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Leung Chun-ying

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Leung Chun-ying, often called CY Leung, is a prominent Hong Kong politician and a professional chartered surveyor. A chartered surveyor is a specialist who manages land and property. Leung served as the third Chief Executive of Hong Kong from 2012 to 2017. This role is the highest position in the Hong Kong government. Since March 2017, he has also served as a vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. His life has moved from the world of business and real estate into high-level political leadership.

Leung's professional background is rooted in valuation and estate management. He graduated first in his class from Bristol Polytechnic in 1977. He began his career at the real estate firm Jones Lang Wootton. By age 30, he had already risen to become a vice-chairman of their Hong Kong branch. He later founded his own surveying firm, C. Y. Leung & Co., in 1993. This company expanded quickly with offices in mainland Chinese cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen. Through various mergers and deals, Leung eventually became a part-owner of the large property consultancy DTZ Holdings.

Leung's entry into politics began in 1985 when he joined the Hong Kong Basic Law Consultative Committee. This was a 180-member group tasked with consulting the public about the Basic Law. The Basic Law is the fundamental law that governs how Hong Kong is run. In 1988, Leung became the secretary-general of this committee. Later, in 1999, he was appointed as the convenor of the Executive Council of Hong Kong. He held this influential position until 2011, when he resigned to enter the race for Chief Executive.

The 2012 election for Chief Executive was a very intense and controversial event. Many observers believed Henry Tang was the favorite to win the position. However, Leung ran a successful campaign and won with 689 votes from the Election Committee. His victory was supported by the Liaison Office. During his time in office, Leung's administration faced several major periods of social unrest. In 2014, the "Umbrella Revolution" occurred. This was a widespread movement of civil disobedience regarding the government's proposals for constitutional reform. In 2016, his government also had to manage civil unrest in the Mong Kok district.

During his leadership, Leung faced serious allegations regarding his financial dealings. An Australian newspaper, The Age, reported on a secret agreement Leung signed in December 2011. This agreement involved the company UGL and the sale of DTZ Holdings. The reports suggested Leung was entitled to receive 4 million from UGL. These payments were reportedly made in 2012 and 2013 after he became Chief Executive. Because these payments were not listed on his official register of interests, they caused significant controversy. This led to investigations by the Independent Commission Against Corruption in Hong Kong and authorities in Australia.

Leung's tenure was marked by rising social instability and new political movements. During his years in power, he saw the rise of localism in Hong Kong. This included movements seeking independence and separation from Chinese sovereignty. His administration also dealt with protests regarding the Hong Kong Television Network and anti-Moral and National Education movements. These events showed a period of deep political tension within the city. In December 2016, Leung announced he would not seek a second term as Chief Executive. He was the first leader in Hong Kong to make this decision.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying's first policy address 03
Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying's first policy address 03

Leung's career connects the worlds of international real estate and regional governance. His experience as a surveyor and business owner shaped his early political identity. His connections to leaders in mainland China, such as former Premier Zhu Rongji, also played a role in his career. For example, Leung served as a real estate advisor to Zhu when Zhu was mayor of Shanghai. These various roles demonstrate how business expertise and political influence can intersect in Hong Kong.

Yue Hei Yuen
Yue Hei Yuen
650 words

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