Frederick Ma

Frederick Ma Si-hang
Born	(1952-02-22) February 22, 1952
Occupation(s)	Politician, businessman
Known for	Chairman of MTR Corporation (2015–2019), Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Hong Kong)

Frederick Ma Si-hang is a prominent figure in Hong Kong's political and administrative landscape, having led the MTR Corporation as chairman from 2015 until 2019. He previously held the position of Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and earned broad respect across the political spectrum. Ma is related to entertainer Eric Tsang as his cousin and is the uncle of evangelist Jaeson Ma.

Biography

Born on 22 February 1952, Ma was the eldest among four siblings and experienced the loss of his father during his adolescent years. His secondary education took place at New Method College in Tai Hang, where although his academic results were average, he distinguished himself by winning an inter-school competition focused on Hong Kong tourism. In 1973, he graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and History, achieving Third-class Honours.

Ma initially aimed to pursue a career with Cathay Pacific but instead accepted a position at Chase Manhattan, starting with a monthly salary of HK$1,600. After three years, he was transferred to New York and by age 27 had become Group Head at Chase Manhattan, managing institutional banking operations. Subsequently, he took on the role of Chief Financial Officer at PCCW.

Government years

On 1 July 2002, Ma transitioned into public service as a 'cabinet-level' political appointee under the Principal Officials Accountability System, foregoing an annual income exceeding HK$10 million.

He dedicated five years as Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury. Following Donald Tsang's re-election as Chief Executive in 2007, Ma continued serving in the Hong Kong SAR government as Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. However, on 24 June 2008, he stepped down due to health concerns after being diagnosed with cavernous hemangioma and venous angioma—types of blood vessel tumors located in his brain.

Subsequent years

In October 2008, Ma was appointed honorary professor at the University of Hong Kong's School of Economics and Finance. During this time, he committed to a fitness program that resulted in a weight loss of 17 pounds, bringing him down to 180 pounds.

In 2009, Ma became a member of the International Advisory Council for China's sovereign wealth fund, China Investment Corporation. The same year, he received the Gold Bauhinia Star honour. In November, he was named non-executive chairman of China Strategic Holdings; following its relisting after suspension, the company’s shares soared by 78%. Raymond Or joined as vice-chairman and CEO.

Ma was designated Justice of the Peace in 2010.

Between July 2015 and 2019, he served as chairman of MTR Corporation. On 25 April 2017, the Chief Executive appointed him chairman of the governing council at the Education University of Hong Kong for a three-year term concluding in 2020.