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Albert Chan
Wai-yip
As a founding member of the Democratic Party -- Hong Kong's largest and most popular political party -- Albert Chan is a seasoned community leader with more than 10 years of experience in elected public office. Mr. Chan was twice elected to the Legislative Council before the July 1 transfer of Hong Kong's sovereignty to China and was first elected to a District Board seat in 1985. Mr. Chan has a strong background as a social worker and is committed to helping local citizens and preserving the way of life in Hong Kong.
Education and Background:
Born in Hong Kong in 1955, Mr. Chan has been educated both at home and abroad. After studying at St. Stephen's College in Stanley, he went on to finish high school in Canada. Mr. Chan pursued his post-secondary education overseas, earning Bachelor's degrees in political science and social work from the University of Manitoba. Mr. Chan also earned a master's degree from the University of British Columbia, Canada in social work. He is currently a doctoral candidate in the public administration department at the University of Hong Kong.
Mr. Chan has long worked at the grassroots
level in Hong Kong, including Community Development Projects in Tsuen Wan,
Sham Shui Po, Kwun Tong and Tuen Mun. He has also been a lecturer at Shue
Yan College, teaching community work and social policy.
Political Career:
Albert Chan is one of Hong Kong's earliest and most popular local leaders -- in 1985, he won a seat on the Tsuen Wan District Board in the first democratic District Board elections. He still serves on this board today. First elected to the Legislative Council in 1991, Mr. Chan served on a number of committees until the elected legislature was abolished by China on 1 July 1997. In the September 1995 elections, Albert Chan was elected with one of Hong Kong's highest vote percentages, 75 percent of the popular vote. He was the vice-chairman of the Regional Council from 1989-91 and a Regional Councillor between 1986-95.
Today, he continues to serve the community as a member of both the Town Planning Appeal and Construction Advisory Boards. In 1998, Mr. Chan will stand for a seat in the Legislative Council to represent the New Territories West region in the first elections to be held since the handover.
Mr. Chan is the Lands, Planning and Work spokesperson and Environment deputy spokesperson for the Democratic Party.
Personal:
Mr. Chan is married and the father of three children. He lives in Tsuen Wan.
E-mail: wychan@hknet.com
Cartoon by Zunzi
Copyright © 1999 The Democratic Party. All Rights Reserved.