Timothy Fok
Timothy Fok Tsun-ting is a Hong Kong businessman and eldest son of former Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Henry Fok. He is currently the President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, and holds several public positions in the sports sector. He was formerly a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong.
Biography
Fok was born in Hong Kong in 1946, with ancestral roots in Panyu, Guangdong Province. He attended St. Stephen's College Preparatory School and St. Stephen's College, then studied in the UK at Normandale School and graduated from Millfield School. He later earned a degree from the University of Southern California in the United States. His ex-wife is 1977 Miss Hong Kong winner Chu Ling-ling, with whom he has three sons: Kenneth Fok, Ian Fok Jr., and Fok Kai-yan. They divorced in 2004.
In 2012, Fok declined to seek re-election to the Legislative Council representing the Sports, Performing Arts, Culture and Publication functional constituency, ending his legislative career.[1]
Public Positions
Sports
- Member of the International Olympic Committee
- Vice President (East Asia) of the Olympic Council of Asia
- President of the East Asian Games Association
- Chairman of the 2009 East Asian Games Hong Kong Organising Committee
- President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China
Politics
- Member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference
- Member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong (Sports, Performing Arts, Culture and Publication) (1998–2012)
- Member of the Provisional Legislative Council of Hong Kong (1997–1998)
- Member of the Election Committee of the First Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Other
- Chairman of the Fok Ying Tung Foundation
Controversies
Failed Asian Games Bid
In June 2000, Fok first announced Hong Kong’s intention to bid for the 2006 Asian Games. After a year-long campaign costing HK$50 million, the bid was lost to Doha, Qatar. Critics claimed he overestimated Hong Kong’s international recognition and did not effectively use China’s diplomatic influence. The bid slogan "Hong Kong for Sure!" was later satirized in a song by Paul Wong.
Legislative Performance
Fok was frequently criticized for low attendance and lack of participation in the Legislative Council. A 2006 report by the Catholic Monitors of Legislative Council Members noted he had not proposed any motions or amendments for five consecutive years. In 2007, the same group reported he had the highest absentee rate, missing 21 out of 41 meetings. Critics in the cultural sector, such as Ma Fung-kwok and Fredric Mao, accused him of neglecting cultural interests. In 2012, Cantonese opera artist Yuen Siu-fai criticized Fok's 14-year tenure as ineffective.
Hong Kong media dubbed Fok one of the "laziest lawmakers," citing frequent absences and low engagement. A 2010–2011 report noted he attended fewer than 60% of meetings. He was named one of the "Top Four Slackers" in the legislature in 2012. This led to a grassroots movement calling for his resignation.
On 31 July 2012, he did not seek re-election at the close of nominations.
Hong Kong Sports Institute Relocation
In 2005, Fok supported converting part of the Hong Kong Sports Institute into the venue for the equestrian events of the 2008 Summer Olympics. This forced athletes to temporarily relocate to Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village, drawing criticism from the Hong Kong Elite Athletes Association.
Racehorse Ownership
Fok is a member of the Hong Kong Jockey Club and previously owned racehorses such as "All China" and "Smart Horse."
Honours
- 1999 – Silver Bauhinia Star
- 2004 – Gold Bauhinia Star[2]
- 2023 – Grand Bauhinia Medal
Television Commercials
- TVB "Hong Kong Power" promotional clip (2009) [1]
See Also
- Fok Ying Tung family
- Hong Kong Commercial Daily
External Links
References
- People from Panyu, Hong Kong
- Hong Kong businesspeople
- Hong Kong football figures
- Hong Kong racehorse owners and breeders
- Members of the International Olympic Committee
- Pro-Beijing politicians in Hong Kong
- Delegates to the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference
- 10th CPPCC members
- 11th CPPCC members
- 12th CPPCC members
- Fok family
- Politicians with business backgrounds
- Alumni of St. Stephen's College Preparatory School
- Alumni of St. Stephen's College (Hong Kong)
- University of Southern California alumni
- Surnamed Fok
- Members of the Provisional Legislative Council of Hong Kong
- Recipients of the Olympic Order
- Second-generation Hong Kong politicians