James Chen is the Chairman of Wahum Group Holdings, based in Lagos, Nigeria, a manufacturer of enamelware, building materials and cardboard packaging. James is also CEO of Family Office Legacy Advisors Ltd.

James chairs The Chen Yet-Sen Foundation, named for his father.  He is founder of the Hong Kong Chapter of Bring Me a Book, an NGO promoting early childhood literacy. James is Co-Founder of Adlens Ltd. and a not-for-profit, Adaptive Eyewear, with Professor Joshua Silver of Oxford University.

James is also the Chairman of the China Exploration and Research Society, dedicated to conserving the cultural and bio diversity of China, a long standing member of the Outward Bound Trust of Hong Kong, past president of Young Entrepreneur's Organization, Hong Kong Chapter and current member of Young Presidents Organization, Hong Kong Chapter.