The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, today (September 23) mourned the passing away of Professor Charles Kao and extended his deepest condolences to his family. Known as the father of Optical Fibre, Professor Kao is a Nobel Laureate in Physics.

Mr Yang said that Professor Kao had made remarkable achievements in, and epoch-breaking contributions to, research on optical fibre communications technology. Professor Kao was a harbinger in technology in Hong Kong. His efforts and personal achievements had inspired countless number of technology workers and carried the most profound influence on the development of local technology.

Professor Kao was a member of the first Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation in 1998 and participated actively in the preparation of the Hong Kong Science Park. The Hong Kong Science Park has named its landmark building the Charles K. Kao Auditorium in recognition of his outstanding achievements in optical fibre research.

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