung Lieh-cheung, Audrey Slighton Tung Lieh-yuan

Tung Chee-hwa was born on 7 July 1937 in Shanghai, China. He is the son of Chinese shipping magnate Tung Chao Yung, the founder of Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL). Tung has a younger brother, Tung Chee-chen, who was ranked as the 23rd wealthiest man in Hong Kong in 2009. Tung attended Chung Wah Middle School and later studied marine engineering at Liverpool University. Before joining the family business, he worked as an engineer at General Electric in the United States. Notably, all of Tung's children hold American citizenship.

Tung Chee Hwa: Family

Tung Chee-hwa comes from a prominent family in Hong Kong. His father, Tung Chao Yung, was a successful shipping magnate and the founder of Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL). Tung's younger brother, Tung Chee-chen, is also a successful businessman and was ranked as the 23rd wealthiest man in Hong Kong in 2009. Tung's wife, Betty Tung Chiu Hung-ping, is a philanthropist and the founder of the Tung Foundation.

Tung Chee Hwa: Career Highlights

Tung Chee-hwa's career highlights include:

Taking over the family business, OOCL, after his father's death in 1982.
Serving as a member of the Basic Law Consultative Committee from 1985 to 1990.
Being appointed to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in 1993.
Establishing close relationships with US President George H. W. Bush and US Assistant Secretary of State Winston Lord.
Being elected as the first Chief Executive of Hong Kong in 1996.
Serving as Chief Executive of Hong Kong from 1997 to 2005.
Forming the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF) in 2008.
Founding the think tank Our Hong Kong Foundation in 2014.

Tung Chee Hwa: Companies

Tung Chee-hwa has been involved with several companies throughout his career, including:

Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL)
Tung Group
China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF)
Our Hong Kong Foundation

Tung Chee Hwa: Major Achievements

Tung Chee-hwa's major achievements include:

Taking over and expanding the family business, OOCL, into one of the world's largest shipping companies.

Playing a key role in the negotiations for the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to China.
Serving as the first Chief Executive of Hong Kong from 1997 to 2005.
Implementing various policies and initiatives to improve the lives of Hong Kong citizens, such as the Principal Officials Accountability system and the Mandatory Provident Fund scheme.
Promoting closer economic and cultural ties between China and the United States.

Tung Chee Hwa: Awards & Achievements

Tung Chee-hwa has received numerous awards and honors, including:

Grand Bauhinia Medal (2006)
Honorary Doctorate degree in Social Sciences from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2006)
Gold Bauhinia Star (1997)
Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Hong Kong (1998)
Honorary Doctor of Social Sciences degree from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (1998)

Tung Chee Hwa: Personal Life & Legacy

Tung Chee-hwa is married to Betty Tung Chiu Hung-ping, and they have three children. He is known for his strong work ethic and dedication to public service. Tung is also a philanthropist and has made significant contributions to various charitable organizations. His legacy includes his contributions to the development of Hong Kong and his efforts to promote closer ties between China and the United States.

Tung Chee Hwa: Trivia

Tung Chee-hwa is the first and only Chief Executive of Hong Kong to have resigned from office.
He is often referred to as "kingmaker" due to his influence in Hong Kong politics.
Tung is a fan of classical music and enjoys playing the piano.
He is also a keen golfer and has played with several world-renowned golfers, including Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.

Wealth History

Timeline

7 July 1937

Tung Chee-hwa is born in Shanghai, China.

1982

Tung takes over the family business, OOCL, after his father's death.

1985

Tung serves as a member of the Basic Law Consultative Committee.

1986

Tung faces financial difficulties and receives assistance from Henry Fok and the Beijing government.

1993

Tung is appointed to the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

1996

Tung is elected as the first Chief Executive of Hong Kong.

1 July 1997

Tung is sworn in as the first Chief Executive of Hong Kong.

1997-2002

Tung's first term as Chief Executive focuses on housing, the elderly, and education policies.

2002

Tung is re-elected uncontested for a second term as Chief Executive.

2003

Tung faces a crisis of governance due to the push for national security legislation under Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law.

10 March 2005

Tung resigns as Chief Executive, citing health problems.

12 March 2005

Tung is appointed as Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

2005-2023

Tung serves as Vice Chairman of the CPPCC.

2006

Tung is awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal.

2006

Tung receives an Honorary Doctorate degree in Social Sciences from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

2008

Tung forms the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF) to promote understanding between the two countries.

2014

Tung founds the think tank Our Hong Kong Foundation, advocating for public policies on housing, land supply, and other issues.

Tung Chee Hwa : FAQs

What is Tung Chee Hwa's current net worth?

Tung Chee Hwa's current net worth is $3.18 billion.

What is Tung Chee Hwa's current global rank among billionaires?

Tung Chee Hwa holds the 1350th position globally among billionaires.

What is Tung Chee Hwa's current ranking within the Hong Kong?

Tung Chee Hwa holds the 35th position in Hong Kong.

What was the change in Tung Chee Hwa's net worth compared to the previous year?

Tung Chee Hwa's net worth increased by 290.87 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 2.89 billion dollars.

What are Tung Chee Hwa's main sources of wealth?

Tung Chee Hwa's main source of income comes from Shipping.

In which industry does Tung Chee Hwa primarily operate?

Tung Chee Hwa is primarily involved in the Logistics industry.

What is Tung Chee Hwa educational background?

Tung Chee Hwa holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Liverpool.

How old is Tung Chee Hwa?

Tung Chee Hwa is 88 years old.

How many children does Tung Chee Hwa have?

Tung Chee Hwa has 3 children.

Who is Tung Chee-hwa and what is his background?

Tung Chee-hwa, born on 7 July 1937 in Shanghai, China, is the son of Chinese shipping magnate Tung Chao Yung and is a prominent Chinese political figure and businessman. He attended Chung Wah Middle School and studied marine engineering at Liverpool University before joining the family shipping business.

What were the key milestones in Tung Chee-hwa's political and business career?

Tung Chee-hwa took over his family business, OOCL, after his father's death in 1982 and overcame financial troubles with aid from Henry Fok and Beijing in 1986. He entered politics, serving on the Basic Law Consultative Committee and being appointed to the CPPCC before being elected as Hong Kong's first Chief Executive in 1996.

How did Tung Chee-hwa's first term as Chief Executive of Hong Kong unfold?

During his first term from 1997 to 2002, Tung Chee-hwa focused on housing, the elderly, and education, but faced the Asian financial crisis and criticism for his governance. He also proposed several controversial projects such as a science park and Disney theme park, which impacted his popularity.

What led to Tung Chee-hwa's resignation as Chief Executive in 2005?

Tung Chee-hwa faced a governance crisis in 2003 over national security legislation and mass protests. His resignation on 10 March 2005 followed public discontent over democratic reforms. He cited health problems as the reason for stepping down and soon became the Vice Chairman of the CPPCC.

What has Tung Chee-hwa been involved in since leaving office?

Post-Chief Executive, Tung Chee-hwa served as Vice Chairman of the CPPCC until 2023, formed the CUSEF in 2008 to foster China-US understanding, and founded the Our Hong Kong Foundation think tank in 2014, focusing on public policy issues. He remains an influential figure in Hong Kong politics.