In 1964 Kan began study art and design, and began ink painting in 1970. He was a member of One Art Group and obtained an award from the Urban Council of Fine Art. Starting his career as a designer from 1967, Kan was the first designer/painter elected as one of the ‘Ten Outstanding Young People’ in 1979; the only designer to receive the Urban Council Design Grand Award in 1984; and Honour of Bronze Bauhinia Star in 1999. Kan’s works not only earn him international publicity, but are also collected by local and international museums. Kan is actively involved in educating and promoting the art and design profession, as dean of the Cheung Kong School of Art and Design, Shantou University, and a member of the Hong Kong Designers Association. He is advisor to the Leisure & Cultural Services Department and Honorary Advisor of Hong Kong Museum of Art. Kan was awarded an honorary doctorate of design by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.