Ma Yingbiao

Ma Ying-piu (born 1864 – died 1944) was a businessman born in Sha Chong, Heungshan, Guangdong (present-day Zhongshan, Guangdong Province). He was the founder of Sincere Department Store, a philanthropist, and a member of the board of trustees of Lingnan University (Guangzhou).

At the age of 17, he moved to Australia with fellow villagers. He first worked on a vegetable farm, later operated his own farm, and eventually opened a fruit and vegetable shop in Sydney. He founded three companies: Wing Sang, Wing Tai, and Sang Tai, collectively known as the "Sang On Tai Federation."

In 1894, Ma returned to Hong Kong to run businesses in import-export and remittance services.

In 1900, Ma and several overseas Chinese partners from Australia invested HK$25,000 to establish Sincere Department Store at 172 Queen's Road Central in Central, becoming the first Chinese-owned department store in Hong Kong. After its success, he expanded the business to Guangzhou in 1914 and to Shanghai in 1917. In 1922, the National Commercial & Savings Bank was established in Hong Kong with Ma serving as a supervisor.

His wife, Huo Qing-tang, was one of the founders of the Hong Kong YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association) and became the first female salesperson in both Sincere Department Store and in Hong Kong.

His son, Ma Man-fai, was a significant figure in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement. He is regarded by inspired Hongkongers as the "Father of Hong Kong Independence" or "Founder of the Localist Movement" due to his advocacy for Hong Kong city-state autonomy and independence.

References

• Ma Ying-piu: Pioneer of Hong Kong’s Department Store Industry, am730, June 28, 2011