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
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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.
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Mark is Director of Sustainability & Corporate Affairs at Pacific Basin Shipping and a non-executive director of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. During his 23+ years with Pacific Basin he has also held senior roles in business development, China & commercial projects, HR 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.
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Pola is an international specialist in Chinese works of art with more than 35 years of professional experience in Hong Kong. Widely respected among collectors, dealers, and museum professionals, she spent the majority of her career at Christie’s Hong Kong, retiring as Deputy Chairman in December 2025. She now serves as the lead consultant at Pola Antebi Art Advisory, where she continues to guide clients and institutions across the Asian art community.
Pola is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of specialists and regularly mentors students and young professionals pursuing careers in Chinese art. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and French from the University of Vermont.
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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.
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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.