How about we trace the footsteps of industry titans here at Nam Fung Shan? It is a story of textiles turned real estate. It is a story of Hong Kong’s largest privately held developers.
Let’s start our exploration of Nam Fung Shan. The Nan Fung Group is key to understanding this area. It is a privately held colossus. The group focuses on property development in Greater China. It also has interests in shipping, textiles, and financial services.
The Nan Fung Group’s story started on May 27, 1954. Chen Din Hwa founded Nan Fung Textiles Limited. It was a small textile company in Hong Kong. In 1965, Nan Fung Group began its first real estate project. This marked a significant shift for the company. It moved from textiles to property. In 1978, the group developed its first major private housing estate. This was Nam Fung Sun Chuen in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong.
Nan Fung Group expanded into property development in the mid-1960s. It purchased residential and commercial buildings. Then it acquired land for development. In the mid-1990s, the group invested in China’s property market. Since 2001, it has built projects in major Chinese cities. These include Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The group is also involved in international projects. It acts as sole investor or joint venture partner. These projects are in major cities worldwide.
Nan Fung Group diversified its business over the years. Its areas of interest now include construction and property management. It is also active in property finance, hotels, and shipping.
Leadership of the Nan Fung Group has seen changes. Vivien Chen is the younger daughter of Chen Din Hwa. She became Chairman in 2009. This was when her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She stepped down in 2014. Vivien remains the company’s controlling stakeholder. Her youngest daughter Vanessa is the Managing Director. Antony Leung is the former Financial Secretary of Hong Kong. He joined Nan Fung Group as Chief Executive in February 2014.
Chen Din-hwa chaired the group from 1954 to 2009. Vivian Chen then took over from 2009 to 2016. Antony Leung has been Chairman since 2016.
The company motto reflects its values: “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.” Another key principle is: “Care for others as well as you would care for yourself”. These mottos show a commitment to communities. They demonstrate the company’s support for charities and sustainable development.
And now as you stand here at Nam Fung Shan, remember the words that have been handed down over the generations. This is not just about buildings or business. It is about weaving a future through change and innovation. It is about caring for others and the community.