The 2012 election for the Chief Executive of Hong Kong saw CY Leung prevail as the victor despite initial perceptions of his underdog status. Garnering 689 votes from the Election Committee, his rise to the highest office in the territory marked a transition from a career as a professional surveyor to a central role in regional governance.
Professional Background in Surveying
Born in 1954 in British Hong Kong, Leung pursued his education at King's College and Hong Kong Polytechnic. In 1974, he moved to Bristol to study valuation and estate management at the University of the West of England. After graduating at the top of his class in 1977, he returned to Hong Kong, joining the real estate firm Jones Lang Wootton. By age 30, he served as the vice-chairman of the firm's Hong Kong branch. He later established his own company, C. Y. Leung & Co., which expanded into mainland China before merging into DTZ Debenham Tie Leung Limited.
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Leung entered politics in 1985 by joining the Hong Kong Basic Law Consultative Committee, serving as its secretary-general by 1988. He held various advisory roles, acting as a real estate advisor for Zhu Rongji during his time as mayor and party chief in Shanghai. Between 1999 and 2011, he served as the convenor of the Non-official Members of the Executive Council. He resigned this position to successfully contest the 2012 Chief Executive election, where he served until 2017.
Controversies and Tenure
Leung's term as Chief Executive was characterized by civil disobedience, including the 2014 Umbrella Revolution and protests regarding national education and television licensing. Following investigations by Australian media into a 2011 agreement with UGL, questions emerged regarding a 4 million pound payment and potential conflicts of interest. These allegations prompted investigations by Hong Kong's Independent Commission Against Corruption. In December 2016, he became the first Chief Executive to announce he would not seek a second term.
Post-Executive Roles
Following his tenure as Chief Executive, Leung transitioned into national roles within the People's Republic of China. Since March 2017, he has served as the Vice-Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. He remains a member of the National Committee, continuing his involvement in high-level political coordination.
Fast facts
- Born: 12 August 1954
- Chief Executive of Hong Kong: 2012-2017
- Education: University of the West of England, 1977
- Citizenship: People's Republic of China
- Awards: Grand Bauhinia Medal, Gold Bauhinia Star
- Languages: English, Standard Chinese, Yue Chinese
Questions readers ask
What was Leung's profession before entering politics?
He was a chartered surveyor and entrepreneur, eventually becoming a director at DTZ Holdings.
Why did Leung not seek a second term as Chief Executive?
He announced in December 2016 that he would not seek a second term, becoming the first Hong Kong Chief Executive to make such a decision.
