Dr Roy Chung awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) by The University of Warwick in 2019

From humble beginnings to becoming an industry leader and wholehearted philanthropist, Dr Roy Chung has always been guided by resilience, curiosity, and the belief that innovation can transform lives. He has dedicated his life to this philosophy and has selflessly contributed to society and the profession in immeasurable ways.

Early journey & entrepreneurial drive

Coming to Hong Kong at the age of 16, Dr Chung worked at a transistor radio factory as a store keeper. Watching products being assembled sparked his curiosity, and he deepened his understanding of production and engineering through supplier visits in the materials department. Those experiences nurtured his entrepreneurial drive. In 1985, he co-founded local Techtronic Industries (TTI) with a German partner.

The business started as a small manufacturer, building trust step by step with banks and customers. Dr Chung explains, “Hong Kong provided the right environment — talented people and a sound financial system — which gave us the foundation to grow. With perseverance and a measure of good fortune, the company gradually expanded into power tools, outdoor equipment, and floorcare.”

He says, “Throughout this transformation, my guiding principles were integrity, resilience, and earning trust. Looking back, resilience, resourcefulness, and the courage to dream bigger — values at the heart of Hong Kong’s “Lion Rock Spirit” — shaped my journey from humble beginnings to building a listed global enterprise.”

Lifelong learning driving innovation

After cofounding his business, Dr Chung became more involved in production engineering, working closely with product designers and engineers. He says, “It was then I realised my own limitations. Out of both interest and necessity, I pursued further studies, enrolling in the University of Warwick’s IGDS (Integrated Graduate Development Scheme) programme, later earning my MSc in Engineering Business Management and Doctor of Engineering.”

He explains these academic experiences enriched his understanding, broadened his perspective, and equipped him to tackle complex challenges. He elaborates, “Industry and academia are inter-related, and lifelong learning is essential for engineers and entrepreneurs to drive innovation and meet the future with confidence.”

Dr Roy Chung (3rd left) at the CityU’s Bright Future Engineering Talent Hub Donation Ceremony in 2023

Dr Roy Chung (3rd right) attended the STEM Challenge event organised by the CityU’s Bright Future Engineering Talent Hub in 2023

Essential qualities for global leadership

Leadership to Dr Chung means setting a clear vision, working tirelessly alongside the team, and never losing sight of longterm goals. As a successful business entrepreuner, he believes that leading a global engineering and technology enterprise today requires vision, adaptability, and integrity. Rapid technological change and intense competition mean leaders must embrace innovation, anticipate market needs, and make bold yet thoughtful decisions.

He elaborates on leadership success: “Equally important is building trust — with employees, customers, and partners — and fostering a culture where talent can thrive. Resilience in the face of challenges, openness to new ideas, and the ability to inspire teams across cultures are essential. Above all, leadership is about responsibility: setting a clear direction, empowering people, and ensuring the enterprise contributes positively to society while driving sustainable growth.”

Philanthropy that inspires hope

Dr Chung is passionate about contributing to society and to the engineering profession. He explains, “My philanthropic philosophy is closely tied to my own journey. Just as entrepreneurship requires vision and perseverance, philanthropy requires empathy and responsibility.” One particularly meaningful moment for him was establishing the Bright Future Charitable Foundation, which supports education and social wellbeing.

He takes to heart a quote by a famous entrepreneur: “A real businessperson makes the money by solving the social problems for others.” Seeing young people gain confidence and pursue their dreams reminds him that giving back is not only about resources, but about inspiring hope and creating opportunities for the next generation.

Nurturing engineering education

Dr Chung observes, “From my own experience, I fully understand the challenges young people face and the importance of education. I often recall the saying, ‘We only realise how little we know when we need it most (書到用時方恨少)’, which reminds me how vital learning is for opening opportunities. Looking ahead, I firmly believe the future lies in engineering and innovation. That is why I am committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation to pursue these fields with passion and creativity.”

His conviction also drives the aims of his Bright Future Charitable Foundation. He elaborates, “Through initiatives including the Academy for Bright Future Young Engineers and the Bright Future Engineering Talent Hub, I hope to nurture talent that will shape Hong Kong’s longterm success, in particular, an engineering talent pool for Hong Kong to build a centre for research and innovation.”

Honours and their impact

For his distinguished contributions, Dr Chung has received the Young Industrialist Award, Industrialist of the Year Award, the Gold Bauhinia Star, and now HKIE Honorary Fellow. He says, “Each honour I have received carries its own significance, reflecting different stages of my work and how others valued my contributions at those times. Yet with each honour, alongside the sense of gratitude, I am reminded of the greater responsibility it brings—to give back to society, to support Hong Kong’s industrial and engineering advancement, and to contribute to longterm innovation. These awards are not only personal milestones, but also reminders of the mission to serve and help shape Hong Kong’s future.”

Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, industrialists & engineers

Dr Chung explains that many young people see entrepreneurship as glamorous, but in reality it is full of challenges and setbacks. He says, “Starting from humble beginnings, I know how difficult it can be to build something from scratch. One misconception I would correct is that success comes quickly — in truth, it requires patience, resilience, and years of hard work.”

He believes that success in manufacturing comes from aligning with market and customer needs, innovating in both production processes and product development, and maintaining uncompromising quality. He elaborates, “Introducing new technologies, improving design, and building strong brands are essential to highlight unique strengths and stand out globally. My advice is simple but enduring — embrace change, invest in innovation, and let quality and originality define your place in the value chain.”

He continues, “My advice to aspiring industrialists and engineers is simple: stay true to your vision, embrace innovation, and never be afraid of failure. Every obstacle is a chance to learn, and with persistence and courage, you can turn challenges into opportunities. Above all, believe in yourself and keep moving forward.”

Creating a successful life filled with purpose

At this stage in his life, Dr Chung feels fulfilled using his experience to inspire and support others. He believes true fulfillment comes not only from industry achievements but also from giving back—nurturing young talent, supporting education, and caring for the elderly. Purpose for him, he says, lies in both nurturing the next generation and caring for those who came before us.

To young people, and also to the engineering community, he advises, “My message (which is also my motto) is clear: focus on your work, keep innovating, strive to do your best, and be ready to embrace the future (專注工作、 不斷創新、做到最好、迎接未來).”

He emphasis, “a purposeful life is one that inspires others, embraces responsibility, and contributes to society across generations. That, to me, is the true measure of success.”

By all measures, Dr Chung is an exemplary philanthropist and entrepreneur who has dedicated himself to creating a purposeful life worthy of acclaim.

Dr Roy Chung (4th right) at the Opening Ceremony of the HKUST Academy for Bright Future Engineers in 2016

Dr Roy Chung (R) being conferred the HKIE Honorary Fellow 2026 by the President