Wong Ker-lee
Wong Ker-lee | |
|---|---|
| Born | 15 August 1910 Quanzhou, Fujian, China |
| Died | 1 May 2004 (aged 93) Hong Kong |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, politician |
| Years active | 1935–2003 |
| Known for | Mayor of Taichung (1946–1947); founder of Overseas Trust Bank and Hong Kong Industrial and Commercial Bank; member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference |
Wong Ker-lee (; 15 August 1910 – 1 May 2004) was a businessman and political figure of Fujian origin who later established his career in Hong Kong. He held the position of Taichung's inaugural Mayor of Taichung following Taiwan's handover from Japan, serving between 1946 and 1947 before stepping down in the aftermath of the February 28 Incident. After moving to Hong Kong, Wong founded multiple financial institutions, notably the Overseas Trust Bank and the Hong Kong Industrial and Commercial Bank. Beginning in the 1980s, he was a member of the National Committee for the 6th through 9th sessions of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), participating on its standing committee from 1988 until 2003.
Early life, Fujian and Taiwan career
Wong was born in 1910 in Quanzhou, Fujian. He completed his education at Jimei Middle School and graduated from Xiamen University in 1935 with a specialization in Economics. Prior to his government service, he worked as an accountant at both educational institutions. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Wong held roles as revenue commissioner across Tong'an District, Xiamen, and Quanzhou, while also serving as a financial consultant to the Fujian Provincial Government.
Following the conclusion of World War II, Wong was dispatched to Taiwan to represent the Nationalist government during Japan’s surrender. Between 1946 and 1947, he fulfilled duties as deputy director of finance for the Taiwan Provincial Government and became Taichung’s first mayor. In this period, he collaborated with Lin Hsien-tang to establish Chang Hwa Bank, where he served as deputy chairman. Amid the upheaval of the February 28 Incident, Wong narrowly avoided violence by disguising himself as a beggar when confronted by a hostile crowd influenced by the Taiwanese Communist Party. With support from Lin Hsien-tang, he contributed to reestablishing stability before resigning on 4 April 1947; his resignation was accepted by Taiwan Chief Executive Chen Yi.
Hong Kong career
In 1947, Wong relocated to Hong Kong and took up the role of assistant manager at the Chiyu Banking Corporation, having been recommended by its founder, Tan Kah Kee. He went on to create the Overseas Trust Bank in 1955, followed by founding the Hong Kong Industrial and Commercial Bank. Both banks were eventually nationalized by the Hong Kong government in 1985. During the 1960s, Wong also launched Winco Paper Products and Tai Cheng Securities Ltd., assuming chairmanship positions in each company. His community involvement extended to serving as a director for the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals between 1969 and 1970.
Wong’s political engagement deepened when he joined the Fujian Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in 1979. In 1983, he became part of the National Committee for the 6th CPPCC session and maintained membership on its standing committee through subsequent terms—the 7th, 8th, and 9th—until 2003. Furthermore, Wong was appointed to the Selection Committee responsible for choosing Hong Kong’s first Chief Executive and its initial Provisional Legislative Council. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the prestigious Grand Bauhinia Medal in 1997, which is Hong Kong's highest civilian honor.
Death
Wong passed away in Hong Kong on 1 May 2004 at age 95. Notably, he became only the second individual from Hong Kong since the handover to have his coffin draped with the Chinese national flag, following T. K. Ann. He left behind his wife Wong Lin Chin-hwa and their children: Philip Wong Yu-hong, who pursued careers in business and politics; Patrick Wong Yu-pei; and Kay Wong Yu-chen.