【Down-to-Earth Wealthy Third Generation】 Hang Lung's Chan Man-pok is actually a skateboarding expert! Having connected with 24 Flavor Brian for 30 years, sliding from Wan Chai streets to the business hall of fame

Hang Lung Group (00010) and Hang Lung Properties (00101) The third-generation successor, Adriel Chen (陳文博), is not only a savvy businessman but also a hidden skateboarding master. He has a deep friendship of over 30 years with local rapper, skateboarding pioneer, and recent internet sensation known for his catchphrase “Roast Goose is Dope,” Brian Lee (李凱賢).

Recently, the skateboarding brand 8Five2 managed by Brian Lee opened a branch in Causeway Bay. The two skate enthusiasts were interviewed by a local fashion magazine, sharing the story of their cross-cultural friendship—how they met 30 years ago in front of the Wan Chai Immigration Building and turned their shared passion into a business collaboration.

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Wan Chai Street Encounter: 30 Years of Skateboarding Friendship

Back in the mid-1990s, Brian, then in his teens, would practice skateboarding outside the Wan Chai Immigration Building after school every day. That spot almost became his personal territory. One evening, a young boy appeared alone and smoothly skated around the sidewalk.

Brian recalls: “I remember clearly, he came alone, a friendly and modest kid.” Attracted by his skills, Brian gave him a nickname on the spot—“King of Gliding.” The boy introduced himself as AD (short for Adriel), who would later become the heir to Hang Lung.

Two people from different worlds connected over a shared love for skateboarding on that concrete patch. Adriel Chen is the son of Chen Qi-zong, known for being low-key and pragmatic, without the typical spoiled rich kid traits, and well-versed in social skills. He recently took over as Chairman of Hang Lung Properties. Meanwhile, Brian Lee, born in Jakarta, Indonesia, is a member of the Hip Hop band 24Herbs, and has helped establish 8Five2 as a skateboarding hub in Hong Kong.

The Low-Key “AD” from Skateboard Kid to Hang Lung Chairman

Their friendship lasted many years, but Brian never knew Adriel’s true background. It wasn’t until a chance encounter with a Hang Lung staff member that he realized his friend’s other side. He recalls: “That day, I immediately texted him jokingly: ‘AD, turns out you’re the boss of Hang Lung!’ He was so humble.”

In fact, Adriel Chen has always carefully guarded his private life, only appearing in financial media and performance reports. For a long time, skateboarding was a taboo topic for him.

“I used to hide my love for skateboarding deeply,” Chen admits. “I have a public image, and a private life I don’t share with anyone.” He describes these two identities as like “oil and water” that are hard to blend. Recently, he started posting skate videos on Instagram, choosing to face and accept his passion—though not for publicity, it’s a form of self-acceptance.

Building Causeway Bay’s 8Five2 Together

This humility and respect for culture led to their business partnership. Brian admits he rejected other potential investors, believing that although they had money, they didn’t understand skateboarding culture. “People think opening a skate shop is easy, but we’re doing it for the community.”

Brian often emphasizes the importance of “community.” He says: “When we skate, we’re all the same—no ‘Hall of Fame,’ no skin color differences. If you skate well, you skate well; if you’re bad, you’re bad. We don’t care who you are.”

Adriel Chen, used to working alone on his board, agrees: “If you mess up while skating, people will laugh at you—that feeling is refreshing. People need to be humbled and learn humility.”

For someone used to a workplace full of “Yes Men,” this kind of honest challenge is not only welcomed but essential.

Chen adds: “When you practice a trick for weeks and finally land it, that sense of achievement is regardless of social status. No matter how good your skills are— even if you’re the world’s top skateboarder—there’s always a new trick waiting to be learned.”

“For example, if you’re doing tricks on a curb, you’ll want to challenge yourself with rails; if you’re jumping down two stairs, you’ll want to try jumping up two stairs.”

Ultimately, the two collaborated to open 8Five2 at the Bute Street flagship store in Causeway Bay. For Brian, “being able to open a store in Causeway Bay is already a success.” But he emphasizes that it’s more than just a real estate project—it’s about creating a skateboarding culture landmark, a place that fosters belonging.

Expanding to Shanghai: Promoting Skate Culture and Etiquette

8Five2’s vision extends far beyond Hong Kong. Adriel Chen has lived in Shanghai for many years and has witnessed the rapid improvement of local skateboarding skills. He notes that while Shanghai’s youth may now surpass Hong Kong technically, the “soft power” and unwritten rules of skate culture are still developing.

They hope to bring skate etiquette to broader regions—respecting the space before skating, avoiding cutting in line at stairs, etc. These are the deeper meanings behind 8Five2’s existence. Brian and Adriel plan to bring everything they’ve built in Hong Kong—physical spaces, atmosphere, and sense of belonging—to mainland China. It’s less about selling skateboards and more about exporting a “feeling.”

Adriel Chen says: “Skate shops have always been the heart of skate culture. Skaters gather there, share information, and connect with others. Creating a hub for all skate culture enthusiasts has always been our dream.”