To pay tribute to Henry Fok Ying-tung, a high-profile symposium was held on May 10 in Beijing to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the late philanthropist and patriotic business tycoon’s birth.
Fok was a true patriot who devoted his life to serving the best interests of the nation and Hong Kong. He was a man of vision who valued the close bond between Hong Kong and the motherland, and whose tireless efforts contributed greatly to both national development and Hong Kong’s own development. Fok’s success is an inspiration to local entrepreneurs to tie their personal success to the noble cause of national rejuvenation; his love for our country guided him on the path to make the country and Hong Kong better places.
Fok embodied the virtues of Chinese tradition — the spirit of hard work, the ingenuity of innovation, and the courage to take risks. His dedication to these timeless values helped him build a thriving business empire that spanned multiple industries. He was also a determined patriot throughout his life, whose patriotism was always evident in his philanthropic work and his vision for Hong Kong’s future.
Early in the 1950s, despite the comprehensive embargo imposed on China by the West, Fok, driven by his patriotic fervor, organized a fleet in Hong Kong to transport essential supplies to support the motherland. He also managed to visit Beijing to attend National Day celebrations every year from 1964, despite the numerous challenges and obstacles. Following the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United Kingdom in 1972, Fok’s interactions with the mainland became more frequent and open.
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He led delegations of businesspeople and professionals from the sports sector to visit the mainland for cooperation projects and training activities. As his understanding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) grew deeper, Fok became “a close friend” of the Party. In November 2002, he had the honor as one of the most distinguished representatives to attend the 16th National Congress of the CPC, where he emotionally expressed his belief that China’s strength was due in large part to the leadership of the Party.
Fok made great efforts and contributions to building constructive interactions between Hong Kong and other parts of the country. As an entrepreneur, he was one of the first to recognize the potential of investing in the mainland, and he played a pivotal role in promoting closer economic cross-boundary ties
Fok made great efforts and contributions to building constructive interactions between Hong Kong and other parts of the country. As an entrepreneur, he was one of the first to recognize the potential of investing in the mainland, and he played a pivotal role in promoting closer economic cross-boundary ties. He was instrumental in developing the shipping industry in the mainland, and his investments in the real estate industry helped to launch the country’s economic reform.
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Fok’s contributions were not limited to the business arena. He was also a passionate philanthropist who believed in the importance of cultural exchange, which would forge bonds of intimacy between Hong Kong and the motherland. By funding the establishment of cultural and educational institutions throughout the country, his name was carved into public institutions including those specializing in education, healthcare and cultural heritage, making “Ying-tung” a household name for generations in the country. He also established foundations to support charitable work in Hong Kong and beyond. His commitment to “giving back to society” focused on promoting mutual understanding and respect between Hong Kong and the mainland.
In addition to his business and philanthropic endeavors, Fok played a critical role in bridging the political divide to ensure Hong Kong’s lasting prosperity. He was a strong advocate of the “one country, two systems” principle, which enables Hong Kong to retain its unique identity while being integrated into the national development strategy. He played a key role in the negotiations leading up to Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, helping to ensure a smooth transition and a bright future for the city.
Today, as China continues to grow and prosper, we can draw inspiration from Fok’s patriotic spirit and commitment to fostering closer ties between Hong Kong and the motherland. We can honor his legacy by remaining committed to promoting national interests while working to build a more prosperous and inclusive society for all Hong Kong residents.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region must continue to promote closer ties with the rest of the country, recognizing that it is essential to economic growth and vital to seizing the opportunities of the future. We must also remain committed to philanthropy and community services, recognizing that these are conducive to promoting social progress.
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Fok’s patriotism and vision for a more prosperous and harmonious Hong Kong continue to guide us today. His entrepreneurial spirit, philanthropic work and political leadership have inspired thousands of followers. His legacy is cherished, and his success is an encouragement to patriots committed to building a prosperous, harmonious and inclusive society for all.
The author is a specialist in radiology with a Master of Public Health from the University of Hong Kong, and an adviser of Our Hong Kong Foundation.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.