In a tribute quoted by the South China Morning Post, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Education, Choi Yuk-lin, praised Lee’s decades-long generosity in establishing the Hong Kong Pei Hua Education Foundation and the Lee Shau Kee Foundation.
“The education sector is deeply inspired by Lee’s commitment to the country, his passion for education and dedication to nurturing outstanding talent,” she said.
Lee, who passed away on Monday, was Hong Kong’s second-richest person with a net worth of US$30 billion, according to Forbes.
He was also renowned for his extensive philanthropic legacy, with a focus on education.
He donated to universities in Hong Kong and founded the Hong Kong Pei Hua Education Foundation in 1982 to support education and workforce development in China.
United College at the Chinese University of Hong Kong posted an obituary on its website thanking the tycoon for his generous donations and the “Lee Shau Kee Education Foundation” Scholarship that he established, which supports underprivileged students in pursuing overseas studies and cultivating exceptional individuals.
Lee served as the school’s trustee and later a member of its College Endowment Fund Committee until 2021.
“Dr Lee dedicated his life to fostering economic prosperity in Hong Kong, China, and the Asia-Pacific region. His kind and virtuous character earned him deep respect and admiration,” the school said.
Besides education, Lee also contributed to many other projects. Among his notable donations were a plot of land in Yuen Long for Hong Kong’s largest youth hostel and The Warmth Project, which provided 330 million yuan (US$45.6 million) to train one million farmers and 10,000 village doctors in China, making it the country’s largest charity-driven training initiative.
“He was committed to promoting the country’s economy, urban construction and infrastructure development, as well as supporting education, healthcare and related poverty alleviation projects on the mainland and Hong Kong,” the Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong said. Lee served as one of its vice presidents.
Property developer Sun Hung Kai Properties extended condolences following the passing of the tycoon, according to The Standard.
Lee co-founded the firm and was its vice-chairman before he left to start his own firm, Henderson Land. Both companies are now among the city’s largest property developers.
SHKP hailed Lee’s intelligence, vision, and determination, noting that these traits had garnered him immense respect.
While his absence is deeply felt, his noble character, selfless dedication, and legacy would be forever remembered, it said.
