Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c13.s3.t1.59

v2.c13.s3.t1.59

A number of Indian businessmen in Hong Kong contributed significantly to the growth and development of the city. HN Mody played a pioneering role in the setting up of the University of Hong Kong. Abdoolally Ebrahim & Co is recorded as having set up the first cross-harbour ferry service in Hong Kong, while another Indian, Dorabji Naorojee is credited with the founding of a similar service that was the forerunner of Hong Kong’s famous ‘Star Ferry’. Paul Chater, a businessman of Armenian origin from Kolkata, was associated with many landmark projects and companies in Hong Kong. These included the Hong Kong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown company, the Praya Reclamation Scheme which developed the waterfront area on Hong Kong island’s northern shore, Hong Kong Land, and the Hong Kong Electric Company. ER Belilios and Elly Kadoorie were responsible for setting up many schools and educational institutions. Belilios helped to establish the first government school for Chinese girls while Kadoorie established a school for Chinese boys in 1901. The Ruttonjee family established the TB sanatorium which is named after them. The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation also had many Indians in its early years on its board of directors.