Hong Kong University of Science and Technology founder Woo Chia-wei dies at 87

Woo Chia-wei, who founded the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and was one of the first scholars to put forward the idea of a greater bay area, has died at the age of 87.

The university announced on Tuesday that Woo died on Sunday, expressing its deepest condolences to his family and friends.

“Professor Woo’s visionary leadership and dedication were instrumental in establishing HKUST as a leading research university in Hong Kong and beyond,” it said.

Woo, who served as president from 1991 to 2001, made significant contributions to the advancement of technology and education in the city and the region, the university said.

“His foresight in proposing the Hong Kong Bay Area in the 1990s has left a lasting impact on the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area,” the statement said, referring to his concept to foster the integration of the Pearl River Delta region.

Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin expressed her deep sorrow over Woo’s death and extended her deepest condolences to his family.