Fonds 04 - Sir Kan Yuet-keung Archives 簡悅強爵士檔案

Sir Kan Yuet Keung (簡悅強爵士) was born in Hong Kong on July 26, 1913 in a family of banker. His father Ka Tong Po (簡東浦) is one of the founder of The Bank of East Asia (東亞銀行). He went to Diocesan Boy's School in 1925 and and the University of Hong Kong in 1930 where he acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree. With the hope of helping with his father's bank business, he pursued a law degree in The London School of Economics and Political Science in 1935. In 1940, he earned the practicing qualification as a solicitor in the UK and Hong Kong alike. After his return to Hong Kong, he joinned Lo & Lo as a senior partner. With his father passing away in 1963, he shouldered the responsibility of Chairman of Bank of East until 1983.

But Sir Kan was more well known for his career dedicated to civil services in Hong Kong. Between 1960 to 1980, he served muiple positions in his capacity as Unofficial Member (非官守議員) in the Executive and Legislative Councils, including as Deputy Commissioner of Civil Aid Service (民眾安全服務隊); chairman of Finance Committee of the Legislative Council (立法局財務小組委員會), Transport Advisory Committee (交通諮詢委員會), The Consumer Council (消費者委員會), and Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service (公務員薪俸及服務條件常務委員會); and member of Hong KOng Housing Authority (香況屋字建設委員會), Chinese Temples Committee (華人廟宇委員會), and The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (香港社會服務聯會). Kan was one of the most outspoken Chinese representatives in the Legislative Council and his contributions were instrumental to social growth in the 1960s to 1970s. His career witnessed critical issues such as transportation policy, establishment of ICAC, and right of abode in the UK. Other than internal affairs, Sir Kan represented Hong Kong in the international landscape. From 1970 to 1975 and 1979 to 1983, he was appointed the Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Councils. He spearheaded numerous trade talks in Asia, Europe, and North America furthering Hong Kong's trade interests. He also led delegations to China to negotiate for Hong Kong's future. In particular, he accompanied Governor Murray MacLehose (總督麥理浩) first visit to Deng Xiaoping (鄧小平) in 1979.

Sir Kan achievement were recognized by the many honour he received from the royal family. He was first awarded the OBE medal in 1959, Knight Bechelor in 1972, and then he was the only one of two Hong Kongers granted the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1979. He retired from most of his positions in 1983. living a low-profile life afterwards. He passed away on September 14, 2012 in Hong Kong.