About Us

The Susan Chen Foundation is a Hong Kong-based philanthropic organisation established in 2022 to perpetuate the cultural interest, charitable objectives and positive impact demonstrated quietly by Susan Chen during her life. 

Our Mission

The Foundation has three key
pillars to its mission

To make a positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged youngsters in Hong Kong

To bring the wonder of Chinese art and antiquities to the Hong Kong people and beyond – including to under-served communities 

To enhance education, research, collaboration, innovation and careers in the area of Chinese art and art history 

    • Sponsoring major exhibitions at leading Hong Kong museums 

    • Supporting educational components within museum exhibitions 

    • Funding specialist docent programmes 

    • Funding academic symposiums and lecture series with public access 

    • Facilitating free and assisted access to exhibitions and events for underserved communities 

    • Supporting university students, through mentorship programmes, local and international networking, student-led symposiums, local study trips, international research trips, experience with handling objects, research grants, etc. 

    • Offering scholarships and support for education in Chinese art history, art conservation, curatorial studies, museology, etc. 

    • Sponsoring academic competitions with mentorship and publication opportunities 

    • Funding university fellowships and programmes 

    • Facilitating art appreciation and art history for underprivileged youngsters  

    • Funding teachers and supplies for art-related after-school programmes 

    • Support child welfare non-government organisations

Our Projects

Pursuing projects in partnership with leading institutions.

Our Founders

The founding members of the Susan Chen Foundation include Susan’s widower Anthony Hardy, her children Michael Haworth and Karen Cuthell Haworth, her grand-nephew Jonathan Kuo, her step-son Mark Hardy, and her daughter-in-law Eugenia Hardy.  

Our Board of Directors

The Foundation’s board directly oversees the running of the Foundation and comprises directors who Susan knew well and who are experienced in relevant matters, including Chinese art history, management, governance, sustainability and investment & finance. They are passionate about the Foundation’s objectives and focus areas, and are based in Hong Kong which is the geographical centre of the Foundation’s activity. 

  • Mark is Head of Sustainability at Pacific Basin Shipping and a non-executive director of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. During his 20+ years with Pacific Basin he has also held leadership roles in business development, China projects and corporate affairs. He studied East Asian Studies (focus: China) and History of Art (focus: Chinese Art) at Brown University, and holds a Master of Science (MSc) business degree from City University Business School in London.

  • Pola is Deputy Chairman, Asia Pacific at Christie’s and an international specialist in the field of Chinese works of art with over 35 years of professional experience in Hong Kong. Pola has a broad range of contacts within the Asian art community in Hong Kong and beyond. She has a special interest in teaching and mentoring students and young professionals who are interested in the field of Chinese Works of Art. She has a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Art History and French from the University of Vermont.

  • Jonathan is a former investment manager from a corporate fund and analyst from McKinsey. He brings experience in private equity and public markets and has a keen interest in sustainability. He currently pursues graduate studies at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and also serves as part-time consultant at a corporate governance reporting and supply chain firm. Jonathan graduated from Brown University and is a Certified ESG Analyst.

  • Eugenie is General Manager of the Susan Chen Foundation and an executor of the Susan Chen Estate. She previously worked in the shipping sector, was involved with a charitable foundation and discretionary trusts, and she owned a fine foods import business. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Organisation and a Master of Science (MSc) business degree from City University Business School in London.