Ho Yin and Macao

Ho Yin (1908－1983), a native of Panyu district of Guangdong province, migrated to Macao after the Japanese occupied Hong Kong in 1941. He then partnered with local merchants, Ma Man Kei, Ho Sin Hang and Fu Tak Iam, to set up the“Tai Fung” Money Exchange. In 1943, he co-founded the “Vo On Gold Trading Company” with Pedro José Lobo and Chong Chi Kuong and founded the “Fok Lei” Bus Company Ltd in 1955. By 1971, he became the chairman of Board of Directors and general manager of Tai Fung Bank.

Ho Yin was very concerned about the public welfare of the people and the developments in China. He was held in high esteem by the local Portuguese community and earned the reputation of “King of Macao”. After China won the Second War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, Ho Yin didn’t shift his capital abroad like many other Chinese merchants did. Instead, he acquired companies which are beset by financial difficulties to maintain the proper operation of the tourism and shipping industries. After the outbreak of the Korean War, he managed to ship provisions purchased abroad to China for its domestic constructions despite the blockade by the United States.

Throughout his lifetime, Ho Yin was philanthropic in the community, dedicated to charities and spared no efforts in advancing Macao’s education development. He had been the Chinese representative to the Macao Government Council, vice-president of the Legislative Assembly and was awarded decorations and the title of “honorary citizen of Macao”. On 6 December, he died of illness in Hong Kong.