In today’s world, following in a father’s footsteps has become increasingly rare, yet the Cheung family defies this trend.
Three generations and five family members have all chosen to dedicate their careers to the gas industry, serving the Hong Kong and China Gas Company (0003), or Towngas, for over half a century. From grandfather to father to grandson, this stable and purposeful profession has not only brought the family closer together but also witnessed the remarkable transformation of Hong Kong’s energy sector.
The family's connection to Towngas began in the 1970s, when Cheung Fat-kam joined the company as a technical assistant. His two sons, Cheung Kin-keung and Cheung Kin-man, followed in the 1980s, rising to become network technical specialists in the gas distribution operation department.
The tradition extended to a third generation in 2017, when Kin-man's sons, Cheung To-ping and Cheung Sim, joined Towngas after completing the company’s Gas Network Technician Trainee Programme, leaving behind their previous jobs in the catering industry for greater job stability.
The Cheung family has witnessed significant changes in Hong Kong’s energy sector over the decades, from manual systems to automated operations and the growing integration of artificial intelligence.
“In the past, equipment was simpler and relied more on craftsmanship. Now, with advanced technology and equipment, even experienced workers like us must learn to use computers. When it comes to new technologies like AI, I actually have to ask my sons for help,” Kin-man said.
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