CANACH
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SIR S Y CHUNG
1.
Born in Hong Kong in 1917. A widower. Three children, Lily
(42), Dora (37), and Gilbert (31). Educated at the University of
Hong Kong and the University of Sheffield, where he read Engineering
Science. He gained a BSC and subsequently a PhD. More recently he
has been awarded an honorary DSC and an honorary LiD. Created CBE
in 1975 and knighted in 1978.
2.
Chairman of Sonco
An influential
A Chartered Engineer by profession.
Industries Ltd and holds several directorships.
figure in Hong Kong's business community.
3.
Sir S Y has been a member of the Hong Kong Executive Council
since 1972 and the senior unofficial since 1980. He was the centre
of controversy (and caused the Hong Kong Government some anguish) in
April when he told reporters "whatever changes occurred in Hong Kong
should be in line with the Basic Law... It is for Hong Kong to fit
in with the Basic Law" (and not the other way round). He later
explained that his statement reflected his personal opinion and not
that of ExCo. He believes that direct elections should not be
introduced in 1988, and is probably inclined to doubt whether Hong
Kong needs them at all.
4.
Sir S Y is closely involved in planning for Hong Kong's third
university which is expected to open in the early 1990's. He devotes a great deal of time to promoting the interests of this
project, which will concentrate on training in science, technology
and management.
5.
Sir S Y is widely respected in Hong Kong as a forthright and
honest character. Like many of the older guard of public figures in
Hong Kong, he is a staunch Conservative who distrusts rapid and
radical political change: he would regard the principal duty of government as the provision of stability in which the
entrepreneurial activity necessary for Hong Kong's prosperity can
thrive. Spry for his age, he is interested in swimming, badminton,
windsurfing and hiking.
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