Paul Kan developed the world's first Chinese and multi-lingual wireless communication system in 1987 and is renowned as the ˇ§Father of Multi-lingual Messagingˇ¨ for pioneering the wireless communication transmission technology in various languages. He has been making significant contributions to the information technology industry globally over the last 41 years and is the Founder and Chairman of Champion Technology Group which comprises three information technology companies (
Champion Technology Holdings 0092,
Kantone Holdings 1059, and
DIGITALHONGKONG.COM 8007), which are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and Multitone Electronics Plc which was listed on the London Stock Exchange until privatized by Mr. Kan. The total asset value of the Group exceeds 8 billion dollars.
Mr. Kan is an undisputed business leader in the information technology industry. He is currently Honorary Chairman of the Hong Kong Information Technology Industry Council, Chairman of Hong Kong IT Alliance, and a member of the Council of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He was Chairman of Information and Communications Technology Services Advisory Committee, HKTDC (2006 ˇV 2010), Chairman of ICT Working Group, Hong Kong ˇV United Kingdom Business Partnership (2004 ˇV 2007), Convener of Hungarian ˇV Hong Kong Innovative Business Council (2005 - 2010), and Listing Committee Member, Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (1999 ˇV 2003).
Mr. Kan is dedicated to serving the community. In 1990, Mr. Kan set up the charity ˇ§A Better Tomorrowˇ¨, which has since contributed to community programs in education, arts, culture and religion. In 2005, he set up Chinese World Cultural Heritage Foundation and World Cultural Relics Protection Foundation to take over the increasing activities of the cultural heritage projects, which include the ˇ§Peace and Harmonyˇ¨ exhibition series.
Mr. Kan considers computing technology as his life-long pursuit and is Hong Kong's first-generation computing professional. He started as a first generation programmer of the Hong Kong Government in the 1960s, providing software expertise to various government departments including education, transport, security, industry and trade. In the following 17 years, Mr. Kan worked with various international groups as a systems analyst for computer projects, including the Swire Group for its aviation, trading and shipping systems. He was ultimately promoted to be the General Manager of Asiadata Limited, a joint venture computing services bureau of HSBC, Jardines, Barclays Bank and Cable & Wireless. In 1987, he founded the Champion Technology Group, and soon launched the world's first Chinese message receiver and wireless communication systems, a major milestone and a solid foundation for his subsequent and continuing pursuit in the information technology arena. The Champion Technology Group has since positioned itself in the development of wireless communications software and related applications in various environments. The Group's activities now span over 50 countries.
Mr. Kan's motto is ˇ§Integrity: my principle; Honesty: my foundation; Dedication: my value.ˇ¨ His work and efforts have been recognized globally.
Mr. Kan has been awarded Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 UK's New Year's Honours List. This award recognises Mr. Kan's contribution to business and a very high standard of management ethics in his business endeavours.
In 2005, the citation for Honorary Doctoral Degree from the University of Northern Virginia called Mr. Kan ˇ§a true World Citizenˇ¨ in recognition of his works and contributions around the world.
The Academy of Chinese Studies honours Mr. Kan's significant contributions to China's cultural affairs with an Honorary Fellowship in 2005.
Mr. Kan was invested with the honour of Commendatore dell'Ordine della Stella della Solidarieta Italiana (Comm OSSI) by the Italian Prime Minister Hon. Romano Prodi in 2006. The award is granted to recipients in recognition of their contribution to economic and cultural activities for Italy.
Mr. Kan was appointed a Justice of the Peace by the Hong Kong SAR Government in 2006. In addition, he was awarded Chevalier de l'Ordre de la Légion d'Honneur by the Government of France in 2007.
On 1 July 2009, Mr. Kan was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star by the Hong Kong SAR Government in recognition of his dedication and significant contribution to the development of the information technology industry in Hong Kong.
Mr. Kan was appointed as Honorary Consul of the Republic of Hungary in the Hong Kong SAR and the Macau SAR in January 2011.