Margaret Chiu’s residence in Tuen Mun, surrounded by lush greenery and facing a serene harbour, reflects her personality – a sanctuary of calm, simplicity and grace. As we step into her garden on this radiant August morning, the gentle scent of grass mingles with the quiet hum of passing cargo ships visible offshore. A dozen pet dogs, affectionately called her “fur babies”, lounge comfortably nearby, each rescued, adopted or gifted, a testament to her boundless love for animals.

Taking us on a tour of the property, Chiu shares stories of her lifelong dedication to creatures wild and tame, the environment and the community. At one point, she reaches up to pluck longan from a tree, examining the fruit thoughtfully before offering us a taste. “Hmmm… that’s nice,” says the conservationist in her characteristically soft vocal tone. “You should try some. It’s simple, but meaningful. That’s what life is about.” Her words echo her essence: a life rooted in balance, beauty and kindness.

Chiu, the daughter of Deacon Chiu, the late entrepreneur of Far East Consortium and Asia Television fame, speaks wistfully of her childhood in the Hong Kong countryside. “I was six when I lived next to a mountain, surrounded by animals and nature,” she reminisces, her face softening to match her voice. “My friends were cats, dogs, birds and rabbits; stray cats would come for food – I’d feed over 30 cats every day. We had two dogs, a cocker spaniel named Sunday and a local yellow dog. They waited for me at the door every day. We were a family, surrounded by happiness, love and safety.”

She pauses for an instant. “I remember once caring for a baby bear and a leopard [at the zoo in Lai Chi Kok, her father owned]. I fed them milk and cornflakes, carried them around, and they’d climb on me like trees. I had scratches everywhere – people thought I’d been in fights! But I was just happy, surrounded by animals. Nature gave me peace and taught me that animals express emotions just like humans. They’re my family, and I cherish that connection.”

The bond she shares with her staff is equally heartfelt and genuine. Singling out one of her house help for particular praise, Chiu chuckles: “She’s the master of posing – so confident in front of the camera. Let’s have her guide me today.” Thus begins our light-hearted photo shoot.

Harmony in Heritage

Her upbringing amid nature and a large family in which she was the only girl among eight children instilled a deep understanding of harmony and resilience. “We’d swim at the beach during summer, and my brothers would take me to secret mountain waterfalls for picnics. Those moments made me realise that animals and nature are like us – they feel sadness, happiness and fear.  Protecting them is protecting ourselves.”

She worked at Sung Dynasty Village, which, like the zoo, was an attraction at Lai Chi Kok Amusement Park, bought by Deacon Chiu in 1962. “It was a theme park transporting visitors back 1,000 years ago to the Song Dynasty,” explains the dutiful daughter. “It was based on a famous Chinese painting of a bustling marketplace during the Qingming / Ching Ming Festival [Tomb-Sweeping Day]. I learned about Chinese traditional food and even wrote a book about the cuisine.”

She emphasises the importance of harmony, drawing parallels between Chinese cultural principles and her work. “Chinese food comes from the cycle of nature: after rain, there’s sunshine; after sunrise, sunset. Everything in nature is interconnected and constantly adjusting to find balance. That’s true for health, society and ecology.”

Her insights reveal a philosophy rooted in resilience: “Just like a tree during a typhoon, we need to bend to survive. Balance isn’t rigid; it’s dynamic and evolving like life itself.”

From Tradition to Technology

While reflecting on the varied roles she has fulfilled – including Executive and non-Executive Director of family companies within the Far East umbrella, Chiu highlights a venture into jewellery design when she lived in Paris. “Creating my own brand was a memorable milestone,” she recounts. “But my true passion lies in preserving our cultural heritage and protecting our environment.”

Her job of recreating immersive historical experiences at Sung Dynasty Village, which opened in 1979 and enchanted visitors for nearly 20 years, was driven by respect for cultural resilience. “Honouring our roots helps us understand who we are and what we must protect.”

Looking forward, Chiu excitedly discloses a current business project in another field close to her heart – pet services. Here, her passion for innovation shines. “With AI and digital technology advancing rapidly, I see a future where pets are fully integrated into our daily lives, even when we travel,” she shares. “That’s why we’re launching Paw Certified, a rating system for pet-friendly hotels – like Michelin stars for hotels with pets.”

She introduces the accompanying app, Gobigobi, designed to help pet owners find suitable accommodations and services. “It’s about making travel and leisure easier, more convenient and more compassionate,” she explains.

Her leadership philosophy emphasises purpose: “It’s not just about profit but about creating meaningful change. I believe leadership is about inspiring others to work together toward a common goal.”

Compassion and Action

Her proudest achievement remains her ongoing conservation efforts, especially as founder of the Pink Dolphin Fund. “It began in 1998 in Paris, it aims to ensure the survival of Hong Kong’s pink dolphins,” she states. “Heavy fishing, pollution and habitat loss are threats, but I believe we can make a difference.”

She fervently describes the plight of pink dolphins, whose local population has shrunk from an estimated 158 in 2003. “There are fewer than 38 left. They’re sensitive mammals, and heavy noise from construction and boats confuses them, trapping them in fishing nets or leading them astray. They have called Hong Kong waters home for hundred of years, and they deserve our protection.

“The pink dolphin is more than a marine mammal – it’s a symbol of resilience, endurance and passion. Their survival reflects our own need for harmony and balance. When we protect them, we’re protecting our own future.”

Chiu envisions a time when pink dolphins will thrive again in Hong Kong waters, living undisturbed and in harmony with their environment, their habitat restored and their numbers increasing. “We need science-based solutions, effective marine protected areas and greater awareness,” she urges. “Their decline is a wake-up call. We must act now – coordinating efforts across sectors; the government, communities and organisations working together – to preserve their home and ours.”

She believes we should all embody the ways of the dolphins. “We should ‘Think Pink.’ Their way of living inspires us to be better, more caring, more connected and more adapting. That’s leadership – living with purpose and making a difference.”

Her commitment to inspiring perseverance and compassion is evident. “Living with purpose influences every decision I make, whether in business, community work, or personal life. It gives hope and dreams.”

Madam Nature

As our interview concludes, Chiu shares her philosophy on happiness and balance. “Happiness is being with family and nature, feeling valued and loved. It’s about harmony – what you eat, what you do, how you care for others.”

At this juncture, her unfailingly cheerful assistant – whom Chiu jokes is “extra giddy today” – chimes in: “Of course, Madam! We should always be happy and thankful for each day. That’s the only way to live.” She nods in agreement, a gentle smile spreading across her face in a reaffirmation of her lifelong ethos.

Like the longan she offered us earlier, Margaret Chiu’s life exemplifies simplicity infused with meaning – a reflection of her belief that we are all part of this interconnected ecosystem, learning and growing from one another.

Interview, Text & Art Direction: Joseff Musa   Photographer: Jack Law   Videographer: Iris Ventura