Zhang Youxing
Hilton Cheong-Leen CBE, JP (6 August 1922 – 4 January 2022)[1] was a pioneering Hong Kong politician and community leader. He was the second-longest‑serving elected legislator in Hong Kong history, the first Chinese chairman of the Urban Council, and served as a member of the Legislative Council. He also held leadership roles in Lions Clubs International District 303 for Hong Kong and Macau and was chairman of the Hong Kong Civic Association.
Early life and business career
Cheong‑Leen was born in Georgetown, British Guiana, and educated at Central High School[2][3] in Guyana and La Salle College in Hong Kong. In late 1945 he founded Cheong-Leen Trading Company (Hong Kong) Limited and served as its managing director. The company began by importing pens and stationery and later became the Far East distributor for several Swiss watch brands. It subsequently expanded into furniture, lighting fixtures, gifts, Christmas decorations, and toys. In 1946 the firm joined the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. Cheong-Leen served for many years as chairman of the Hong Kong Watch Importers Association and was later appointed honorary life president of the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association.
Political career
In 1954 Cheong-Leen co-founded the Hong Kong Civic Association, a pro‑democracy group. He was first elected to the Urban Council in April 1957 and became its vice‑chairman. From 1981 to 1986 he was the first Chinese chairman of the Urban Council. He advocated for public services such as free primary education. On 20 November 1964 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace. He was appointed to the Legislative Council by the governor from 1973 to 1979 and then elected from the Urban Council functional constituency from 1985 to 1988. Cheong-Leen also served as chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and supported the inaugural Hong Kong International Film Festival in 1977.
Death
Hilton Cheong‑Leen died peacefully at home on 4 January 2022 at the age of 99.
Family
He was married twice. His first wife, Mrs. Chow Po‑ling, bore him two sons and two daughters, including fashion designer Cheong Tian‑oi. After her death in 1979, he married Ms. Yim Yuen‑yuk in December 1987.