Li Fook-wo
Li Fook-wo | |
|---|---|
| Born | 26 September 1916 Hong Kong |
| Died | 4 July 2014 (aged 97) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, politician |
| Known for | Chief Manager of Bank of East Asia; unofficial member of the Executive and Legislative Councils of Hong Kong |
Li Fook-wo (26 September 1916 – 4 July 2014) was a prominent banker and political figure in Hong Kong. He held the position of Chief Manager at the Bank of East Asia, a family-owned enterprise, and served as an unofficial member on both the Executive and Legislative Councils.
Family
Li was born into an affluent family, being the son of Li Tse-fong, who established the Bank of East Asia and was the first member from the Li family to serve unofficially on the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. His younger sibling, Li Fook-kow, also participated in government service as a member of both Councils. Andrew Li, the son of Li Fook-kow, held the role of Chief Justice in Hong Kong. Li Fook-wo was married to Laura Jee and fathered one son, Aubrey Li Kwok-sing, along with four daughters.
Business career
Following his education in the United States, Li began his career at the Bank of East Asia in 1940, eventually advancing to Chief Manager by 1972. He also occupied key executive roles at Hutchison Whampoa Limited and Johnson Electric Holdings Limited, acting as Chief Manager between 1972 and 1976 and later as chairman from 1984 to 1997. At the same time, he served on the boards of twelve leading corporations. Even after retiring, he maintained non-executive directorships at Bank of East Asia (China) Ltd. and Bank of East Asia Ltd. until 2008.
Public service
Li contributed to various public organizations, including membership on the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and chairmanship of the Hong Kong Industrial Estates Corporation. He also took on leadership positions within the Community Chest of Hong Kong and Po Leung Kuk. His appointment as an unofficial member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong came in 1973, followed by his inclusion in the Executive Council in 1978. During his time on the Executive Council, he witnessed key developments such as the Sino-British negotiations culminating in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration. Before British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's visit to Beijing concerning Hong Kong’s future, Li joined fellow council members in representing unofficial Hong Kong perspectives in London.
In higher education governance, Li served as trustee for United College from 1961 to 1967, acted as honorary treasurer between 1964 and 1970, and chaired Chung Chi College’s board and council from 1970 to 1976. He became a council member at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1970 and was honored with an honorary Doctorate of Social Science in 1980. A passionate horse racing supporter, Li held positions as steward and deputy chairman within the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
He died at Hong Kong Adventist Hospital on 4 July 2014 at age 97.
Honours
For his dedication to public service, Li was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1946. He earned the title Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1968, received the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977, and was elevated to Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1978.