Born and raised in Hong Kong, DG David Harilela spent his primary years at the renowned local Diocesan Boys School where he obtained his A’levels. He then travelled across the world to study at one of the top schools in Los Angeles, California – The University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Being a strongly driven individual with many ambitions, David was the first in his family to attend university and graduate. To this day he is still an Ambassador for USC, as well as an active member of the USC Alumni Association committee.
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After graduating, David became an entrepreneur overnight and began his career with a bang when he launched his own trading business under the company HGL (Harilela George Limited), aptly named after his father.
David’s businesses grew and with 30 years of experience in the trading, manufacturing, shipping and licensing industries, he is now the CEO of his own group of companies and Director in the following companies:
CEO, Harilela George Ltd (HGL)
CEO, HPZI International Limited
Director, Hotel Holdings Limited
Over his years of learning the business and becoming very successful, he secured the first international multi-category license for the World Cup (a first ever by an Asian company) for regions including Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Mexico. David is considered a licensing expert and has undertaken projects with prestigious companies including Disney, Warner, Sesame Street, Noddy and Batman, to name a few.
He has also worked with many exciting pioneers and household names such as Tommy Hilfiger and Steffi Graf. His group activities cover many areas such as hotels, properties, trading and he is also the inventor of novel products such as the Magic Stirrer, Time Jammer and many more.
Throughout the years David has created a loving family with his wife of 34 years, Avisha. Together they have 3 daughters: Divia, Davina and Sheeva.
Being an avid businessman and a family man was not enough for David, he has also always been a devout philanthropist. Apart from his Rotary work, he contributes to many charitable bodies including the following:
Board of Directors – The Community Chest of Hong Kong
Founder & Trustee – The George & Chandra Harilela Foundation
Trustee – Kanya Daan Trust
Founder – Indian Community Group
DG David’s love of charity and Rotary stems from his family’s close association with both. All his uncles, as well as his father, were Past Presidents of their individual Rotary clubs. Whilst like himself, his uncle Dr. Hari Harilela was also a District Governor of 3450 in 1965-1966
David joined his club, the Rotary Club of Golden Mile in July 1999 and has served on the club board in various capacities since then. He also initiated the Cleft lip and Palate project in the Philippines and took part in and donated hugely to the Gift of Life foundation. He was Club President from 2006-2007 and was awarded the “President of the Year” and “Rotary Club of the year” honors during his tenure. He became Deputy Assistant Governor for Area 7 clubs in 2007/8 under PDG Peter Wong and then Assistant Governor in 2008/9 under PDG Albert Wong
On a district level, David started early. He assisted DG Gloria Chan by chairing the District Hep B Fundraising project and hosted a movie premiere featuring Jackie Chan’s Tuxedo on October 2002. David raised over HK$1 million with this venture, while securing prominent names and celebrities including Jackie Chan and HK superstars The Twins to attend the event. Press from over 30 countries, including the United States, covered the event, raising the profile of Rotary both in Asia and abroad. He was awarded the Certificate of Recognition by DG Gloria for “Outstanding Leadership and Devoted Service.” He also received the Four Avenues of Service Citation for Individual Rotarians from RIP Bhichai Rattakul.
David is also a talented singer and took part in the District Installation 2003/4 and was awarded with the Rotary Superstar honor for his performance for the District.
David is a great supporter of The Rotary Foundation (“TRF”) and is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow as well as a Major Donor Level 2.
David also has a great passion for getting involved with Rotary activities both within the district and internationally. Over the past few years, David has had the opportunity to meet fellow Rotarians all over the world at several Rotary Zone Institutes (Thailand and Philippines) as well as RI Conventions (Australia and Canada).
David has also shown his support of Rotary’s End Polio campaign when he participated in the national Immunization day in India in 2010.
DG David’s desire is to raise the profile of Rotary by taking the District to its pinnacle. His dream is to make Rotary young and vibrant by attracting the next generation of members and making sure the world knows about the Good that can be done through Rotary. Together with his Dream Team he hopes to accomplish this for District 3450.
He has poured his heart and soul into a vision of his to Embrace Humanity called “Rotary – The One.” The first International Humanitarian Award for District 3450, which will honor the unsung hero of today. A person that spends every day of his life giving back to those in need, without any expectation of greatness or glory. This award would give the winner US$50,000 to help them in their efforts to serve others. The funds for this project have been resourced from the business world through the endowment and kindness of Richard Elman, the CEO of the Noble Group, who has personally contributed the award money.
Giving Back to Rotarians is something DG David is passionate about, therefore he has decided to do this by rewarding them for all the great work that they do with the Rotary Benefits Card which will give Rotarians privileges at hotels, restaurants etc.
David has a great love and passion for Rotary and dedicates a major part of his working day to the cause. He views Rotary as a true non-profit charity where almost every cent raised is given to help others. David believes that there is never enough money to cure the world’s ills and that all money raised should go towards the cause. One of his favorite mottos is, “Do nothing less than your best.”
Looking towards the future, David is working hand in hand with his successors to provide continuity and sustainability in every field – for him, working together means that any obstacle can be overcome. He hopes that Rotarians will unite together and move forward with true dedication to take Rotary and District to its highest level.
His philosophy is,
in the end the love you take is equal to the love you give.
Rotary International District 3450
District Governor (2011-2012)
