While Robert Hung Ngai did not enjoy the high society social scene, he took on a number of community and professional roles that enabled him to utilise his expertise, interest in people’s well-being, and visibility in Hong Kong to useful purpose.

He twice served as Chairman of the Newspaper Society of Hong Kong (1965-1966 and 1985-1986), helping to develop journalistic standards and professionalism in the territory. He was Chairman of the Community Chest (1973-1974), Trustee of Lingnan College (1975-1978), and Chairman of the Hong Kong Country Club (1977-1978). Like his grandfather before him, he was also appointed a Justice of the Peace (1985).