Vincent Fang (entrepreneur)
Vincent Fang Kang | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 7, 1943 Shanghai, China |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, Businessman |
| Known for | Chairman and leader of Hong Kong's Liberal Party; Member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong for Wholesale and Retail functional constituency |
Vincent Fang Kang, honored with the GBS and serving as a JP, was born on 7 May 1943 in Shanghai. He is a prominent figure in the garment sector and previously held the position of chairman and leader of Hong Kong's Liberal Party. Fang also represented the Wholesale and Retail functional constituency as a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong.
Early life, family, education and business career
Born into the Fang family in Shanghai, China, on 7 May 1943, Fang comes from a notable lineage. His younger sibling, billionaire industrialist Kenneth Fang, established Fang Brothers Knitting, a significant apparel manufacturer separate from the family's textile enterprises. His nephew, Douglas Fang, leads Fang Brothers Holdings, which manages ventures in electronics, retail, real estate development, energy storage, and automotive components. Vincent Fang's son, Alan Fang, is the Chief Executive Officer of Novo Holdings, recognized as China’s largest multi-brand fashion retailer; Alan is also credited with introducing Formula E racing to Hong Kong in 2016 and supporting the development of Kaleido Park, a European-style floral cultural garden located on Lantau Island.
After relocating to Hong Kong, Fang completed his secondary education at Wah Yan College, Hong Kong, graduating in 1962. He pursued higher education at North Carolina State University, obtaining both bachelor's and master's degrees in Textile Engineering by 1969. Upon returning to Hong Kong, he assumed the role of Chief Executive at Toppy Group, overseeing operations that expanded to more than 350 retail outlets globally. Under his guidance, Toppy emerged as a leading fashion enterprise in Hong Kong, earning international recognition at the Hong Kong Business Awards. Additionally, he held the position of managing director at Fantastic Garments Limited.
Since July 1993, Fang has served as an Independent Non-Executive Director for The Wharf (Holdings) Limited. His advisory contributions include honorary advisor to the Hong Kong Retail Management Association, chairman of the Association of Better Business & Tourism Services, and director within The Federation of Hong Kong Garment Manufacturers.
Legislative Councillor
A key figure within the pro-business Liberal Party, Fang secured election to the Legislative Council of Hong Kong in 2004 by winning the Wholesale and Retail functional constituency seat previously held by Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee, who shifted her candidacy to New Territories West.
Following the resignations of Chairman James Tien Pei-chun and Vice-chairwoman Selina Chow after their electoral defeats in 2008, Fang was appointed vice-chairman alongside Tommy Cheung Yu-yan. He temporarily assumed the chairmanship when Miriam Lau Kin-yee stepped down after failing to win a seat representing Hong Kong Island in the 2012 Legislative Council election. In 2014, Fang was elevated to Leader of the Liberal Party succeeding James Tien, who had been removed from the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference due to his call for Chief Executive CY Leung’s resignation during the 2014 protests in Hong Kong.
In April 2010, Fang faced backlash from both public opinion and his own party following his proposal to establish a minimum wage at HK$20 per hour. This episode underscored criticisms that lawmakers representing functional constituencies are often seen as detached from wider societal interests. Moreover, during the 2008–2012 legislative term, he recorded among the lowest attendance and voting participation rates.
Fang has been entrusted with several significant appointments including membership on the Hong Kong Hospital Authority between 2000 and 2006; participation on the Hong Kong Tourism Board from 2003 to 2009; and service on the Hong Kong Housing Authority from 2009 until 2015. He currently serves on the Operations Review Committee of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and was formerly a board member of the Hong Kong Airport Authority between 2005 and 2011. His contributions have been recognized by the Hong Kong SAR Government through awards such as the Silver Bauhinia Star in 2008 followed by the Gold Bauhinia Star.