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Mr Fang Hung, Kenneth, JP
Fang Brothers Knitting Ltd

Kenneth Fang, is chairman of Fang Brothers Knitting Limited. Under his leadership, the company has successfully developed into one of the world’s largest apparel manufacturing companies. Mr Fang is committed to Hong Kong industry and has spent much time promoting the development of the textiles and garment industry. He is widely respected in the industrial sector.

Kenneth joined his family’s textile business in 1965. A year later he founded Fang Brothers Knitting Limited and started manufacturing high quality sweaters, T-shirts and jeans. Soon Kenneth, with his vision and foresight, started to introduce modern production and business formats into this traditional industry and employ vertical integration production practices. At present, the company operates 25 factories in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Mexico, Honduras, the United States and the United Kingdom, employing over 25,000 workers. The group’s annual production is in excess of 30 million pieces of high quality knitwear. The group has also a successful retailing arm, possessing a number of world-renowned apparel labels, including Episode, Jessica, Colour Eighteen, and Pringle, which is one of the most respected sweater brands in the world with a 187-year history.

Mr Fang has served as a member of the Textiles Advisory Board since 1979. Over this time he has played a fundamental role in various negotiations with the United States and the European Union on textile and garment issues. During the 1980’s, Mr Fang led and successfully defended Hong Kong against a case raised by the US Department of Commerce on a US Anti-Dumping Duty Order Against MMF Sweaters from Hong Kong. In 1999, Mr Fang chaired the Textiles and Garment Industry Revitalisation Committee and proposed to the SAR Government a detailed plan comprising short, medium and long-term measures to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a world fashion/design centre. Recently he has led the Textile Council of Hong Kong in proposing to the SAR Government the establishment of a Hong Kong Fashion and Design Centre.

Mr Fang has been chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council since 1994. Under his chairmanship, the Council provides consultancy and other professional services to meet the needs of the industrial and business sectors, helping them to enhance their productivity and competitiveness.

Judges' comments

• committed and dedicated to his industry
• an outstanding industrialist with entrepreneurial spirit
• leading figure in the garment and apparel industry
• a role model who is devoted to community service in HK