Chau Sik-nin

Sir Sik-nin Chau
Born	Template:Birth date Hong Kong
Died	November 30, 1985(1985-11-30) (aged 82) Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital, Hong Kong
Occupation(s)	Physician, politician, entrepreneur
Years active	1924–1985
Known for	Senior Unofficial Member of the Executive Council of Hong Kong (1959–1962); member of Legislative Council (1953–1959)

Sir Sik-nin Chau (; 13 April 1903 – 30 November 1985) was a prominent Hong Kong physician, politician, and entrepreneur who played a significant role in the post-World War II period. He held the position of Senior Unofficial Member on the Executive Council from 1959 to 1962 and served on the Legislative Council between 1953 and 1959.

Biography

Chau was born in Hong Kong in 1903 and received his early education at St. Stephen's College, Hong Kong. He pursued medical studies at the University of Hong Kong, completing his degree in 1924. Subsequently, he advanced his expertise overseas by obtaining Diplomas in Ophthalmic Medicine and Surgery, as well as Laryngology and Otology, from institutions in Vienna and London before returning to practice in Hong Kong.

For three years, Chau was a lecturer in ophthalmology within the Department of Surgery at the University of Hong Kong. After the British reestablished control over Hong Kong following World War II, he participated in the Interim Committee (1946–1947). He later joined the University Council in 1956 and served as vice-president of its Alumni Association. The university honored him with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 1961.

His public service record includes membership on the Urban Council from 1936 until 1941, as well as participation on the Government Medical Board and Board of Education prior to the war. Following the conflict, Chau was appointed an unofficial member of the Legislative Council from 1946 to 1959 and joined the Executive Council beginning in 1948, eventually becoming Senior Unofficial Member on both bodies during his tenure. Between 1953 and 1959, he also acted as deputy chairman of Hong Kong’s branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. His contributions were recognized with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) award in 1950, followed by a knighthood in 1960.

In the business sector, Chau held leadership roles including chairman and director positions at various publicly listed companies such as Dairy Farm. He established the Hongkong Chinese Bank and served as its inaugural chairman. His influence extended to industry development where he chaired the Working Party responsible for creating the Federation of Hong Kong Industries in 1960 and remained its first chairman until 1966. Furthermore, he was instrumental as founding chairman of the Hong Kong Management Association from 1960 to 1969 and became the initial chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council when it was founded in 1966. In 1967, Chau founded the Sir Sik-nin Chau Foundation for Industrial Development aimed at advancing industrial quality standards, research initiatives, and technical education.

Chau also led several community organizations focused on affordable housing, including chairmanships at both the Hong Kong Settlers Housing Corporation and the Hong Kong Model Housing Society. His involvement in healthcare extended through leadership roles with entities such as the Hong Kong Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Ruttonjee Sanatorium, and Grantham Hospital. Notably, he broke new ground as the first Chinese steward appointed to the Hong Kong Jockey Club in 1935 and later joined its Board of Stewards in 1946.

He died at Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital on 30 November 1985 at age 83. His cousin Sir Tsun-nin Chau also served on both Executive and Legislative Councils. His son Chau Kai-bong became a well-known social figure within Hong Kong society.