CE praises Jao as ‘pride of HK’
The city will always remember sinologist Jao Tsung-i, “the pride of Hong Kong” and “a treasure to the world’s academic and art circles”, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said in a eulogy on Wednesday.
She praised Jao for his profound knowledge of Chinese and Western cultures, rigorous attitude toward academic pursuits and dedication to promoting Chinese culture.
Lam made the remarks at Jao’s funeral, where tributes flooded in from across the nation and world. A number of top State leaders including President Xi Jinping sent wreaths and condolence letters honoring the late sinology master.
Jao was a man of noble character, Lam said. She recalled her amicable relationship with him and his advice for her work in various positions she previously held in the Hong Kong government.
Jao’s noble character made him a role model for academics and society, said Lee Chack-fan — director of Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole at the University of Hong Kong — at the funeral.
“I’m afraid none of those who attended this funeral could find a second example for being as knowledgeable and well-versed, and having as many academic achievements as Jao,” he said.
“He devoted his entire life to reviving the Chinese culture, convening cultural dialogues between China and the world and pushing forward mutual learning and communion,” Lee said.
Jao’s sinology research is the cultural foundation for the Belt and Road Initiative, the national development strategy which seeks cooperation between nations, Lee said. And it has very important historical significance for the peaceful development of human society in future, Lee concluded.
Jao’s body was cremated at the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island on Wednesday after a traditional Buddhist funeral, Lee revealed on behalf of Jao’s family.
State leaders who sent wreaths and condolences to Jao and his family also included Premier Li Keqiang, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Yu Zhengsheng and Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli.
Lam, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po and Chief Secretary for Administration Matthew Cheung Kin-chung also sent wreaths.
Condolence letters came from other leaders including Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Vice-Premier Liu Yandong, Minister of Education Chen Baosheng, Minister of Culture Luo Shugang, and Zhang Xiaoming, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, as well as provincial governments, museums and universities across the nation.
Born in Chaozhou, Guangdong province in 1917, Jao passed away in Hong Kong on Tuesday, Feb 6 at the age of 101. He was a scholar of a broad range of disciplines, including archeology, oracle bone script, ancient Chinese culture, literature and Asian studies.