| 1936 |
Born in Shanghai to Chao Tsong-yea 趙從衍 and Nyi Ya-tsung 倪亞震, founders of Wah Kwong Shipping |
| 1955–1961 |
Reads architecture at King's College, Newcastle, Durham University. Honours degree, 1961. |
| 1961 |
Joins the practice of architect Eric Cumine in Hong Kong |
| 1962 |
Joins the Public Works Department, Hong Kong Government (16 May). Staff List 1963 |
| 1963 |
Assistant Building Surveyor, Buildings Ordinance Office, known as the Buildings Office (from 8 July). Signs the Occupation Permit for the Mandarin Hotel. Staff List 1963 |
| 1964 |
Leaves government service (no longer listed in 1964 or 1965) and opens his own architectural practice, later Cecil Chao & Associates Limited |
| 1973 |
Wah Kwong Properties, the family property company he founded, is listed |
| 1987 |
Sells 60% of Wah Kwong Properties to Asia Securities to help reduce the family's debts during Wah Kwong Shipping's debt crisis |
| 1988 |
Founds Cheuk Nang (Holdings) Limited (HKEX: 0131); chairman |
| 1993 |
Establishes the Cecil Chao Charitable Foundation |
| 2004 |
World Outstanding Chinese Award, World Chinese Entrepreneurs Association |
| 2008 |
Judges the Cecil Chao Architectural Design Competition. Photographs |
| 2008 |
Honorary President, Hong Kong Guangxi Beihai City Friendship Association |
| 2016 |
Lifetime Achievement Award, ASEAN |
| 2017 |
Honorary President, Beihai City Overseas Friendship Association |
| 2018 |
Hole-in-one, Hong Kong Golf Club |
| 2019 |
Honorary Member, Hong Kong Basketball Association |
