Latest news with #MatthewChang
HKFP
23-05-2025
- Business
- HKFP
Hong Kong anti-graft watchdog arrest 10 in suspected bribery case linked to CK Asset building project
Hong Kong's anti-graft watchdog has arrested 10 men in a suspected bribery case linked to real estate giant CK Asset's residential project in Kwun Tong, in which sub-contractors allegedly offered incentives in exchange for lax oversight of steel reinforcement works. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) said on Wednesday that the 10, aged between 29 and 52, included an employee of the main contractor, five proprietors, operators or employees of subcontractors, and four site supervisors of a consultancy firm. They were arrested on suspicion of bribery, conspiracy to defraud, and using false documents. In an emailed reply to HKFP on Thursday, CK Asset said it was 'highly concerned' about the alleged bribery at the Anderson Road project site. The company said it supported the ICAC's operation and had completed 'preliminary inspection' of the project concerned, adding that it was in touch with the Buildings Department for follow-up actions. The Anderson Road project in Kwun Tong consists of six residential buildings, offering a total of 2,926 units, of which at least 1,000 will be sold at 80 per cent of market value under the government's 'starter homes' scheme for Hong Kong residents. CK Asset won the tender with a HK$4.9 billion bid in May 2020. Matthew Chang, principal investigator at the ICAC, said at a press conference on Wednesday that the ICAC suspected that some sub-contractors were hoping to increase their profits by not following the approved building plan, thereby cutting costs. 'They dangled carrots in front of site supervisors in exchange for their lax supervision and tolerance of construction works that did not meet regulations,' Chang said in Cantonese. Cash, coupons, fine-dining Lui Kar-chung, chief investigator at the ICAC, said during the same press conference that the watchdog received a complaint about the alleged bribery last year. At first, the complaint involved only one of the six buildings under construction, Lui said. But the investigation was expanded, and the ICAC found that all six buildings had installed steel rebars that did not match the approved construction plan. The problems 'included rebars having wider gaps in between, being fewer in numbers, thinner, absent, not linked, or offset in positions,' Lui said. In some locations, rebars – a type of steel reinforcement – were 530 millimetres off their positions in the approved building plan, he said. The ICAC investigation found that the sub-contractors had offered the main contractor and site supervisors cash between thousands to tens of thousands of dollars as well as mooncake vouchers, Lui said. They also visited fine dining restaurants that 'charge thousands of dollars per head' and night clubs, he added. Bon Ko, the chief structural engineer at the Buildings Department, said in the same press conference that the department also launched its own inspections at the Anderson Road project last September following a complaint it received about suspected violations of the Buildings Ordinance last August. Following four inspections, the department ordered the developer to stop construction after finding insufficient steel rebars at some roofs of the six buildings, Ko said. She added that subsequent concrete opening-up work revealed that steel rebars in all six buildings had shown 'serious deviations' from the approved plan. But the department concluded that the buildings did not show immediate danger after considering the size of the problematic areas and surrounding structures, she said. On average, the load-bearing rebars were 10 per cent fewer in number than specified in the approved plan, Ko said. The Buildings Department is consulting the Department of Justice on potential prosecutions, she added.
RTHK
21-05-2025
- RTHK
ICAC arrests 10 for alleged construction site bribes
ICAC arrests 10 for alleged construction site bribes The ICAC operation led to 10 arrests. Photo: RTHK The ICAC on Wednesday said it has arrested 10 people for allegedly offering or accepting bribes in exchange for lax inspections of steel reinforcement work at a Cheung Kong construction site on Anderson Road in Kwun Tong. Those arrested in the ICAC operation, dubbed War Drum, include staff members of the main contractor and subcontractors of the project, as well as on-site inspectors hired by a consultancy firm. The suspects are aged between 29 and 52. Principal investigator Matthew Chang said the site inspectors were allegedly offered various kinds of advantages. "The [alleged] bribes included some money and also some lavish meals and also some gift coupons and also nightclub entertainment. We found that for the nightclub entertainment, each time they would spend about HK$20,000 or HK$30,000," he said. "For having accepted this bribe, the inspection staff member [allegedly] conducted lax work supervision." Chang said the ICAC had also looked into five other projects under the same main contractor and found no problems. The Buildings Department had ordered that work be suspended at the site last year. All six blocks of the project there were found to have steel bars that failed to meet standards. The department said it does not rule out the possibility of ordering the removal of certain structures to comply with building requirements. It added that it is consulting the Department of Justice about possible future prosecutions. In a statement responding to the ICAC operation, Cheung Kong said it has been supporting the anti-graft agency in protecting Hong Kong's corruption-free image. The developer added that it has finished an initial review of the project and will discuss the way forward with the Buildings Department.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EY US unveils Matthew Chang of Chang Robotics as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Florida Award finalist
Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates ambitious entrepreneurs who are shaping the futureJACKSONVILLE, Fla. , May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced the finalists for the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Florida Award. Now in its 40th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world's most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and making a profound impact on communities. The program honors bold entrepreneurs whose innovations shape the future and pave the way for a thriving economy and a hopeful independent panel of judges selected Matthew Chang, Founder of Chang Robotics, among 25 finalists for their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and lasting impact in building long-term value. 'I am beyond honored to be included among such tremendous and inspiring leaders as one of this year's regional EY finalists,' said Chang. 'This program is one that I've long admired for its focus on innovation, high achievement and both business and community success. This league of individuals is changing the world.' Chang Robotics is a DBE-certified engineering firm at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, collaborative robotics, and disruptive automation. Founded in 2017, Chang Robotics has rapidly grown, delivering innovative, data-driven solutions, including some of the world's largest autonomous systems. Recognized as one of Fast Company's 2024 Best Workplaces for Innovators, the company revolutionizes supply chain automation and enhances workforce productivity through human-focused robotics. In 2025 the company has also launched the Chang Robotics Fund, a $50M with a focus on launching and building 15-plus early stage high-innovation companies using the same model and practices that have driven Chang Robotics' iconic success. With a commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Chang Robotics empowers businesses across manufacturing, government, healthcare, and beyond. To learn more or connect with us, email media@ visit and follow us on LinkedIn. Entrepreneur Of The Year honors business leaders for their ingenuity, courage and entrepreneurial spirit. The program celebrates original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company; transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory; and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to strengthen it for the future. Regional award winners will be announced on June 13 during a special celebration in Orlando and will become lifetime members of an esteemed community of Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni from around the world. The winners will then be considered by the National judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation's most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies. SponsorsFounded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards include presenting sponsors PNC Bank, Cresa, LLC, Marsh USA, and SAP. In Florida, sponsors also include ADP – regional Silver sponsor. About Entrepreneur Of The Year Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 60 countries globally. The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November where National finalists and award winners are announced. The overall National winner represents the US at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition. Visit About EYEY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets. Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow. EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories. All in to shape the future with confidence. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Associated Press
15-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
EY US unveils Matthew Chang of Chang Robotics as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Florida Award finalist
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. , May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced the finalists for the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Florida Award. Now in its 40th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world's most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and making a profound impact on communities. The program honors bold entrepreneurs whose innovations shape the future and pave the way for a thriving economy and a hopeful tomorrow. An independent panel of judges selected Matthew Chang, Founder of Chang Robotics, among 25 finalists for their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and lasting impact in building long-term value. 'I am beyond honored to be included among such tremendous and inspiring leaders as one of this year's regional EY finalists,' said Chang. 'This program is one that I've long admired for its focus on innovation, high achievement and both business and community success. This league of individuals is changing the world.' Chang Robotics is a DBE-certified engineering firm at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, collaborative robotics, and disruptive automation. Founded in 2017, Chang Robotics has rapidly grown, delivering innovative, data-driven solutions, including some of the world's largest autonomous systems. Recognized as one of Fast Company's 2024 Best Workplaces for Innovators, the company revolutionizes supply chain automation and enhances workforce productivity through human-focused robotics. In 2025 the company has also launched the Chang Robotics Fund, a $50M with a focus on launching and building 15-plus early stage high-innovation companies using the same model and practices that have driven Chang Robotics' iconic success. With a commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Chang Robotics empowers businesses across manufacturing, government, healthcare, and beyond. To learn more or connect with us, email [email protected], visit and follow us on LinkedIn. Entrepreneur Of The Year honors business leaders for their ingenuity, courage and entrepreneurial spirit. The program celebrates original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company; transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory; and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to strengthen it for the future. Regional award winners will be announced on June 13 during a special celebration in Orlando and will become lifetime members of an esteemed community of Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni from around the world. The winners will then be considered by the National judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum ®, one of the nation's most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies. Sponsors Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards include presenting sponsors PNC Bank, Cresa, LLC, Marsh USA, and SAP. In Florida, sponsors also include ADP – regional Silver sponsor. About Entrepreneur Of The Year Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 60 countries globally. The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum ® in November where National finalists and award winners are announced. The overall National winner represents the US at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition. Visit About EY EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets. Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow. EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories. All in to shape the future with confidence. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
