Thomas Fung
Thomas Fung Wing-fat | |
|---|---|
| Born | Hong Kong |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, philanthropist |
| Years active | 1970s–present |
| Known for | Founder of Fairchild Group |
| Spouse | Amy Chan |
| Children | Joseph Fung |
Thomas Fung Wing-fat (; born ) is a Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist originally from Hong Kong. As the eldest son of Fung King Hey, the founder of Hong Kong's Sun Hung Kai (SHK) Financial, Fung established the Fairchild Group, a diversified media and real estate enterprise managing Asian-themed shopping centers, Chinese-language television networks, and radio outlets. He was recognized by the Canadian edition of Time Magazine as one of the most influential figures in Canada.[1] In 2011, the University of British Columbia awarded him an honorary degree.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Early life
During his adolescence, Fung lived in Hong Kong before moving to Canada in 1967. He completed his secondary education at Magee High School in Vancouver. In his twenties, he pursued baking studies in Japan, subsequently opening four Saint Germain Bakery locations upon his return to Vancouver in 1984. In the 1970s, while undergoing training at Merrill Lynch in New York City, he also studied filmmaking at New York University. He then spent ten years in Hong Kong founding a film production company, an advertising agency, and a public relations firm, alongside contributing to his father’s Sun Hung Kai & Co.
Career
Fung moved back to Vancouver in 1984 to expand his business interests within Canada, while his brother Tony stayed based in Hong Kong. He developed North America’s inaugural and largest Asian-themed retail and entertainment complex, Aberdeen Centre, located in Richmond. In 2008, he introduced Sea Land Air Flight Centre, a sophisticated flight training institution for both commercial and private pilots.[1]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
The Fairchild Group under Fung's leadership controls two nationwide television stations, five multicultural radio channels, Canada's leading Chinese-language magazine, as well as an e-commerce IT firm.
In addition to his business endeavors, Fung is a committed supporter of various charitable organizations such as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Royal Conservatory of Music, Children’s Hospital, United Way, and World Vision.[1]
Honors
The Government of Canada appointed Thomas Fung as Ministerial Strategic Advisor for the nation's Global Commerce initiative. He was named among the top ten business leaders of the decade by Business in Vancouver Magazine. For five consecutive years, he appeared on the Power 50 list published by Vancouver Magazine. The Vancouver Board of Trade also bestowed upon him the "Spirit of Vancouver Leadership Award."
Personal life
Thomas Fung is married to Amy Chan and they have one son, Joseph (born 1982), who is employed in Hong Kong.
His brother Tony Fung Wing Cheung serves as Chairman of Yu Ming Property Management Limited and has held the position of Vice Chairman at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Their sister Rita Fung was married to David Ho, founder of the now-defunct Harmony Airways.