Po Chung, esteemed member of the Hong Kong chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO) since 1983, and three-time chairman, died on October 22 at the age of 81, leaving behind his wife Helen, daughters Yana, Anca and Yangie, as well as several grandchildren. His remarkable journey touched the lives of many in the Hong Kong YPO. In this vibrant community, Po stood out as a beacon of inspiration, a driving force behind our achievements and a cherished friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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Po was the glue that bound us together during the chapter’s formative days in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a visionary: his belief in the potential of Asia, particularly Hong Kong, helped shape the YPO into a truly international community.
My journey with the YPO began in 1985 when Po approached me to join. With his characteristic enthusiasm, he painted a picture of the value that awaited me: a treasure trove of learning and experiences far beyond what I could accomplish alone.
True to his word, my initiation was swift and rewarding. In 1986, I joined the YPO Paris Presidents’ University gathering with Po and others including Fung Investments chairman Victor Fung Kwok-king, Shui On Group chairman Vincent Lo Hong-sui and China-Hongkong Photo Products Holdings chairman Dennis Sun Tai-lun, along with our spouses. We forged lasting friendships. For many of us, Po was not just a mentor; he was a best friend, someone who brought out the very best in us.
His most memorable triumph was at the 1988 YPO Hong Kong Presidents’ University. As the social chairman, he helped to organise an extraordinary programme that embodied Hong Kong’s can-do spirit, entrepreneurial drive, ingenuity and hospitality.
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Among Po’s stand-out events was the takeover of Landmark shopping centre, with shops offering discounted purchases and gourmet meals served at candlelit tables on every floor. Another unforgettable experience was the transformation of the Jumbo Floating Restaurant in Aberdeen into a near-realistic den of iniquity.
