Wang Fuyuan

Wong Foo‑Yuen (1917 – 26 April 2009) was a Hong Kong industrialist, textile merchant, and philanthropist. He was the younger brother of Wong Tung‑Yuen.

Biography

Born in Shanghai in 1917 into a family originally from Fenghua, Zhejiang Province, later settled in Dinghai. His grandfather Wong Chun‑Ho was a herbal medicine merchant. His father, Wong Kai‑Yu, was a renowned Shanghai industrialist and pioneer of modern dyeing and printing. Wong Foo‑Yuen was the youngest of four brothers; his siblings included Wong Ging‑Yuen and Wong Lin‑Yuen. His half‑mother was Li Sheung‑Pui. His nephew Chris Wong was the first husband of actress Rosamund Kwan, and his niece Peggy Wong married financier Michael Ma.

He studied in Hangzhou, graduating from Hangzhou High School, then attended Yenching University in Beijing before transferring to St. John’s University in Shanghai. After graduating in 1940, he interned at his family’s Da Wei Spinning Mill in Shanghai, starting at the factory floor and rising to factory manager. He later took over his father’s Da Feng Dyeing and Weaving Company, producing the “Golden Phoenix” brand cotton cloth.

Seeking medical treatment for an illness, he travelled to Hong Kong, then to London for surgery. After recovery he settled in Hong Kong. He rescued the near‑bankrupt Yee Tai Garment Factory, earning a reputation as the “coat expert.” His knitwear sold in 16 countries. In 1965 he acquired Foo Kei Garment Factory, manufacturing high‑end apparel. In 1972 he established Yee Tai Garment Company in Singapore. In 1975 he founded Foo San Garment Company. In the United States he launched FERA International Manufacturing; its FERA brand coats became world‑famous.

Wong Foo‑Yuen died on 26 April 2009 at age 93. Following his wishes, his ashes were interred at Qingling, Dinghai.

Commemoration

• The Chinese University of Hong Kong named a building in his honor: the Wong Foo‑Yuen Building.
• Honorary Citizen of Zhoushan City.
• Recognized as a caring leader by Chinese overseas communities.