Ho Hung-hing
Sir Joseph Edward Hotung JP (; 1930–16 December 2021) was a Hong Kong businessman, philanthropist, and collector of Chinese antiques. He held an honorary doctorate and fellowship at the University of Hong Kong. A grandson of Sir Ho Tung and third son of Ho Sai-kiam, he played prominent roles in finance, real estate, public service, and the arts.
Biography
Joseph Hotung was born in Shanghai in 1930 and educated at St. Louis School in Tianjin. In 1948 he enrolled at the University of Hong Kong but left after a year. He earned a BA in economics from the Catholic University of America and an LLB from the University of London. After working at Midland Bank, he returned to Hong Kong in 1956 following the deaths of his grandfather and father to manage family affairs.
From the 1960s onward, he was active in finance and property investment and served as a director of HSBC. He held numerous public appointments, including founding chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, member of the Board of Review (Inland Revenue), and member of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission. In 1993 he was knighted for his contributions to Hong Kong’s cultural and civic life. He later received honorary fellowship and doctoral degrees from the University of Hong Kong.
An avid collector of Chinese art, Sir Joseph assembled renowned collections of jade, bronze, porcelain, and Ming‑Qing furniture. He served as adviser, benefactor, and trustee for major museums worldwide, sharing his expertise and supporting exhibitions of Chinese antiquities.
References
- University of Hong Kong Honorary Graduates: Sir Joseph Edward Hotung
- Hong Kong Government Press Release, 11 October 2006: Sir Joseph Hotung donates HK$100 million for gifted education
- Article on Hotung jade collection
- Ming Pao Daily News, 21 January 2007: Rights lawyers receive HK$3.6 million donation from Sir Joseph Hotung