Kenny Siu speaks to Dr Thomas Cheung, who recently named an honorary Fellow of the CII
The CII has awarded an honorary Fellowship to Dr Thomas Cheung for his contribution and seven decades of service to the insurance profession. He is the first international insurance professional outside of the UK to receive the award.
"We all know that the word Chartered means the best quality and all members of the CII are reputable professionals. I feel honoured to be one of them. I am so proud to be a Fellow of the CII," says Dr Cheung says.
Dr Cheung is a prominent veteran in the insurance profession of Hong Kong. He started his career in the late 1940s and founded his own insurance company in 1960. He later expanded his business to other industries in the Asia region. Currently, he is chairman of The Pacific Insurance Company and The Pacific Life Assurance Company. Dr Cheung has extensive knowledge and has given more than 70 years to the insurance profession.
Next generation
In addition to his business achievements, Dr Cheung cares about the community and is a great philanthropist who has supported many charity, medical and educational programmes in Hong Kong, China, the US, Canada and Asia. He believes knowledge is the key to a better future and is keen to support the education of future generations. He has contributed generously to The Chinese University of Hong Kong by making donations to set up student scholarships, sponsor student activities and build sports facilities.
Dr Cheung describes himself as a lifelong learner, explaining that he always tries to learn something new every day. He emphasises that insurance professionals should constantly sharpen their skills and knowledge.
"The international insurance market keeps growing with new technology developments and ever-evolving business demand," he explains. "We must ensure our competence is up to date, so we can develop new products or apply new business models while continuing to provide quality services to our customers. I am glad that the CII Hong Kong provides the insurance and financial services sector with internationally recognised qualifications and relevant continuing professional development training, which help to enhance industry practitioners' technical and professional knowledge."
Apart from his CII honorary Fellowship, Dr Cheung was conferred the Doctor of Laws, honoris causa by The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1993; the Medal of Honour by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; the honorary Fellow of The Chinese University of Hong Kong; and the honorary university Fellow of The Open University of Hong Kong in 2005. He has been the honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in Hong Kong and Macao SAR for 29 years and was awarded the national honour Sri Lanka Ranjana by the president of Sri Lanka in 1991.
About the CII honorary Fellowship
The honorary Fellowship is the most honourable title in CII and an internationally recognised badge of professionalism. It will only be awarded to persons with suitable academic or professional qualification, exceptional experience in insurance, and pre-eminence in the profession. Currently, there are just 21 professionals that have received this prestigious honorary Fellowship award.
Kenny Siu is regional director of CII Hong Kong and Asia Pacific