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Feature: Honoring Lee Cheuk Fan -- a cultural volunteer with a mission

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E-mail Xinhua, February 16, 2025

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HONG KONG, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- At 80 years old, Lee Cheuk Fan strolls through the campus of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) with a steady pace. For years, he has made it a daily ritual to visit the Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole, a research institute for Chinese cultural studies that he heads.

Lee is well-known in Hong Kong not just for his past roles as Vice-Chancellor of HKU and President of Hong Kong Chu Hai College, but also for his numerous cultural appointments in organizations such as the Hong Kong Institute for Promotion of Chinese Culture and the Board of the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

While many perceive him as a cultural scholar, Lee's background is rooted in engineering. He graduated from HKU with a degree in civil engineering and is a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, having contributed to major hydropower projects, including the Three Gorges project.

Lee would humbly identify himself as a "cultural volunteer."

"I'm fortunate to contribute to Chinese culture in my lifetime," he said.

In July 2024, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government awarded him the Grand Bauhinia Medal, the highest award under the Hong Kong honors and awards system, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the preservation of Chinese culture.

A YOUNG PATRIOT'S DREAM

Growing up in 1950s Hong Kong, Lee developed a love for literature. After school, he would spend hours in local bookstores, immersing himself in Chinese literature and history. He learned early on about the struggles in rural China, particularly how weak water management exacerbated suffering.

"China's agricultural foundation makes water management essential," he recalled. From then, Lee resolved to dedicate his life to hydrology and water resource engineering.

After earning his master's degree, he continued his education in Canada, eventually working for a power company. When the Three Gorges project began, he returned to HKU to teach, frequently traveling to the Chinese mainland to participate in significant hydropower projects. Even now, he remains active, despite recent foot injuries from site visits.

As a scientist, Lee's passion for literature persists. He believes technology enriches material life, while culture nurtures the spirit. During his time abroad, he witnessed how foreign students cherish their cultural heritage. This experience deepened his understanding of the importance of cultural education in fostering a sense of national identity among Hong Kong's youth.

"Culture's power is boundless," he said, recalling how literature guided his educational and career choices.

A CONNECTION WITH JAO TSUNG-I

Inside the Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole, surrounded by rare collections, Lee recalled the institute's inception. In 2003, renowned scholar Jao Tsung-I donated thousands of invaluable books and artworks to HKU, leading to the establishment of the institute. As vice-chancellor at the time, Lee became its inaugural director, a role he has held for over 20 years.

"The study of Jao's work encompasses Chinese history and culture," he explained. The institute engages in research, publishes findings, and promotes academic exchange globally.

Currently, an exhibition featuring Jao's works is underway, with Lee noting that over 100 exhibitions showcasing his art have been held worldwide. The institute also houses a temperature-controlled space for research, containing precious ancient texts.

Lee recalled accompanying Jao on international academic exchanges, emphasizing Jao's commitment to collaboration with foreign scholars. Jao's dedication to Chinese culture also made a lasting impression on Lee.

"He worked late into the night, even at an advanced age, capturing sudden inspirations for his research," Lee recalled.

"Jao hoped that we could make the institute a bridgehead for promoting civilizational dialogue and cultural exchange in Hong Kong," Lee said, "I believe this is an important historical mission for Hong Kong as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange, and it is fully capable of achieving this," he said.

GUARDIANSHIP, LEGACY

Nestled in the hills of Lai Chi Kok, the Jao Tsung-I Academy stands as a vibrant cultural landmark, hosting various arts events. This revitalized historical site has become integral to Hong Kong's cultural life, attracting crowds every weekend.

"The academy features galleries, exhibition halls, and lecture spaces, along with cultural lodgings for scholars," Lee noted. He served as the chairman of the Hong Kong Institute for Promotion of Chinese Culture for nearly 30 years, which operated the revitalization projects of many historical sites.

"My goal is to help the younger generation understand our nation's history and culture," he said.

Under his leadership, the Academy of Chinese Studies in Hong Kong created a website that presents Chinese history in an engaging way, appealing to Hong Kong youth. The initiative garners millions of monthly visits.

Recently, the academy collaborated with the Hong Kong Palace Museum on an educational project titled "Our Palace," integrating literature, history, and art to deepen young people's understanding of traditional Chinese culture.

"I hope to instill in every young person a palace in their heart, inspiring them to become guardians of Chinese civilization," Lee said. Enditem