Prof. Jao Tsung-I, GBM

The late Honorary Life Advisor

EnviroTech Foundation’s etched signage is a gift from Professor Jao to the President, Dr. William C G KO, to celebrate the founding of our organization in 2007.

An illustrious scholar, poet, calligrapher and painter, Professor Jao has contributed to every field of humanities including archaeology, literature, ancient history, palaeography, philosophy, fine arts and musicology. Dubbed as the "Master of Sino Studies", Professor Jao is a living monument of Chinese and Oriental Studies, fine arts and culture. In 2007, his works have been compiled into a collection of 12 books, The Collection of Jao Tsung-I's Academic.

Professor Jao's works in research and fine arts have gained him worldwide admiration. TWith his noble integrity and academic achievements on Chinese cultivations, he has been awarded the Prix Stanislas Julien by the Academie des Inscriptions et Belles-lettres, Institute de France, and was the first Chinese to receive an honorary degree in humanities by the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes in France. Even at 93 years old, Professor Jao remains energetic and active in art creation and academic research. His publications are regarded as the key academic and cultural issues. Professor Jao is currently Wei Lun Honorary Professor of Fine Arts and Emeritus Professor of Chinese Language and Literature at CUHK. Other present academic appointments include the Consultant in Research Bureau of Ancient Scripts, State Council of China and the Adviser of the Research Centre of Ancient Civilization, Peking University.

For his remarkable work in promoting the arts and culture, Professor Jao has received many prestigious awards including the Order of Arts and Letters and the Grand Bauhinia Medal from the Hong Kong SAR Government.

Professor Jao passed away at the age of 101 in 2018. He devoted his life to advocating the Chinese traditional culture with tremendous academic and artistic achievements which deserve our deep respect. His patriotism, scholarship, outstanding contributions and noble character will always be remembered.

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