It takes a leader with strong character, vision, and determination to shift a company’s focus and portfolio. Hamilton Hung, Chief Marketing Officer of Chiaphua Industries and Co-Founder of Germagic, has been instrumental in transforming the company over the past nine years. Under his leadership, Chiaphua has evolved from a traditional manufacturer of mainstream appliances into a pioneering research company specializing in antiviral and antimicrobial technology.
A Risk-Taker with a Relentless Drive
“I’m definitely a risk-taker, and I don’t take no for an answer,” Hamilton states. His journey has been challenging yet rewarding, but Chiaphua is no stranger to overcoming adversity.
Founded in 1920, Chiaphua started as a steel trading company. Before World War II, the family business migrated to Hong Kong and transitioned into steel manufacturing. However, during the three-year Japanese occupation, the family was forced to return to GuangXi. In 1947, they rebuilt their business from the ground up and dominated the steel manufacturing industry across Southeast Asia for the next 30 years.
Expanding Beyond Steel: A Legacy of Innovation
As joint ventures became popular, Chiaphua collaborated with major U.S. brands like Bissell and Black & Decker. Over time, the company strategically dissolved these partnerships to gain full ownership while maintaining strong business relationships.
“We still have very good relationships with them,” Hamilton explains. “We became a landlord, and they became a tenant.” Today, Chiaphua manufactures for around 200 brands worldwide, including Colgate.
Interestingly, Hamilton himself was once a customer of Chiaphua before receiving an invitation to join the company.
Shifting the Company’s Focus
“My background was in the appliances industry, but I was working for a private equity firm in New York,” Hamilton recalls. “When I finished with them, the owner of Chiaphua invited me to join. That decision sparked a major transformation in the company.”
Instead of solely focusing on manufacturing, Hamilton redirected Chiaphua’s efforts towards becoming a research and development powerhouse.
Building a Research-Driven Future
Chiaphua has maintained a strong partnership with The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) for 15 years. Three years ago, they took this collaboration a step further by establishing a joint laboratory.
“Our goal is not just to develop technology but to build people,” Hamilton emphasizes. Since its launch, four HKUST graduates have joined Chiaphua as full-time scientists.
Chiaphua was already deeply involved in antiviral and antimicrobial research, giving the company a strategic advantage when the pandemic struck.
“The university was spearheading these developments as early as 2003, following the SARS outbreak,” Hamilton explains. “They developed a long-term disinfectant strategy, which we later licensed and commercialized.”
Innovating for a Safer Future
When Hamilton joined Chiaphua, he played a key role in licensing HKUST’s antiviral technology, which led to groundbreaking products like HEPA filters with antiviral capabilities.
To further solidify Chiaphua’s role in health technology, Hamilton acquired a filter manufacturing plant six years ago. The company then developed an advanced antiviral coating technology, collaborating with leading air cleaner manufacturers.
Today, Chiaphua’s antiviral technologies are distributed across Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan, and 15 other countries.
Fighting the Pandemic with Innovation
As the world grapples with COVID-19, Chiaphua continues to drive technological advancements that contribute to public health. “We are moving in the right direction,” Hamilton affirms. “We are developing solutions that benefit the community and aid in the fight against the pandemic.”
Several new antiviral products are in the pipeline, with patents underway. These include antiviral coatings for face masks, luggage, and everyday items, demonstrating Chiaphua’s commitment to innovation and global health.
Leadership, Vision, and Teamwork
Despite being a risk-taker, Hamilton values collaboration. “I encourage my team to come to me with new ideas,” he says. “I build teams, I build people – that’s my motto.”
Fortunately, Chiaphua’s management has supported his vision throughout his tenure. “Patience and strategic foresight have allowed us to outshine competitors,” he notes.
Chiaphua’s shift from an 80-year-old manufacturing company to an innovative technology leader was not an easy one. However, Hamilton is confident in the company’s trajectory.
“I hope before I retire, I can build a lasting legacy. One day, this brand will be recognized as a global leader in antiviral technology.”
It’s a bold vision—but with Hamilton Hung at the helm, it’s only a matter of time before it becomes reality.