Thinking ahead for future challenges

His close ties with CityUHK date back to 2003 when he launched a manufacturing enterprise management programme in collaboration with the University. To instill a spirit of lifelong learning, he sponsored members of the senior management at his company to enrol on a postgraduate programme in management at CityUHK. Mr Kwok said that studying at CityUHK had made him realise the value of lifelong learning and had greatly helped him nurture his own business.

He emphasises that a leading position in industry, innovation and cost control are the keys to success. In view of the uncertainties in the global economy in recent years, international perspective and innovative thinking are essential if enterprises wish to make breakthroughs. Thoroughly assessing the situation, Mr Kwok acted early. In addition to setting up factories in mainland China, he established a base in Thailand three years ago to diversify the supply chain and strengthen customer confidence.

“In the past two years, the epidemic has made me realise that for a company, self-enhancement and a sense of crisis is needed at all times in order to maintain its strength and remain invincible in the face of adversity,” he said.

Internationally known for its household electric appliances, Kwonnie has recorded impressive achievements over the years. In recognition of the major contributions that Mr Kwok has made to industry, he was honoured with the “Young Industrialist Award of Hong Kong” by the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, and appointed Honorary President of the Hong Kong Young Industrialists Council, and Honorary President of the Hong Kong Electrical Appliance Industries Association, among others.

A staunch supporter of CityUHK, Mr Kwok has donated generously since 2004 to fund the University’s long-term development, including teaching, research, and scholarships to support student development. In recognition of his significant contributions to the University and society, Mr Kwok was conferred Honorary Fellow in 2017; while in appreciation of his generous donation to his alma mater, a lecture theatre at CityUHK was named as the “Benjamin Kwok Lecture Theatre”. He has recently donated again to support the University’s research projects, fully demonstrating his care and love for his alma mater.

The association between Mr Kwok and CityUHK even extends to the second generation of his family. His third daughter, Ms Lorinda Kwok, is a graduate of CityUHK’s Master of Science in Accounting and Corporate Governance.

“The establishment of the Greater Bay Area has injected new impetus into Hong Kong’s economic development, not only bringing business opportunities to enterprises, but also creating unlimited opportunities for the younger generation,” Mr Kwok said. “In recent years, CityUHK has started the establishment of CityU (Dongguan) with the goal of leveraging the expertise of the two cities to promote a win-win situation and synergistic innovation. It is my honour to be a member of the CityUHK community and contribute to my alma mater.”

Mr Benjamin Kwok Chan-yiu

• Managing Director, Kwonnie Electrical Products Limited
• Member, Board of Governors and Honorary President, CityUHK Foundation
• Member, Steering Committee, CityUHK Industrial and Business Leaders Circle
• Founding Member, CityUHK Eminence Society
• Court Member, CityUHK (2016—2021)
• Honorary Fellow, CityUHK (2017)

This article is extracted from CityUHK Today.