Chen finished his secondary study at Wah Yan College, an eminent Roman Catholic Jesuit school in Hong Kong.
He moved on to The University of Hong Kong (HKU), living at one time in Ricci Hall, and graduated in 1977 with a Honours Degree in Political Science and History.
In 1994, he was seconded to Hong Kong Dragon Airlines (Dragonair), a subsidiary of Cathay Pacific, assuming the post of Chief Executive.
This series of orchestrations were widely regarded as Chen’s highest achievement in his tenure, which cemented Cathay Pacific’s long-term growth as a regional hub airline.
He was appointed as the Chairman of the Hong Kong Ocean Park between 2000 and 2003 and was responsible for its business turnaround from major losses into profits.
He was Chairman of Travel Industry Council, Board of Airline Representatives and was a member of the Executive Committee of International Air Transport Association.
Since 2000, Chen has written articles for a column in Wen Wei Po sharing his overseas travel experience and has published them under the following titles: The royalties from the book sales have been donated to two charities - Cathay Pacific Wheelchair Bank and Sunnyside Club.
Chen is a Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club and has owned a few horses, including Carpe Diem, Seize The Day and Take the Current.