Distinguished scholar Jao Tsung-i, the ‘pride of Hong Kong’, dies at age 100
Guangdong-born academic was regarded as one of China’s two greatest sinologists
Tributes poured in from Chinese personalities and cultural elite across the globe on Tuesday for Professor Jao Tsung-i, the world’s most distinguished sinologist, following his death at the age of 100.
Jao, who died peacefully at home in Happy Valley, Hong Kong, early Tuesday morning, was revered for his intellectual achievements spanning eight decades and considered irreplaceable in the study of Chinese and oriental civilisations.
“My father passed away peacefully in his sleep,” said Tang Wai-hung, Jao’s son-in-law, adding that the celebrated scholar had pneumonia but it was not the cause of death.
“Professor Jao’s research, spanning decades, covered areas including history, literature, language and religious studies as well as philosophy, arts and Chinese and Western cultures,” she said.
