The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, today (September 23) mourned the passing away of Professor Charles Kao and extended his deepest condolences to his family. Known as the father of Optical Fibre, Professor Kao is a Nobel Laureate in Physics.

     Mr Yang said that Professor Kao had made remarkable achievements in, and epoch-breaking contributions to, research on optical fibre communications technology. Professor Kao was a harbinger in technology in Hong Kong. His efforts and personal achievements had inspired countless number of technology workers and carried the most profound influence on the development of local technology.

     Professor Kao was a member of the first Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation in 1998 and participated actively in the preparation of the Hong Kong Science Park. The Hong Kong Science Park has named its landmark building the Charles K. Kao Auditorium in recognition of his outstanding achievements in optical fibre research.

     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.

     The No. 3 fire broke out at a residential unit at 138 Shap Pat Heung Road, Yuen Long this afternoon (September 23) was largely put out at 7.08pm.
 
     No casualties have been reported so far.

     A fire broke out at 138 Shap Pat Heung Road, Yuen Long at 5.21pm today (September 23). The fire was upgraded to No. 3 alarm at 6.01pm. A resident unit was ablaze at the scene.
 
     Firemen are now using one jet and mobilising one breathing apparatus team to fight the blaze.

     Owing to the thunderstorm warning, the flag-lowering ceremony to be conducted at Golden Bauhinia Square, Wan Chai at 6pm today (September 23) will be cancelled.