A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

On this day, Chen Guangliang arrived in Singapore with his men. At that time, Singapore was still called 'Singapore'.

The delegation was large, including Zhuang Zhujiu of Times Pictures, Yan Kuan of Cheung Kong Real Estate, and Wu Hao of Global Trade, among others. However, Chen Guangliang's primary objective for this inspection was to develop real estate in Sing Tao.

Era Films owns numerous cinemas and amusement parks on Sing Tao, all on its own land; Global Trading has a branch in Singapore engaged in trade-related business.

Upon arriving in Sing Tao, Chen Jiageng immediately hosted Chen Guangliang. The two had previously had in-depth conversations about the War of Resistance against Japan while in Chongqing.

“Mr. Chen, this is my son-in-law, Li Guangqian, who is also the president of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.”

In a hotel in Singapore, Tan Kah Kee, along with his son-in-law Lee Kwang Chien, hosted Tan Kwang Liang and Zhuang Zhu Jiu.

Zhuang Zhujiu traveled frequently between Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, so he naturally knew these people. In addition, the Zhuang family was a prominent clan in Changzhou, so they naturally had some influence.

"Mr. Li, I've heard so much about you."

"Mr. Chen is too kind. I am the one who has long admired your name."

Looking at this famous 'Chinese business leader' who was 17 years younger than him, Li Guangqian was somewhat taken aback. It was hard to imagine that Chen Guangliang looked to be only thirty years old, but in the 1930s, he had already become a prominent figure among the Chinese community, and his influence extended throughout Southeast Asia.

Subsequently, Chen Guangliang, Chen Jiageng, Li Guangqian, and Zhuang Zhujiu discussed the current domestic situation.

Of course, some of his words were insincere, mostly praise, but he himself didn't engage with them. In this respect, Chen Jiageng actually understood something.

Everyone stopped there after making a brief mention.

Then, the conversation shifted to Star Island.

At this time, Chen Guangliang made it very clear that he was very optimistic about Singapore's future.

In fact, after World War II, a greater Chinese voice emerged in Singapore's politics, far ahead of Hong Kong.

"Currently, the biggest problem in the world is the issue of blocs, which is also the main source of instability in the world. This is true for the Korean Peninsula, Southeast Asia, and especially for Singapore."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiageng and Li Guangqian immediately agreed.

Chen Jiageng said, "The regime on Taiwan is so corrupt, why does Mr. Chen always stand on that side!"

Chen Guangliang immediately said, "I stopped siding with them a long time ago. I think copying others is fine, but I firmly believe that the wisdom of the Chinese people is the most powerful in the world. Therefore, I am very optimistic about Singapore's prospects. It's not like Hong Kong."

Chen Jiageng disagreed with Chen Guangliang's views, but did not damage the relationship. He said that Chen had asked his son-in-law Li Guangqian to lead them to inspect Sing Tao and meet with local wealthy businessmen.

Chen Guangliang readily agreed!
To be honest, his investment during this trip to Sing Tao is not going to be too large. His main purpose is to inspect Orchard Road and prepare to purchase three or four large commercial land plots to develop a commercial complex in the future.

As for Singapore's residential market, even if Li Guangyao hadn't been there yet, he wouldn't have invested. First, there wasn't much profit to be made; second, the impact wouldn't be good.

For the Chen Guangliang family in Singapore, all they needed to do over the years was maintain friendly relations with the local community and invest in some commercial real estate, trade, and shipping businesses.

As for relocating to Singapore, the third generation of the Chen family may consider having one or two members move there depending on the circumstances.

There are two different versions of the origin of the name "Orchard Road": one version says that the area was once a large nutmeg, pepper, and fruit plantation, and "Orchard" means "orchard" in English, hence the name. Another version says that one of the plantation owners was a "Mr. Orchard," and the street was named after him.

Orchard Road was originally lined with all kinds of tropical fruit trees, until the early 1900s when a fruit tree disease ravaged the vast orchards, affecting crop growth. The orchards ceased production and became barren.

Seeing this scene, Yan Kuan said, "Boss, if we buy land here, when will we be able to develop it? Moreover, if we don't develop it for a long time, management will become a problem. I think we can buy the land, but we can build two or three-story residential buildings for rent. We can develop commercial properties when the time is right in the future."

Chen Guangliang said, "Let's do more research first. Along Orchard Road, if Singapore's economy develops in the future, we want to build a large Botanic Garden Shangri-La Hotel and 2-3 commercial complexes in this area. So let's buy the land first."

Yan Kuan now understands what a 'commercial complex' is; this is a lesson the boss personally taught everyone.

"it is good"

At that time, land on Orchard Road was worthless, so buying large quantities wouldn't be a problem. It wouldn't be too late to develop it in the 1960s.

Another year has passed (1950).

This year is destined to see many significant events, and Hong Kong will be profoundly affected.

New Year's Day.

The Chen Guangliang family and the Chen Guangcong family gathered at their ancestral home on Gande Road to celebrate the festival.

"Brother, is Wenming planning to study in the UK in two and a half years?"

Chen Guangcong's question also had another layer of meaning—Chen Guangliang and Yan Renmei's second child, Chen Wenming, returned from studying in the UK and joined Global Shipping.

Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "There's not much to study in the UK, except for humanities majors. Advanced technology and management are all in the US."

In Chen Guangliang's eyes, Britain has declined. Although the Commonwealth currently wields considerable influence, it is merely relying on its past achievements. Therefore, all seven of his children will study in the United States.

Chen Guangcong looked at his nephew walking away in the distance and said, "That's true! Wenming is almost fifteen years old this year. In another six and a half years, he will be able to join the family business."

Chen Guangliang understood his brother's meaning perfectly well, and immediately said, "By the way, what do you think about us two brothers splitting up the shipping business?"

It's better to say it sooner rather than later.

Today, Chen Guangcong's management skills in the shipping industry have reached the level of a "shipping magnate." With the fleet and funds brought by the split, he may not lose to the achievements of the "Four Great Shipping Magnates" of his previous life.

Having two shipping magnates in one family is quite impressive.

To everyone's surprise, Chen Guangcong said directly:
"Brother, I don't agree to split up the family."

First, I've always been someone you've nurtured, so splitting up wouldn't make much sense; besides, you manage the big picture while I handle the details, and we brothers work together very well.

Secondly, Worldwide Shipping is a 'group-style' management structure, where each ship is a separate enterprise, allowing for flexible shareholding.

Third, Wenbo, your nephew, is far less intelligent than Wenming and the others. He can be a good assistant, but he lacks the ability to make decisions.

This was the first time he had said 'no' to his older brother, and his reasons were very valid.

His last words also revealed his attitude: "Global Shipping is your business, brother, and it will also be Wenming's business in the future. His second brother's family only has one son, so he can assist in the company in the future."

Chen Guangliang asked about the postponement, but did not answer immediately.

He actually regretted it a bit; he should have persuaded his younger brother and sister-in-law to have another son, so they wouldn't have to worry.

In other respects, what the younger brother Chen Guangcong said was correct. Global Shipping itself is a group company. Each ship can have different equity stakes, and it can also cooperate with different people to form a 'joint venture'. It is a 'manager' that can adapt to changing circumstances.

His idea of ​​splitting up the family was mainly based on the fact that his younger brother, Chen Guangcong, was capable of developing his own business at his current level.

Currently, Global Shipping owns four 10,000-ton vessels (Libero ships) and five 1000-ton vessels (5000, 3000, 2700, 1500, and 1,000 tons). In terms of shareholding, Chen Guangcong owns 45% of the four 10,000-ton vessels, and Chen Guangliang owns 55%. For the remaining vessels, two 1,000-ton vessels are jointly owned by employees (45%), with Chen Guangliang holding the remaining shares, and the remaining shares are held by Chen Guangliang. Global Shipping also owns all the shares in the three large vessels.

How much money is in Worldwide Shipping's accounts?

Chen Guangcong was overjoyed. His elder brother was no longer bringing up the topic, so he naturally didn't intend to divide the family business. He immediately said, "220 million US dollars. This is the profit from the seven ships under our company over the years. The profits from the other two 'joint venture ships' have been distributed."

Chen Guangliang said, "We'll separate our funds later. We'll manage the ships together, but we can freely choose to buy each one."

In other words, the younger brother, Chen Guangcong, can also purchase two ships independently, but they will be registered under the name of Huanqiu Shipping, with the equity accounted for separately.

"Fortunately, the Chinese government has now blockaded the coast, and shipping in the Far East has entered a slump. Our existing ships are not even able to get enough business."

Chen Guangliang waved his hand and said, "There will be an opportunity. Wait for my order!"

"Ok"

If the Korean War breaks out, the Far East will face a shortage of ships, and at that time, having ships will be like printing money.

In this wave, Global Shipping aims to grow and become a major shipping company in the Far East.

After New Year's Day, Chen Guangliang went to work at the Ping An Bank Building on Des Voeux Road Central as usual.

Once completed, the Ping An Building at 1 Garden Road will be renamed 'Global Group Centre' and will serve as the headquarters of the Global Group.

As for Cheung Kong Properties' headquarters building, it is planned to be built in the 1960s or 70s on the site of the former Hilton Hotel. As long as the Hong Kong government holds public land auctions, there is no piece of land that the Chan Kwong Leung family cannot acquire.

"Boss, all the branch managers from around the world have arrived!"

In the conference room of Global Trade, Wu Hao reported with a slightly excited tone.

With 20 years of experience in the industry, Global Trade has truly lived up to the word "global".

"Report on the trade situation of each branch one by one."

"Yes"

Next.

The head of the New York branch stated, "Currently, we trade agricultural products from mainland China and Asia, including tung oil, pig bristles, medicinal herbs, and silk, to the United States; and then trade American industrial products to Hong Kong, including machinery, plastic raw materials, industrial raw materials, steel, and aluminum alloy materials."

The head of the French branch stated, "We will source industrial raw materials and pharmaceuticals from France."

The Australian representative stated, "We source various delicacies from Australia and New Zealand, including fresh and frozen abalone, fresh and frozen pork, beef, lamb, and fresh and frozen fish, to supply wholesalers in Hong Kong."

The Thai representative stated, "We source rice from Thailand to supply Hong Kong; we purchase glutinous rice to trade with Japan; and we have established a fruit canning factory in Thailand."

Representatives from Japan, Saigon (Vietnam), Myanmar, Singapore, and Laos.
In just a few years, Global Trade has grown to have 800 employees and branches in more than 20 countries and regions, forming a vast trade network.

This is a remarkable achievement, equivalent to having built a 'supply chain'. Hong Kong's retailers, wholesalers, old buildings, restaurants, and manufacturers at all levels have all become customers of Global Trade.

What about the trade situation in mainland China?

At this time, the Korean War had not yet begun, and the United States had not yet issued a ban, so Global Trade was still doing business with the mainland, only needing to bypass the Taiwanese navy.

Wu Hao stated, "The current contraction in trade with the mainland is mainly due to the mainland's self-imposed isolation of its coastal areas, but our steel, industrial materials, and pharmaceuticals continue to flow into the mainland in a steady stream."

Chen Guangliang nodded, deciding to take it one day at a time.

Do you have any new ideas?

Lam Ko-kei, the head of the Hong Kong region, then said, "Currently, we control the quality and quantity of Hong Kong's main food trade. I suggest that Global Trade establish a 'Global Food Market' in Hong Kong to directly retail to foreign markets, and strive to open stores throughout Hong Kong Island and Kowloon."

Like the prelude to a supermarket, Chen Guangliang said with satisfaction, "It's feasible. You can come up with the specific plan."

"Yes"

At this time, many of the shareholders in Global Trade were involved, with Chen Guangliang holding approximately 75% of the shares, so everyone was highly motivated. More importantly, Global Trade had already established a comprehensive pension system, truly ensuring that its employees had a secure retirement.

Chen Guangliang arrived at the 'Sin Fung Textile Industrial Park' on Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan.

Before going, his convoy made a special trip around Tsuen Wan. He saw that in just one or two years, many factories of all sizes had opened in Tsuen Wan, and the development speed was exceptionally fast.

It turns out that, probably influenced by Chen Guangliang, many Shanghai entrepreneurs set up factories in Tsuen Wan in 1948. These included Liu Hongsheng's Huazhang Woolen Mill, the textile factory of Rong Desheng's descendants, and even Jiang Zhenhua, Chen Guangliang's father-in-law, opened a textile factory in Tsuen Wan.

History has changed somewhat, and everyone can only work hard to expand the Southeast Asian market, with Indonesia being the largest market in Southeast Asia.

Companies like Hsin Feng Textile have even expanded their products to Pakistan, India, and other regions, and now aim to penetrate South Africa and other parts of Africa (the Commonwealth).

Upon arriving at Xinfeng Textile Industrial Park, the place was clean and tidy, which is the standard of Chen Guangliang's factories; outside, trucks were busy transporting products to the dock for export.

General Manager Tong Runfu, along with the management team, accompanied Chen Guangliang on a factory inspection tour.

After arriving in Hong Kong, Tong Runfu quickly took up a new post as the general manager of Xinfeng Textile, because his skills and prestige in the textile industry were unmatched by others.

Many of the technical staff at Xinfeng Textile are students and grand-students of Tong Runfu.

"Mr. Tong, how is the progress in the southern market?" Chen Guangliang asked with concern.

Today, Sin Fung Textile is an integrated textile, dyeing, and garment manufacturing company, encompassing four systems: spinning, weaving, dyeing, and garment making. Even so, it employs just over 3000 people and is already a veritable textile behemoth in Hong Kong.

Tong Runfu said, "South Africa has very strict requirements for fabrics, requiring 172 threads per inch, otherwise heavy taxes will be levied. However, we have already assembled a dedicated technical team to strive to meet South Africa's requirements, and we are ready to take over this market this year."

Full of confidence, no wonder he is a textile tycoon in China.

Currently, Tong Runfu not only serves as the general manager of Xinfeng Textile, but also as the president of the Hong Kong Textile Association, making him a leading figure in Hong Kong's textile industry.

However, Tong Runfu did not have high demands for fame and fortune. Li Shengbo, who was his partner at the time, established his own textile factory after coming to Hong Kong.

In fact, with the money Tong Runfu has earned over the years, plus his connections in the industry, building a factory independently shouldn't be a problem.

But Tong Runfu was still willing to work for Chen Guangliang, which became a well-known story.

Chen Guangliang said with satisfaction, "The markets in South Africa and Indonesia are enormous. If Hong Kong's textile industry wants to make a breakthrough, it must enter these two markets."

"Yes, in this regard, Sin Fung Textile is ahead of everyone else, and it will also drive the development of the entire Hong Kong textile industry in the future."

Unbeknownst to many, Tong Runfu had already begun to integrate into Hong Kong life, mainly influenced by Chen Guangliang, who adopted a wait-and-see attitude towards the mainland. On the other hand, Chen Guangliang always regarded Hong Kong as a bridge connecting the East and the West, and believed that he could also serve the country from Hong Kong.

After inspecting Xinfeng Textile, Chen Guangliang sat in his office pondering a question—what could he do for Hong Kong's industry?
Finally, he discovered a stark reality—once the Korean War began, Hong Kong's industrial development potential was fundamentally limited because it would lose the world's largest consumer market.

Therefore, any of his grand ambitions had to wait until after 1954 to become a reality.

Therefore, these four years were an extremely difficult period for Hong Kong; in my previous life, it almost led to economic collapse. (End of Chapter)