Chevalier International, which takes its name from the French word for "knight", is a holding company with interests in a wide range of industries including construction, engineering, real estate, hotels, travel services, insurance, asset management, and information technology. Its interests span Australasia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. Sister firm Chevalier Pacific Holdings invests in restaurants and food and beverage companies. Chairman Chow Yei Ching, who founded Chevalier International in 1970, controls the company through The Chevalier Group.