Born in Shanghai, Darwin Chen received his education at the Diocesan Boy’s School of Hong Kong, the University of London (Bachelor of Arts), the University of Hong Kong (Diploma in Management Studies) and Harvard Business School (Advanced Management Programme).

During his 32 years of service in the Hong Kong Government, he had been actively involved in the promotion of culture and arts as Manager of the City Hall and later Director of Cultural Services of the then Urban Services Department.  Among the numerous projects he brought to fruition during the 1970’s where the introduction of a subsidy scheme for local performing arts presentations, the professionalisation of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hong Kong Ballet, and the establishment of several performing companies such as the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, the Hong Kong Dance Company and the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre.

Darwin Chen was also actively involved in the establishment of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, serving as a member of its Administration Committee of the Provisional Council under the chairmanship of Mr Yao Kang.

Upon retirement from the civil service in 1993, Darwin Chen became the Chief Executive of the Community Chest of Hong Kong.  In 2000, he was appointed by the United Way International as Vice President for Asia.

He has continued to participate actively in the work of cultural organisations as a volunteer.  His current appointments include Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. Board Member of the Hong Kong Arts Festival Society, the Hong Kong Ballet, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Hong Kong Children’s Choir.

Darwin Chen was awarded the honour of Companion of the Imperial Service Order (ISO) by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990.