The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today issued a letter of condolence to express his deepest sorrow regarding the death of world-renowned “master of sinology” Professor Jao Tsung-i.
Mr Chui was profoundly saddened to learn of the death, early in the morning today in Hong Kong, of Prof. Jao. Mr Chui extended his profound condolences to Prof. Jao’s family, on behalf of the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) and in a personal capacity.
Prof. Jao was an eminent expert in history, palaeography, literature, calligraphy and painting, with widely-recognised achievements in those fields. Prof. Jao was also a well-reputed educator who dedicated his entire life to promote Chinese culture worldwide.
Prof. Jao made tremendous contributions to Macao’s modern system of tertiary education and to the city’s development of academic studies.
In the 1980s, Prof. Jao was a chair professor at the University of East Asia’s Faculty of Literature. During that time, he pioneered the creation of the Department of Chinese Literature and History for the Graduate School of the University of East Asia.
Since the establishment of the Macao SAR, Prof. Jao had paid close attention to Macao’s cultural development and directed the city’s archaeological work. He also held multiple exhibitions in Macao and donated a great variety of book collections and paintings to Macao’s cultural bodies and museums.
In commemoration of Prof. Jao’s significant contributions to the life of Macao, the Government has established the Jao Tsung-I Academy in order to promote in Macao research and exchanges relating to sinology.
Prof. Jao’s devotion to the country and his rigorous pursuit of knowledge would be a role model for succeeding generations. His name would be always remembered, Mr Chui added in his letter.