The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, today (September 23) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Nobel laureate for Physics, the former Vice-Chancellor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the "Father of Fibre Optics", Professor Charles Kao. He extended his deepest condolences to Mrs Kao and his family.

     "Professor Kao was the light of Hong Kong, the pride of Hong Kong people and an icon of our generation. He was a pioneer in the development and use of fibre optics for the advancement of modern telecommunication and also played a key role in promoting education and research. His contribution was pivotal to the setting up of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park. He also set up the Charles K. Kao Foundation for Alzheimers disease with his wife, Mrs Gwen Kao, to provide support to Alzheimers disease patients. Over the years, I had worked closely with him in my various capacities as Deputy Secretary for Education and Manpower, Director of Education, Secretary for Labour and Welfare and Chief Secretary for Administration. I am gravely saddened by his passing," he said.

Ends/Sunday, September 23, 2018
Issued at HKT 22:37

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