Business and political elites pay tribute to property tycoon Lee Shau-kee in public memorial

Hong Kong's political and business elite gathered today for the public memorial of the late property tycoon Lee Shau-kee.

Lee, the founder of Henderson Land Group and a renowned philanthropist, passed away at the age of 97 on March 17.

The memorial proceedings began with a private vigil at Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point on Sunday, attended by prominent figures across the political and business circles. 

A public memorial was held today, followed by a funeral service incorporating Buddhist rites at the funeral home at 11 am.

A number of political figures visited to pay their respects, including the vice chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Leung Chun-ying and his wife Regina Leung Tong Ching-yee, Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki, and Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po.

Prominent business figures included Alex Yeung Ching-loong of Emperor Group, Victor Li Tzar-kuoi of CK Hutchison, David Li Kwok-po of Bank of East Asia, Peter Woo Kwong-ching of the Wharf (Holdings), Peter Wong Tung-shun of HSBC and Irene Lee Yun-lien of Hysan Development also presented.

Peter Lee Ka-kit and Martin Lee Ka-shing, the sons of Lee Shau-kee and the Group's chairmen, arrived at the funeral home at 9 am and expressed their gratitude on behalf of the Lee family to the community and the media for their condolences.

The funeral procession began at 12.30 pm, with political and business leaders among the pallbearers. They included Leung Chun-ying, Chan Kwok-ki, Paul Chan Mo-po, David Li Kwok-po, the deputy director of the central government's liaison office in Hong Kong Yin Zonghua, the president of the Legislative Council Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, Executive Council convenor Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, the former joint chairman and managing director of Sun Hung Kai Properties Thomas Kwok Ping-kwong, the vice chairman of Henderson Land Group Colin Lam Ko-yin and the president of The University of Hong Kong Zhang Xiang.

Lee's remains will be transported to his ancestral hometown of Shunde in Guangdong province for burial, with the family selecting an auspicious date for the interment.

A large tented memorial area has been set up in the playground across from the funeral home by Lee's family, allowing the public to bid a final farewell since yesterday.

The memorial features a 12-meter-long and 5-meter-high altar adorned with white flowers, creating an elegant and solemn atmosphere.

(Cheng Wong)
(Updated at 6.07pm)