A Legacy of Philanthropy

The new chairman of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals plans to honour the group’s 150-plusyear history of helping people in need, while also embracing a future of innovation

For Philip Ma Ching Yeung, serving the community through Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHS) is a family tradition. The new chairman of the storied Hong Kong charitable organisation, which has a history dating back to 1870 and operates 357 service units across medical, education, community, historical and cultural conservation, and traditional services—such as funeral, temple and ritualistic services—he follows both his father Ma Kam Chan, the founder of family business Tai Sang Bank, and his brothers Ma Ching Wai and Ma Ching Hang in the role. A banker with an unusual previous life as a driver in the World Touring Car Championship and a helicopter pilot, he was officially given the role of governing a charity, along with his fellow board members, at a recent inauguration ceremony.

In addition to novel fundraising activities such as the Charity Car Parade at the Hong Kongzhuhai-macao Bridge, tentatively in late July,

Ma is also spearheading some innovative new initiatives. Embracing the future of fundraising, he has established the TWGHS NFT Marketplace, a digital platform for charity NFTS auctions.

“TWGHS is an organisation with a long and profound history and has been a crucial part of Hongkongers’ collective memory,” he says. “That said, constant innovation and breakthroughs for TWGHS are also necessary. We want to let our young generation know more about TWGHS so that we can continue to pass on the charitable spirit.

“As a racing driver, there’s always some urge or instinct in me to strive for excellence. Therefore, to keep TWGHS abreast of the times, I initiated the TWGHS NFT Marketplace, the first NFT charity platform established by a local NGO. It will serve as a medium for innovative fundraising activities, encouraging more youngsters to approach TWGHS.”

He is also hoping to connect with the younger generation through a new corporate video, Tung Wah. Dedication to Charity. Devotion for Centuries.

“Young people nowadays love to watch interesting and creative short videos on social media platforms,” he says. “As such, I led the team to produce the brandnew corporate video, showcasing the charity footprint of TWGHS over 150-plus years in four minutes. I’m glad that the result is very promising—receiving more than 200,000 views, and still counting.

“The message I most hope to deliver to the audience is that for more than a century and a half, TWGHS and the people of Hong Kong have grown together.”