Outpouring of grief as insurance giant Robin Chan passes away

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has joined in an outpouring of condolences over the death of Chinese General Chamber of Commerce life honorary chairman and Asia Financial Holdings chairman Robin Chan Yau-hing, who passed away Monday aged 90.

Asian Financial Holdings' board expressed gratitude for Chan's invaluable contributions and extended their deepest condolences to his family, while the chamber and other officials also extended condolences.

Executive Council convener Bernard Charnwut Chan, the second son, was appointed the new chairman with immediate effect.

He will also be president.

Lam said she was saddened by Chan's passing and extended her condolences to the family on behalf of the government.

"Chan was an esteemed entrepreneur and philanthropist," she said.

"Over the years, he had been promoting the steady development of Hong Kong's insurance industry, commanding the respect of the business sector."

"Under his direction, his conglomerate had been dedicated to charitable causes by shouldering social responsibilities, as well as providing financial and other support to social organizations and social enterprises in Hong Kong."

Lam also praised the late Chan, who is Thai-Chinese, for promoting cohesion among overseas Chinese, championing Chinese culture and contributing to the community.

Chan was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal by Lam in 2018.

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau Tang-wah also expressed deep sorrow.

"Chan was a successful entrepreneur with great achievements," he said.

Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu said Chan "played a pivotal role in the business sector."

The chamber also expressed its deepest condolences to the family on the passing of its life honorary president, who has made many contributions to the chamber's affairs.

Chan was born in 1932 as the eldest son of Chin Sophonpanich, one of the founders of Bangkok Bank, Thailand's largest financial corporation. He was active in business and politics.

In 1959, he founded Asia Insurance with his father, which has been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 1972.

Asia Insurance then merged with Hong Kong Commercial Bank to form Asia Financial Holdings, which also listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.