Well-loved tycoon mourned

Top News | Staff reporter 13 Oct 2016

The funeral of Cheng Yu-tung, the billionaire founder of property group New World Development, will take place today with a list of who's who as pallbearers.

Cheng passed away on September 29 aged 91.

Pallbearers include Chinese People's Political and Consultative Conference National Committee vice chairman Tung Chee-hwa, Chief Executive Leung Chun- ying, liaison office director Zhang Xiaoming, Macau Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai-on, Hong Kong's wealthiest man Li Ka-shing, Henderson Land Development chairman Lee Shau- kee, Myer Jewellery Manufacturer's David Sin Wai-kin and Liu Chong Hing Investment chief Liu Lit-chi.

A vigil was held at the Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point last night as hundreds of flower arrangements and wreaths filled the main hall and a second hall specifically reserved for storing bouquets.

In the main hall, a banner with the words "To Sukhavati (Paradise)" was the centerpiece. Placed prominently at the center were wreaths from Cheng's wife Chow Tsui-ying and the late tycoon's children, as well as a ring from Leung.

Henry Cheng Kar-shun, Cheng's eldest son who succeeded him at the helm of New World four years ago, was among the first to arrive at the vigil. He did not answer questions from the more than 100 reporters outside the funeral home.

Prominent figures sent their condolences in flowers, including Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office director Wang Guangya, Li and Lee. Flowers sent by academic leaders were placed near the entrance, such as those from former University of Hong Kong vice chancellor Tsui Lap-chee and Chinese University vice chancellor Joseph Sung Jao-yiu.

Others paid their tributes in person. Joseph Lau Luen-hung of Chinese Estates, who is suffering from critical heart and renal conditions, bid farewell to his long-time friend and poker partner despite his deteriorating health. He walked with the assistance of girlfriend Kimbie Chan Ho-wan.

Sun Hung Kai Properties' Thomas Kwok Ping-kwong and son Adam Kwok Kai-fai, and Walter Kwok Ping-sheung also attended the vigil.

MTR chairman Frederick Ma Si- hang, former chief executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, former Wharf chairman Peter Woo Kwong-ching, former financial secretary Antony Leung Kam- chung, NWS chief executive and former police commissioner Tsang Yam-pui and former Macau chief executive Edmund Ho Hau-wah were in attendance, along with health, development and welfare officials Ko Wing-man, Paul Chan Mo- po and Matthew Cheung Kin-chung.

Li's son, Victor Li Tzar-kuoi, and members of Stanley Ho Hung-sun's family also attended. Actor Jackie Chan Kong-sang sent a wreath.

The Hong Kong SAR flag and that of New World, which built the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, flew at half mast yesterday.



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