James Shing, a prominent Hong Kong business figure and former executive director of Asia Television (ATV), has died. He passed away this morning at the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, surrounded by family after a battle with liver cancer that was diagnosed in June. He had been in intensive care, with his weight dropping to about 70 pounds (31.7 kilograms). His wife, Cai Yifeng, stayed by his side throughout the ordeal and had previously appealed for public prayers and support. The couple’s six-year-old twins, a son and a daughter, visited him in his final days, and their reunion reportedly brought tears.
Shing came from a storied lineage. He was the grandson of Sheng Enyi, the son of late Qing dynasty industrialist and statesman Sheng Xuanhuai, whose family left a lasting imprint on Chinese business and politics. Sheng Xuanhuai founded Beiyang University and Nanyang Public School (today Shanghai Jiao Tong University). In addition to his business roles, Shing served as a member of the Jiangsu Provincial CPPCC and as vice-chairman of the Youth Committee of the Chinese Merchants Association, underscoring his involvement in regional politics and commerce.
His father, Sheng Yufeng, operated real estate interests in Hong Kong and owned the well-known Shanghai restaurant Liu Yuan. Shing’s family connections extended into media as well; his cousin Wang Zheng was a major ATV shareholder, and in 2010 Wang brought Shing on as ATV’s executive director. Shing studied in Canada and returned to Hong Kong in 1999 to build his career. He remained with ATV from 2010 to 2013, but resigned after regulators ordered him to step down amid concerns over Wang Zheng’s improper involvement in management. ATV ceased broadcasting a few years later, in 2016, highlighting the turbulent period the company faced.
This morning’s news closes a chapter in a family linked to both Old Shanghai wealth and Hong Kong’s evolving business and media landscape. While the family’s fortunes have fluctuated through the decades—from early industrial magnates to modern corporate and media roles—Shing’s passing leaves behind a legacy tied to cross-border enterprise and public service.
Summary: James Shing died after a liver-cancer battle, surrounded by his family in Hong Kong. He was rooted in a renowned lineage, held regional political and business roles, and played a notable part in ATV’s history before regulatory issues and the network’s eventual shutdown. He leaves behind a wife, two six-year-old twins, and a record of involvement across business, politics, and media.
A more hopeful note: Shing’s life reflects a generation that bridged traditional family lineage with contemporary Hong Kong’s commercial and cultural networks. His legacy may inspire future efforts to preserve the region’s interconnected business and cultural ecosystems while continuing to support his grieving family.