Our Founders

Sir Run Run Shaw, born in China in 1907, was a native of Ningbo County, Zhejiang Province. He joined his brother’s film studio Tianyi in China in the 1920’s. China was soon to be ravaged by war, prompting young Sir Run Run to establish a foothold in British Hong Kong, incorporating Shaw Brothers (Hong Kong) Limited in 1958.

As the new medium of broadcast television arrived on the scene, Sir Run Run also joined as one of the founding members of Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) in the 1960’s. Shaw Brothers eventually became one of the most powerful media empires in the Asia-Pacific region, producing over 1000 feature films (many now considered Chinese classics), operating hundreds of cinemas from Hong Kong across Southeast Asia and extending all the way to North America, and spearheading one of the most profitable TV networks in the world at the time.

Ever thankful for his audience, the hardworking citizens of Hong Kong’s and Asia’s rising middle class, Sir Run Run felt impelled to give back. In 1973, he established The Shaw Foundation Hong Kong, dedicated to the promotion of education, healthcare, scientific research, arts and culture, emergency relief, and local community support. The Shaw Foundation quickly gained momentum in a wide range of philanthropic work: supporting educational institutions as well as hospitals and clinics in Hong Kong, Mainland China and beyond. For his many significant contributions to society, Sir Run Run received his knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 1978.

Steadfast in his belief that education and science hold the key to advancing civilisation, he and his loving wife the late Lady Mona Shaw established the Shaw Prize in 2004. The Shaw Prize honours outstanding international achievement that benefits humankind in three categories: Astronomy, Life Science and Medicine, and Mathematical Sciences. Continuing the legacy of its founders Sir Run Run and Lady Shaw, the Shaw Prize, now in its third decade, continues to gain in stature and worldwide recognition.

Born in Shanghai in 1934 as Li Menglan, Lady Mona Shaw moved to Hong Kong with her family at a young age. At Sir Run Run's invitation, Lady Shaw joined Shaw Brothers (HK) Ltd., starting from the ground up. Her integrity, dedication, and business acumen proved invaluable as she worked tirelessly alongside Sir Run Run Shaw to build a media empire and establish a legacy of charitable giving.

Lady Shaw’s career in the film, television, and entertainment industry was distinguished by foresight, tenacity, and a deep passion for the arts. Collaborating closely with Sir Run Run, she played a pivotal role in transforming Shaw Brothers, Shaw Studios, and TVB into one of Asia’s most powerful and influential media empires. As a producer and executive, she was known not only for strategic leadership but also extraordinary eye for talent. Lady Shaw had the uncanny ability to recognise potential in acting talents who would eventually become legendary stars of Hong Kong cinema. Among those she championed were Chow Yun-fat, Andy Lau, Tony Leung, Stephen Chow, Maggie Cheung, and Cheng Pei-pei. Her instinct and vision helped shape the golden era of Hong Kong's entertainment industry and left an enduring legacy in Chinese popular culture.

Beyond her significant contributions to entertainment, Lady Shaw was equally distinguished in philanthropy. From 1986 to 2016, she and Sir Run Run Shaw donated billions of RMB to thousands of educational institutions across mainland China. Lady Shaw personally oversaw each project, ensuring proper construction, transparent management, and long-term sustainability. Her meticulous approach earned widespread respect and admiration.

Her deep concern for public welfare extended to healthcare and disaster relief. In 1989, the couple founded the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital in Hangzhou, introducing cutting-edge medical technologies and modern hospital management practices to the region and setting a benchmark for healthcare across China. In times of national crisis—from the devastating 1987 Greater Khingan fire to the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake—Lady Shaw was always at the forefront, ensuring that aid and resources reached affected communities swiftly and effectively.

From humble beginnings Lady Mona Shaw became a media titan and beacon of philanthropy. She led with vision, high ethical standards and compassion, and continues to inspire generations across Chinese and Asian society.