Early Life
Edwin Leong Siu-hung was born in Guangdong Province, China, in either 1951 or 1952. He is the youngest son of Henry G. Leong, who worked as a comprador for Jardine Matheson. When Edwin was nine, his father passed away. Leong completed his secondary education in Vancouver, Canada, and then pursued higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia in 1973 and a Master of Science in computer science from the University of Toronto in 1974.
Rise to Success
After graduating from the University of Toronto, Leong returned to Hong Kong and initially entered the financial sector. He founded Tai Hung Fai Enterprise in 1977, which focused on property investment. Under his leadership, the company has grown significantly, expanding its portfolio to include hotels, serviced apartments, retail shops, residential buildings, office buildings, and industrial buildings. Leong's strategic approach to property investment, focusing on timing rather than just location, earned him the nickname "King of Shops."
Key Business Strategies
Leong's key investments have centered on high-profile real estate acquisitions in Hong Kong, particularly in the retail, commercial, and hospitality sectors. He focuses on acquiring properties and redeveloping them. Leong has also ventured into the mass residential market. His business philosophy revolves around strategic property investments, focusing on the timing of market opportunities.
Philanthropy
Leong is known for his extensive philanthropy, primarily through the Tai Hung Fai Charitable Foundation, founded in 2005. The foundation supports various initiatives, including care for disadvantaged seniors and underprivileged children. Leong has made significant donations to educational institutions such as the University of British Columbia, the University of Toronto, and the University of Hong Kong. He has also established professorships and supported programs related to healthcare and research, particularly in gerontology and neurology. In 2018, he donated $24 million to the University of British Columbia (UBC) to establish the Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Aging Program. Furthermore, in 2023, the University of Toronto conferred upon him an Honorary Doctor of Laws for his sustained public service and support for underprivileged communities.