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A memorial exhibition honoring late property magnate Lee Shau-kee has seen over 11,000 registrations with all online slots fully booked on the opening day.
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Titled “A Light Among Us — Memorial Exhibition of Dr. Lee Shau Kee,” the free exhibition runs until May 5 at Cloud39, a glass-domed banquet hall atop The Henderson in Central.
Towngas employee Chan brought her seven-year-old daughter to the exhibition, hoping to teach her about the spirit of Lee, who was also the chairman of The Hong Kong and China Gas Company, or Towngas.
"He was incredibly generous and made significant contributions to Hong Kong while treating employees with genuine care," Chan said.
Another Towngas long-time employee of 15 years, Leung, recalled meeting Lee four to five times annually at meetings, after which he would greet staff with the question "have you eaten yet?"
"He wasn't just an outstanding businessman but someone who illuminated lives across society," Leung said.
A senior studying at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Ng, who attended Lee-funded schools from primary through secondary education on full scholarships, said his support enabled her to become her family's first university student.
"The financial support let me focus completely on studies," said Ng, who will soon teach at HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College.
"I want to pay forward his educational passion by empowering students with life-changing knowledge."
Organized by Henderson Land Development, the event pays tribute to Lee, who passed away peacefully on March 17 at the age of 97.
The exhibition's 30-minute viewing sessions were quickly reserved after registration opened on a first-come, first-served basis.
"Henderson Land extends heartfelt gratitude to the community for their support,” the company said, advising confirmed attendees to arrive punctually.
In his early business ventures, Lee employed good assay techniques learned at his family's gold shop in Shunde, using a gold scale (Center) brought from his hometown — now a treasured family heirloom.
Divided into four themed sections, the exhibition chronicles Lee's remarkable journey.
The first section traces his humble beginnings in the Shunde district in Guangdong province, where he learned how to do business at his family's gold trading company before venturing to Hong Kong with just HK$1,000.
The second section highlights his visionary real estate career, from co-founding Wing Yip Property Company in 1958 to establishing Henderson Land Development in 1973, which would shape Hong Kong's skyline.
The display showcases his unique management philosophy that propelled the company to industry leadership.
Personal artifacts dominate the third section, featuring handwritten speeches for grandchildren's birthdays and family heirlooms that reveal Lee's devotion to his family.
The final section documents his philanthropic legacy since the 1980s, supporting education, healthcare and infrastructure across Hong Kong and mainland China.
Notable exhibits include Lee's original gold scale from his family shop, his daily pocket watch, and a recreation of his office workspace.
Visitors can pay respects at a memorial flower pool, while a permanent sculpture titled Allium in the adjacent garden symbolizes the resilience that defined Lee's life and career.
A lasting tribute to Lee, the monumental 'Allium' sculpture by British artist Jenny Pickford, inspired by the ball-shaped flower, stands as an enduring landmark in the art garden adjacent to The Henderson, welcoming the public to visit and pay homage.
(Ayra Wang)
