In the era of rapid business and technology, many Chinese have left a strong mark on the world stage, among which the Ronnie Chan brothers have to be mentioned. How did the brothers from Hong Kong start from scratch and eventually build the famous Hang Lung Plaza in the bustling city of Shanghai?
Ronnie Chan and Lok Chung Chan, the brothers, were born into a wealthy family in Shunde, Guangdong, and their father, Chan Tseng-hee, was a visionary construction businessman. In his early years, he studied in Japan, and after returning from his studies, Chen Zengxi devoted himself to the construction industry and accumulated the family's first pot of gold. In the mid-20th century, the rapid development of Hong Kong brought new business opportunities to the Chen family. Chan Tseng-hei and his younger brother Chan Tseng-tao resolutely chose the hot land of Hong Kong to seek greater development.
In 1960, the two brothers established a group of companies in Hong Kong and soon demonstrated their business talents. By chance, Chen Zengxi used a piece of real estate he bought to successfully exchange the land of He Wentian Mountain with the government. They developed a residential area here, from which they made a huge profit, which also laid the foundation for the rapid rise of the group.
Over time, the Chen family's business expanded to include LPG, finance, insurance and hotels, and in 1972 the group was successfully listed. Chan's hard work and wisdom have enabled the family to accumulate wealth and laid a solid foundation for the future education and growth of his two sons.
Ronnie Chan and Lok Chung Chan were sent to the United States for further study at an early age, completing their higher education at the University of Southern California and Harvard University, respectively. Chen Zengxi died of illness in 1986, leaving questions about what to do with the huge family estate. Surprisingly, Chan handed over all his assets to a trust and the company was managed by Chan, which forced Ronnie Chan to find another way to start his own business.
Ronnie Chan's entrepreneurial journey has not been easy. At first, he obtained the distribution rights of the Chinese edition of Forbes magazine and successfully sold it in China, which was the first demonstration of his business talent. Later, together with his younger brother Chen Lezong, he established Morningside Company in the United States, invested in a number of Internet companies, and achieved a lot of returns.
When Chan retired in 1991, Ronnie Chan took over the family business, only to find himself faced with a challenging situation. At that time, the Hong Kong real estate market was highly competitive, and Ronnie Chan decided to expand his business to the mainland, especially Shanghai. With their keen insight into the market and abundant capital strength, they have successfully developed Hang Lung Plaza, which is located in the heart of Shanghai. This project not only enhanced the Group's brand influence, but also earned Ronnie Chan a reputation as a "real estate magician".
Ronnie Chan and Lok Chung Chan's success is not only reflected in business, but also in their contribution to society. In 2014, Chen donated $350 million to the Harvard School of Public Health through his foundation, the largest single gift received in Harvard's history. The donation sparked widespread discussion at home and abroad, with many people questioning why the Chen brothers chose to choose a prestigious overseas university instead of using the money for education in China.
The reasons for this are complex and diverse. In an interview with the media, Ronnie Chan said that their donation is based on a deep affection for the Harvard School of Public Health, and also hopes to enhance the academic status and influence of Chinese students in the international arena in this way. On the other hand, it also reflects the strategic considerations of Chinese tycoons in terms of global asset allocation and brand building.
Despite the controversy surrounding the donation, it cannot be denied that it has also inspired in-depth thinking about educational equity and the culture of giving in China. In China, the uneven distribution of educational resources has always been a difficult problem to solve, and donations from the rich can often promote the redistribution of social resources to some extent. It will take time to verify the final effect of the donation.
The Chen brothers are not only a legend of business success, but also a family legacy, cultural confidence and social responsibility. How they can uphold their business philosophy and values in the tide of globalization, while staying ahead of the fierce international competition, are all questions worth pondering.
Ronnie Chan and Lok Chung Chan are a modern version of the "Legend of the Rich", who not only wrote a strong mark in the business world, but also left a deep mark on public discourse. Whether it's for their business empire or the huge donation that has sparked countless discussions, we can't simply judge it in black and white. In a world where diversity and complexity coexist, there are complex considerations behind every choice. The Chen brothers let us see the power of a China that transcends the times, and also made us think about what is true social responsibility and cultural self-confidence.