James is the founder of Clearly, which advocates for universal access to eye care. He is the founder of Vision for a Nation, co-founder of Adlens, CEO of Legacy Advisors, chairman of Wahum Group Holdings and chair of the Chen Yet-Sen Family Foundation.

Good Health and Well-Being and Quality Education

The Foundation, based in Hong Kong, was formed in 2003 to continue the philanthropic efforts of James’ late father, Robert Yet-Sen Chen . With a strategic focus on early childhood literacy, library development and educational enhancement, the Foundation's work reflects the shared interests of the family members who run it to this day. Operating a hybrid model, the Foundation works closely with its grantees, while also running its own special programmes that cover reading and library development, NGO capacity building, research and incubation. The majority of these projects operate in Mainland China, but activity also extends to Hong Kong and Ghana.