Eric Fok, Vice Chairman of Fok Ying Tung Group, reflected on his journey with the Chamber since 2008 and shared his vision for youth representation in the October chapter of our “Dialogue with the General Committee Series."
In a lively dialogue with Chamber CEO Patrick Yeung, Fok discussed his passion for nurturing youths. As a Co-founder of the Young Executives Club (YEC), which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, Fok is committed to empowering the next generation to shape a better Hong Kong.
“I am very proud that the YEC has grown from a small group to over 500 members. It has been a fruitful journey, marked by successful initiatives like the Pitch Perfect Programme, which helps university students prepare for their careers,” he said.
Fok pointed out that the business world is changing rapidly. Over the past decade, start-ups have flourished in Hong Kong, with many founders in their 20s and 30s. “We need these representatives at the Chamber to voice the needs of young people and help formulate policies that improve our city,” he explained.
Fok, who is Chairman of the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA), has a deep passion for football, having grown up in a sports-oriented family. “For Hong Kong football to thrive, we need to establish our influence on the international stage, positioning ourselves to seize opportunities,” he said. With plenty of exciting mega events coming up in Hong Kong, such as the “Legends Assemble” football exhibition match and the 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship Preliminary Round in December, he hopes these games will enhance the city’s reputation as a hub for international sports events.
He said a shortage of pitches in Hong Kong has posed challenges for football development. To address this, HKFA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Guangxi Football Association. With the recent establishment of the Guangxi Training Base, HKFA plans to hold training camps and utilize more Mainland venues and resources. Fok believes football in both regions will thrive through cooperation and partnership.
Looking ahead, Fok aims to also make use of the Greater Bay Area to foster better integration with the Mainland. “Sports is a powerful channel for connection. By promoting people flow and cultural exchanges, we can better understand each other and unlock our collective potential.We look forward to the 15th National Games in the Greater Bay Area for the first time next year.”