Dr. Tan Siu Lin, founder and chairman of Luen Thai Group Photo: Courtesy of Luen Thai Group

As the bells of Hong Kong's return to the motherland rang alongside Luen Thai's cargo ships, a 60-year journey unfolded - rooted in Hong Kong, connecting China with the world, and bound by deep national ties.

Founded by Tan Siu Lin in 1965 as a shipping and trading firm, Luen Thai today has grown into a global conglomerate spanning multiple sectors. Its development reflects the shared prosperity of the mainland and Hong Kong under "One Country, Two Systems," demonstrating the vital role Hong Kong enterprises play in China's rise and serving as a model for Chinese enterprises integrating into the national strategy.

Sixty years of patriotism and business wisdom

The year 1965 saw the founding of Tan's venture, the Luen Thai Shipping and Trading Company, as Hong Kong's economy was poised for takeoff. Tan's overseas experience in Southeast Asia instilled the values of integrity, trustworthiness, dedication, and diligence - qualities that have since become Luen Thai's guiding motto.

In 1997, as Hong Kong returned to China, Luen Thai keenly perceived the alignment between the city's global strengths and national needs. Leveraging Hong Kong's role as a financial and shipping hub, Luen Thai invested in manufacturing and fashion supply chain development while expanding into retail, fisheries, and industrial park projects. This strategic expansion solidified the group's place in Hong Kong's economy and established a unique pathway - establishing local roots, branching into the mainland, and connecting globally - laying the foundation for its transformation from a regional trader to a global enterprise.

Tan Siu Lin has always believed that industry and China's national destiny are closely tied. Since the 1970s, he dedicated himself to philanthropy, founding organizations in Saipan, Guam, Hong Kong, and Quanzhou to systematically promote children's education, targeted poverty alleviation, cultural heritage preservation, and disaster relief. His donations have exceeded 100 million yuan ($13.96 million) and benefited communities across the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and regions in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. 

His philanthropy model - "giving back to society what society has given us" - has set a benchmark for Hong Kong companies in social responsibility. Tan often tells his children, "A river in the mountains must have its source; a towering tree its roots," emphasizing the importance of heritage. This patriotism is embedded in Luen Thai's DNA, driving the company's shared progress with the nation.

Tan's contributions have been widely recognized, notably with the Gold Bauhinia Star and other honors, reflecting his dedication to public service and enterprise. The Luen Thai Group also received the 2024 Forbes China Outstanding Enterprise Award, affirming its business strength and "In China, For China" strategy.

Luen Thai Group's office building in the Hongqiao area of Shanghai Photo: Courtesy of Luen Thai Group

Mutual empowerment: Luen Thai's practice in seizing China's opportunities

Luen Thai has leveraged Hong Kong's return and national development to chart a unique path amid global supply chain changes and China's transformation. With a strong manufacturing base and forward-looking strategic vision, it has rapidly expanded in retail.

Since its 2007 joint venture with Skechers, Luen Thai has helped the brand become a leading sports brand in China, while also introducing brands like LeSportsac, and acquiring the global business of streetwear icon STAPLE to build a dynamic brand portfolio.

Luen Thai's brand management prioritizes deep localization - aligning international brand values with Chinese consumer preferences. Examples include special Skechers launches tailored to local tastes and adapting LeSportsac's affordable luxury image for contemporary urban China. Luen Thai also champions smart new retail by integrating online and offline channels and digitizing its membership system - demonstrating an innovative edge and the advantages of "knowing China" as a Hong Kong enterprise.

In fisheries, Luen Thai demonstrates its commitment to sustainability. Since 1993, it has built an integrated supply chain and supported other fleets, supplying sustainable seafood - including deep-sea, pollution-free tuna - to premium global markets. The company leads in smart vessel design, informatized management, eco-friendly operations and digital monitoring.

Heritage and innovation: Luen Thai's future symphony

Tan built his career on integrity and diligence, making "down-to-earth effort and prudent management" central to the company's growth and business philosophy - investing in China, for China.

Beginning in 2007, Luen Thai and Skechers established nearly 3,500 stores in the Chinese mainland and expanded e-commerce. To meet demand, Skechers has invested in Asia-Pacific R&D centers, livestream bases, and a logistics center using world-class systems, with multi-billion yuan investments supporting omni-channel retail and digital upgrades.

Since 1995, Luen Thai Real Estate has expanded with China's urbanization - from Quanzhou's first elevator residential complex and high-end communities to Dongguan's supply chain city and Qingyuan's new town project. Its real estate business is now a group pillar, with key projects in cities like Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, and Hangzhou. In 2024, Luen Thai secured approval for an industrial upgrade in Dongguan, South China's Guangdong Province, highlighting its depth in the sector. 

Using Hong Kong's advantage as a capital and information hub, Luen Thai consolidates resources globally - spanning retail, travel, fisheries, real estate, investment, and services in Micronesia - while employing tens of thousands. It has created a business bridge linking China and the world, modeling Hong Kong companies' integration into national growth. 

This year marks Luen Thai's 60th anniversary. Sixty years may be a mere moment in history, but enough for a single seed to grow into a towering tree. Through six decades of challenges and growth, Luen Thai has remained committed to global expansion, sustainable growth, social responsibility, and continuous innovation - creating enduring value for business and society.