Foreign founded companies that helped shape Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s business story has always been international. From aviation to banking and retail, foreign founders have launched companies here that became part of everyday life. These examples show how outsiders built lasting institutions in the city.
Hong Kong’s position as a trading hub drew entrepreneurs who saw opportunity and moved quickly. Their companies created jobs, connected markets, and set standards that others followed. Here are five well known cases.
Cathay Pacific Airways
Founded in 1946 by American Roy Farrell and Australian Sydney de Kantzow, Cathay Pacific grew from a single DC-3 into one of Asia’s best known airlines. The founders shifted early operations to Hong Kong and registered the airline the same year.
Star Ferry
The cross-harbour service traces its roots to 1880 when Parsee entrepreneur Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala started the Kowloon Ferry Company with his steamboat Morning Star. The service later became the Star Ferry, a daily fixture for commuters and visitors.
Dairy Farm
Scottish surgeon Sir Patrick Manson and local partners incorporated The Dairy Farm Company in 1886 to supply clean milk. The business evolved into today’s DFI Retail Group, a major retailer across Asia.
Lane Crawford
Two Scots, Thomas Ash Lane and Ninian Crawford, opened a store on the Central waterfront in 1850, selling provisions to ships and residents. Lane Crawford became a landmark name in Hong Kong retail.
HSBC
Thomas Sutherland, a Scotsman working in shipping, led the creation of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation in 1865 to finance trade between Asia and the West. The bank opened in Hong Kong and expanded quickly.
