Tung Chee-hwa’s tenure as the first Chief Executive of Hong Kong is characterized by the unprecedented nature of his role following the city's return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. Tasked with leading a new political chapter, Tung faced a series of immediate and compounding crises that defined his administration. These included the Asian financial crisis, which severely impacted the regional economy, and the subsequent bursting of the local property bubble.

Beyond economic instability, Tung’s administration contended with the 2003 SARS outbreak, which placed immense pressure on the city’s public health infrastructure and social stability. These events contributed to significant social divisions during his time in office. While supporters emphasize his personal devotion to the city during a period of transition, critics often point to the difficulties in establishing new institutional norms under such intense pressure. The legacy of his leadership remains a subject of discussion, as his term set the precedent for the executive role in the post-handover era. The challenges he faced during these early years continue to be cited as foundational to the political and economic landscape of modern Hong Kong.