Sex: | Male |
Birthyear: | 1919 |
Age at Interview: | 92 |
Education: | No formal education |
Occupation: | Industrialist |
Theme: | Industry |
Sun Kin Chao was born in Ninghai, Zhejiang in 1919. Growing up in an impoverished village family, he received no formal education. Aged 13, he subsequently went to Shanghai to work as an apprentice in a flashlight factory. Here, he quickly mastered excellent mold making skills. During the World War II, Sun Kin Chao met and dated a girl from his hometown who worked in the same factory. The two eventually married and settled in Hong Kong in 1948. A year later they started Kin Hip Metal and Plastic Factory (“Kin Hip”) in Portland Street. The company was initially engaged in repairing machines and making molds. In 1953, Kin Hip began manufacturing when it started to produce small daily household products made of plastic and metal. The Suns jointly ran the business by dividing responsibilities to suit their skills. Having attended junior secondary school, Mrs. Sun took charge of the account books and paperwork. With business flourishing, Kin Hip moved its factory to Sung Wong Toi, then to Shing Yip Street, and eventually to Hung To Road. In the early 1960s, Kin Hip set its direction for the next few decades by commencing production of stainless steel tableware and kitchenware. In 1978, Sun Kin Chao’s eldest son, Sun Kai Lit, completed his studies and returned to Hong Kong to take over the company. From 1979 onwards, Kin Hip began establishing manufacturing facilities in China, gradually relocating its production lines to the mainland. Sun Kin Chao and his wife retired in 1984 and left the operation of their business to their children.