Hundreds pay tribute at funeral of Hong Kong billionaire Cheng Yu-tung

SCMP

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High-profile Hongkongers from various sectors were among hundreds who paid tribute Thursday morning at the funeral of late billionaire Cheng Yu-tung, the city’s third-richest man.

They praised Cheng for his generosity and friendliness, describing him as someone who supported the younger generation.

The city’s top political leaders and business tycoons were amongeight pall-bearersat the funeral. Chengdied last Thursdayat the age of 91.

They included Chief ExecutiveLeung Chun-ying, former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa, property magnateLi Ka-shing, Henderson Land Development chairman Lee Shau-kee, director of the central government’s liaison office Zhang Xiaoming and Macau chief executive Fernando Chui Sai-on.

Li Ka-shing said he sought to bid farewell to “a good friend”.

Property tycoon and Shui On Group chairman Vincent Lo Hong-shui, 68, told thePosthe held Cheng in high esteem.

“He was very supportive of the younger generation [of property developers and businessmen],” Lo said. “He taught me a lot of things ... There’s much to learn from him.”

The Hospital Authority’s former chairman Anthony Wu Ting-yuk also attended. He told thePosthe had known Cheng a long time and appreciated his benevolence.

“He was a good man who kept his promises,” he said of Cheng. “He was also enthusiastic with charities and donated a lot of money to the Hospital Authority to help those in need.”

University of Hong Kong president and vice-chancellor Professor Peter Mathieson said he also attended to show his respect to a man he admired.

“I’m here today to pay tribute to a very significant figure in Hong Kong society who has demonstrated support for education, including to the University of Hong Kong,” he said.

HKU’s law school building was named after Cheng, who amassed his fortune in the jewellery industry and property development. In 2008, he made a HK$400 million donation to the institution.

Chief Secretary Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-Ngor also attended the funeral.

On Wednesday, hundreds of wreaths were arrayed in two parlour halls at Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point, with scores more outside the building and dotting the sidewalk across the street.

Inside the main parlour, wreaths were presented by three current and former state leaders: National People’s Congress chairmanZhang Dejiang, Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference chairman Yu Zhengsheng and his predecessor Jia Qinglin.

After the funeral, Cheng’s body was cremated at Cape Collinson.

The billionaire founded Chow Tai Fook, the city’s largest jewellery chain, as well asNew World Development, a major property developer.

Cheng had been in poor health for years, suffering a stroke in 2012 and in a coma since undergoing brain surgery also four years ago.

(SCMP)