Dr Peter Chu
Dr Peter Chu, trustee of the College, founded Alpha Appliances Limited in 1974. As this year marks the milestone of the company’s 50th anniversary, and also the 20th anniversary of Dr Chu’s appointment as trustee of the College since August 2004, we invited Dr Chu to share with us his secret of success.
In the early days of establishment, there were only around ten staff in Alpha Appliances Limited. How can it develop into a well-known company as it is today? “There is no secret to success but hard work.” Dr Chu said firmly. Hong Kong’s economy deteriorated in the 1970s when there was an oil crisis, but Dr Chu believed that there would be a rebound after the trough passed. He saw the increasing demand for air-conditioners, and at the same time he would like to give himself a chance. So he did not think too much at that time but decided to start his own business with only courage, motivation and tens of thousands of dollars. Dr Chu got to know a Japanese at work. With the introduction of this Japanese friend, Alpha Appliances Limited commenced its partnership with the manufacturer of “GENERAL” air-conditioners in Japan in 1976 and became the sole agent for “GENERAL” air-conditioners in Hong Kong and Macau.
Dr Chu’s philosophy of life and work is “sincerity”: be honest to people and be loyal and keep promises to customers. Distance in the world today is getting smaller, lying will definitely be seen through. Dr Chu emphasised no pain, no gain. We therefore should not be greedy but do things properly. We should press ahead in face of difficulties. If we are not self-confident, how can we get support from others?
Talking about his acquaintance with the College, Dr Chu said he met Professor Ching Pak-chung, the then College Head, in an event of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department. He was invited by Professor Ching to serve as trustee of the College. When asked about what was the most memorable to him as a trustee, Dr Chu said he was honoured to be conferred Honorary Fellow by CUHK in 2017.
Dr Chu is enthusiastic about charity. Apart from serving as trustee of the College, he is a board member of The Community Chest. He also makes generous donation to charitable organisations, fully embodying the slogan of the College, "Excellence with a soul, Leadership with a heart." Dr Chu hopes that Shawers would continue to support the activities of the College, help the College to raise funds for its future development.
This article was originally published in the Newsletter of the College, Shaw Link in Oct 2024.