The Asian Fund for Cancer Research Limited (AFCR), a Hong Kong-based nonprofit that supports cancer research across Asia, has appointed Mr. Sunil Tuli, Group CEO of King Power Group Hong Kong and President of the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA), to its Board of Directors. The announcement, made on 27 October 2026, adds a business leader with more than four decades of international experience to the organization's governing body at a time when AFCR says it is working to expand partnerships, strengthen philanthropic engagement, and accelerate innovative cancer research for patients and families in the region. Mr. Tuli's connection to the organization began with personal motivation rather than corporate strategy.
Having seen the impact of cancer on friends, colleagues, and family members, he sought a way to convert that concern into direct support. Inspired by the global #KickCancerThon initiative, he completed a five-day trek to Mardi Himal in Nepal's Annapurna region, reaching an altitude of approximately 4,500 meters. The effort raised more than HK$240,000 for AFCR's cancer research mission, and Mr. Tuli personally covered the costs of his own expedition so that the funds raised could go directly to the cause.
The Mardi Himal trek was not his first attempt to link physical endurance with charitable fundraising. Three years earlier, he climbed to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters to raise money for Smile Train, an organization that supports children born with cleft conditions, and he serves on that organization's Philanthropic Board. In explaining his approach, Mr. Tuli has described a belief that meaningful change requires determination, collaboration, and a willingness to take action one step at a time.
That outlook, according to AFCR, is part of what he now brings to the boardroom. Mr. Tuli's professional background spans the international travel retail industry. He began his career in 1984 with the India Tourism Development Corporation, where he managed duty-free operations at five international airports in India.
He later held senior positions with Weitnauer, now known as Avolta, before joining King Power Group Hong Kong in 2003. He became Group CEO in 2019. In parallel, he has served as President of APTRA for more than twelve years, contributing to the development of the travel retail industry across the Asia Pacific region.
At AFCR, Mr. Tuli said he is particularly drawn to the organization's commitment to strengthening international scientific collaboration, advancing innovative cancer research, and addressing unmet needs among cancer patients across Asia. As a Board Director, he intends to draw on his business experience, international relationships, and philanthropic network to help the organization engage more individuals, corporations, and partners in its mission. "I am honored to join an organization dedicated to making a meaningful difference through cancer research.
There is much for me to learn, and I look forward to working with the AFCR team and fellow Board members to broaden support for this important mission. It is an ambitious undertaking, but I believe that every contribution and every step forward counts," Mr. Tuli said in the announcement. AFCR's leadership framed the appointment as part of a broader growth strategy.
"We are delighted to welcome Sunil to the AFCR Board," said Dr. Sujuan Ba, Founder, President and CEO of AFCR. "What impressed me most about Sunil is not only his remarkable business experience and extensive international network, but also his genuine desire to make a difference. He has already demonstrated that commitment through his personal efforts to raise funds for cancer research.
As AFCR enters its next chapter of growth, I look forward to working with Sunil to build stronger partnerships, inspire broader philanthropic participation, and accelerate promising discoveries and innovations that can bring new hope to cancer patients and their families." The appointment reflects AFCR's stated approach of bringing together leaders from business, science, and philanthropy to advance cancer research and innovation. According to the organization, stronger partnerships and international collaboration are central to its aim of helping bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and meaningful benefits for patients across Asia and beyond.
The organization describes its work as accelerating cancer research progress by advancing innovative research, fostering global scientific collaboration, and empowering patients and caregivers with trusted information, treatment guidance, and community support. Mr. Tuli's profile, combining regional business leadership in travel retail with a documented record of personal fundraising, aligns with that purpose. Whether the appointment translates into expanded funding and partnerships will depend on the organization's next phase, but both AFCR and its newest director have framed the move as a step toward broadening support for cancer research in Asia.
Subject of Research: Appointment of Sunil Tuli to the Board of Directors of the Asian Fund for Cancer Research
Article Title: AFCR welcomes Mr. Sunil Tuli, Group CEO of King Power Group Hong Kong and President of The Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association, to its Board of Directors
Article References: AFCR welcomes Mr. Sunil Tuli, Group CEO of King Power Group Hong Kong and President of The Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association, to its Board of Directors. Original publication (Bibliographic details unavailable.)
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: Not provided
Keywords: AFCR, Sunil Tuli, King Power Group Hong Kong, APTRA, cancer research, philanthropy, board appointment, Hong Kong, travel retail, fundraising, Asia Pacific, nonprofit
Cite Scienmag News
Nathaniel Bowman. (October 27, 2026). King Power Group Hong Kong CEO Sunil Tuli Joins Asian Fund for Cancer Research Board. Scienmag. https://scienmag.com/king-power-group-hong-kong-ceo-sunil-tuli-joins-asian-fund-for-cancer-research-board/
Nathaniel Bowman. "King Power Group Hong Kong CEO Sunil Tuli Joins Asian Fund for Cancer Research Board." Scienmag, 27 October 2026, https://scienmag.com/king-power-group-hong-kong-ceo-sunil-tuli-joins-asian-fund-for-cancer-research-board/. Accessed 27 October 2026.
Nathaniel Bowman. "King Power Group Hong Kong CEO Sunil Tuli Joins Asian Fund for Cancer Research Board." Scienmag. October 27, 2026. https://scienmag.com/king-power-group-hong-kong-ceo-sunil-tuli-joins-asian-fund-for-cancer-research-board/

