Bulletin Autumn‧Winter 2000

Ca n t o n e s e En t r e p r e n e u r s in t h e 2 0 t h C e n t u ry The group under scrutiny in this study are over 300 entrepreneurs of Cantonese descent who were active in two different eras: pre-1949 and post-1978. The study analyses how they exploited their cultural resources such as friendships, social and geographical network, marriages, and blood relations to attain economic success. Emphasis was given to the similarities and differences of entrepreneurs wh o stayed in Hong Kong and those who wen t overseas, as well as those who had to operate under different political and economic circumstances. From a macro perspective, studying the evolvement of different enterprises is crucial for understanding Hong Kong's development. Hong Kong's transition from an entrepot to an industrial city, then a financial centre, and now a metropolis emphasizing advanced technology is closely relate d to the rise and development of these entreprises. As the older generation of businessmen try to offset the vulgarity often associated wit h business people by encouraging their children to be lawyers, doctors, and other professionals, the social influence of these business familie s continue to grow, and they continue to play very important roles in Hong Kong's political and economic development. The Hong Kong Products Expo 2000 Preservin g and Illuminatin g Hong Kong's Cultura l Heritag e . 15