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In recognition of the outstanding achievements of Nobel laureate Professor Charles Kao and renowned Chinese scholar Professor Jao Tsung-I, the Government will name an auditorium and a forum in the Hong Kong Science Park, and a centre to promote Chinese arts and culture in the former Lai Chi Kok hospital, in their honour respectively.
"Both Professor Kao and Professor Jao are distinguished personalities who have made tremendous contributions to Hong Kong, the world and mankind. Hong Kong is proud of their achievements. The naming arrangement is to pay tribute to them on behalf of the Hong Kong people and to bring a lasting honour to them," the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, said today (December 30).
Noting that Professor Kao, who revolutionised the communication technology, was one of the pioneers in the establishment of the Hong Kong Science Park, Mr Tsang said he hoped the naming of an auditorium and a forum after him in the park would help inspire more home-grown new technologies for Hong Kong.
The 288-seat auditorium, commonly referred to as the "Golden Egg", is a landmark building in Science Park and is the venue for many important international and local science events. The auditorium and the forum will be named Charles Kao Auditorium.
The Hong Kong Institute for Promotion of Chinese Culture, of which Professor Jao is the Honorary President, will transform the former Lai Chi Kok Hospital premises into a centre to promote Chinese arts and culture under the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme.
"Professor Jao is a world-renowned, versatile scholar highly regarded for his talents which seamlessly embody the essence of Chinese culture. He has contributed to virtually every field of humanities, including archaeology, history, literature, calligraphy, poetry and fine arts for more than 70 years,"
"The Lai Chi Kok hospital project aims to provide an environment blending with natural landscape in the urban area for visitors to learn more about Chinese culture and history, an objective that ties in with Professor Jao's education work in the culture and art fields over the years. The naming of the centre after him showcases Hong Kong people's admiration for him and highlights our commitment to preserving and revitalising historic buildings," Mr Tsang said.
The centre will be named Jao Tsung-I Academy. Funding for the revitalisation of the premises will be sought from the Legislative Council next year. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2012.
Ends/Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Issued at HKT 12:35
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