A Biography of Cheng Yu-tung – a life of diligence, sincerity and integrity

Cheng Yu-tung (1925-2016) was born in Lunjiao Town, Shunde County, Guangdong Province. He received his education in a private school in his ancestral temple in his hometown. During the war, he joined Chow Tai Fook in Macau and started from the bottom at the age of 13. After the war, he went to Hong Kong to embark on his career path. He gradually expanded his business empire from jewelry and real estate development to diversified investments and businesses in Hong Kong, mainland China, and Europe and America. While developing his business, he also practiced philanthropy, especially in the fields of education and medical care. This book describes the Cheng's business achievements, but the main tone is not to glorify him or make him legendary. Cheng Yu-tung is a successful businessman, and this is beyond doubt. What this book attempts to show is the real person behind the successful businessman and the life under the grinding of the times. It also involves family connections, local cultural customs, and regional history that are related to Cheng's personal life, as well as how he copes with the opportunities and limitations brought about by the turning point of the times. The sources of information for this book include oral history interviews, Cheng's family genealogy, archives of documents, media interviews, company data, and government statistical reports. Oral history interviews with Cheng Yu Tung's family, close friends, ex-employees, and partners are important sources of information for tracing his life, human relationships, interpersonal communication, and ideological values. Based on the recollections of different people, the book vividly profiles Cheng Yu Tung’s personality through interesting episodes and direct quotations. Throughout his life, Cheng's way of life can be best reflected by the three words "diligence, sincerity, and integrity", which makes the subtitle of this book.