The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (September 23) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nobel laureate, former Vice-Chancellor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the "Father of Fibre Optics", Professor Charles Kao.
"Professor Kao was a pioneer in the development and use of fibre optics which had revolutionised the modern communication technology, making tremendous contribution to Hong Kong, the world and mankind.
"Professor Kao was not only an outstanding scientist, he was also a committed educator. During his tenure as the Vice-Chancellor of the CUHK from 1987 to 1996, he strived to promote research and shape the landscape of higher education, sparing no efforts in the nurture of the next generation. Visionary with regard to the development of scientific research in Hong Kong, he played a key role in the establishment of the Hong Kong Science Park, laying a solid foundation for the present development of innovation and technology in the city. He was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2010.
"Though suffering from Alzheimer's disease in his twilight years, Professor Kao continued to contribute to society by setting up the Charles K Kao Foundation in 2010 with his wife, Mrs Gwen Kao, to help patients of Alzheimer’s disease and increase public awareness of the disease. I am deeply moved by Professor Kao's positive attitude and his public spirit.
"An eminent figure, Professor Kao is the pride of Hong Kong people. I was grieved to learn of his passing. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family," Mrs Lam said.
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