Behind Brandon Chau's big name lies big ambition

Brandon Chau Kwok-fung isn't an easy man to get hold of. In between the endless high-society jamborees he attends, he manages to find time for fencing, running a luxury bedding business, and working his day job at the chambers of Cheng Huan SC, one of the city's most well-known defence lawyers.

As Chau strolls - fashionably late - into his "British-themed" office in Central, the distinctive Chau family charm begins to work its magic.

"This is the good thing about being a barrister; you get to work on your own schedule," the 27-year-old says as he brushes raindrops off his tailored Savile Row-style suit jacket. Asked what he prefers to be called, he says: "I wouldn't mind Brandon the barrister-slash-entrepreneur."

If Chau sounds like he is from a well-to-do, moneyed background, it's because he is from a well-to-do, moneyed background - old money, that is. His parents are the late Chau Kai-bong and Brenda Chau - a couple better known in the city for their flamboyant matching outfits, pink Rolls-Royces, golden toilet and mink-clad dogs than for their illustrious family legacy, now entering its fifth generation.

But despite his background, the younger Chau is adamant he wants to create his own legacy - hence his entrepreneurial ventures. He appears to be a man of diverse ambitions. Moneymaking aside, he plans to co-author a book about his family's long history. He also runs a foundation for underprivileged youth.

"As a child, I had always heard my parents talk about conditions in society. I feel I have a responsibility to give back," he says. "Times are changing. Young people struggling with poverty and injustice cannot go ignored any more."