https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/rss/526140/feed Tung Chee-hwa was a shipping tycoon who served as Hong Kong’s first chief executive from 1997 to 2005. He went on to become an elder statesman and key backchannel envoy between China and the US before passing away in 2026 at age 89. en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong’s first Legislative Council president following the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 has suggested reviewing the number of seats in Legco, citing the need to use public funds properly. Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai also said on Sunday that Hong Kong and Shenzhen authorities had discussed the development of a plot at the two cities’ border before the 1997 handover, but the plan failed because of opposition within the government. Fan made the remarks during an appearance on a radio... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3369700/hong-kong-should-review-reducing-number-legco-seats-cut-cost-rita-fan-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3369700/hong-kong-should-review-reducing-number-legco-seats-cut-cost-rita-fan-says?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Oct 2026 10:03:10 +0000 Bernard Chan Bernard Chan The farewell to former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa was moving because it marked the passing of a figure who stood at the beginning of a wholly new chapter for Hong Kong, a city to which he devoted so much of himself. For many, Tung will always be associated with the formidable demands of the early years after the return to the motherland – the Asian financial crisis, the bursting of the property bubble, severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) and sharp social divisions. The institutions of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3369327/tung-chee-hwas-task-hong-kongs-chief-executive-was-without-precedent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3369327/tung-chee-hwas-task-hong-kongs-chief-executive-was-without-precedent?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Oct 2026 21:30:06 +0000 Ken Ip Ken Ip When Hong Kong’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, announced his housing plan in 1997, the ambition was extraordinary. The government would produce at least 85,000 flats a year across the public and private sectors, and raise the home ownership rate to 70 per cent. The idea was simple. Build more homes, make housing more affordable and allow more families to own a piece of Hong Kong. Then history intervened. The Asian financial crisis struck. Property prices collapsed. The economy weakened.... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3368422/how-hong-kong-trying-new-solution-its-land-value-problem?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3368422/how-hong-kong-trying-new-solution-its-land-value-problem?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Sep 2026 01:30:09 +0000 Cheng Xianyue Cheng Xianyue On September 8, Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first chief executive, died. It prompted reflection, not only on a political figure who once stood at the centre of the city’s public life, but also on nearly three decades of change since its return to China. History is rarely shaped by a single person or isolated decisions. Individual choices, institutional adjustments, social expectations and external circumstances all interact to form the historical process. This is particularly true in Tung’s case.... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3368522/understand-where-hong-kong-going-start-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3368522/understand-where-hong-kong-going-start-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Sep 2026 01:30:07 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words. Hong Kong sent four athletes to the Winter Olympics in February, its largest team ever, and 74 to the Asian Winter Games in Harbin the year before, also a record. Neither delegation contained a snowboarder, however – and the old explanation no longer holds. Guangzhou now has a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/article/3368226/hong-kong-can-provide-its-snowboarders-route-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/article/3368226/hong-kong-can-provide-its-snowboarders-route-success?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Sep 2026 03:30:07 +0000 Neville Lai Neville Lai When Tung Chee-hwa died, the obituaries predictably described a Hong Kong shipping mogul who became the city’s first postcolonial chief executive. How his government navigated the Asian financial crisis and severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) epidemic and its retreat from Article 23 were highlighted. There was less attention paid to the political hybrid he embodied. Tung sat as vice-chairman of China’s top political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3368057/how-hong-kong-can-keep-talking-going-when-us-china-officials-dont?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3368057/how-hong-kong-can-keep-talking-going-when-us-china-officials-dont?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Sep 2026 01:30:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Tung Chee-hwa’s passing unleashed a torrent of tributes from the community at large. Public condolences further affirm Beijing’s praise of Tung’s invaluable contribution to the “one country, two systems” principle. That says something about the legacy of Hong Kong’s first post-handover chief executive. The public outpouring of grief and gratitude from all walks of life set the stage for a moving state funeral and public memorial service on Sunday, and framed the eulogy delivered by Shi Taifeng,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3368166/tung-chee-hwas-legacy-helps-lay-foundations-better-tomorrows?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3368166/tung-chee-hwas-legacy-helps-lay-foundations-better-tomorrows?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Sep 2026 23:15:10 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Jess Ma,Ng Kang-chung Matthew Cheng,Jess Ma,Ng Kang-chung Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top leaders sent condolences from Beijing as Hong Kong bade farewell to the city’s first postcolonial leader, Tung Chee-hwa, at a sombre yet poignant state funeral on Sunday. A report by the official Xinhua News Agency praised Tung, who died on September 8 at the age of 89, as “an outstanding contributor to ‘one country, two systems’, a renowned patriot, an outstanding social activist and a close friend of” the Communist Party of China. “While Tung was... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368170/his-love-hong-kong-was-profound-tung-chee-hwa-honoured-state-funeral?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368170/his-love-hong-kong-was-profound-tung-chee-hwa-honoured-state-funeral?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Sep 2026 14:24:33 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s first post-colonial leader, Tung Chee-hwa, has been lauded as a pioneer of “one country, two systems”, a staunch patriot and a close friend of the Communist Party who also contributed to Sino-US relations, according to a eulogy delivered by a senior Beijing official. In his remarks at Tung’s state funeral on Sunday, seen by the South China Morning Post, Shi Taifeng – a Politburo member and first vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) – also... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368145/staunch-patriot-close-friend-beijing-official-hails-tung-chee-hwas-legacy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368145/staunch-patriot-close-friend-beijing-official-hails-tung-chee-hwas-legacy?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Sep 2026 07:19:11 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Jess Ma,Simpson Cheung,Jeffie Lam Matthew Cheng,Jess Ma,Simpson Cheung,Jeffie Lam Hong Kong bid farewell to its first post-colonial chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, at a state funeral on Sunday – only the third time a Hongkonger has received such an honour since the 1997 handover. Tung, who died at the age of 89 on September 8, led Hong Kong through a series of ups and downs, including the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the 2003 Sars outbreak and the V-shaped economic recovery that followed. Sunday’s funeral follows a vigil held the previous day at the Hong Kong Funeral Home... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368132/tung-chee-hwa-hong-kongs-first-chief-executive-honoured-state-funeral?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368132/tung-chee-hwa-hong-kongs-first-chief-executive-honoured-state-funeral?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Sep 2026 01:08:46 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong’s political and business elite bade a solemn farewell to Tung Chee-hwa, the city’s first chief executive, at a vigil on Saturday, as Beijing leaders sent wreaths ahead of his state funeral and members of the public streamed into community centres to sign condolence books. Hundreds of wreaths lined the pavement at the Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point, spilling into a nearby playground, while inside the hall the mood was hushed as top officials, former politicians and business... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368127/hong-kongs-political-business-elite-pay-final-respects-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368127/hong-kongs-political-business-elite-pay-final-respects-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2026 16:00:39 +0000 SCMP Reporters SCMP Reporters Hong Kong mourned the loss of its first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, in a vigil on Saturday, with tributes pouring in from political and business heavyweights as well as members of the public. Tung, who died at the age of 89 on September 8, led Hong Kong through ups and downs – the Asian financial crisis in 1997, the Sars outbreak in 2003 and a V-shaped rebound in the economy that followed. Saturday’s rituals, held at Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point, will be followed by a state... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368094/father-me-hong-kong-bids-farewell-tung-chee-hwa-weekend-vigil?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368094/father-me-hong-kong-bids-farewell-tung-chee-hwa-weekend-vigil?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2026 06:47:40 +0000 SCMP Reporter SCMP Reporter This weekend, Hong Kong mourns the loss of former chief executive and elder statesman Tung Chee-hwa. The shipping tycoon who became the city’s first leader after its transfer of sovereignty to China in 1997 died on September 8 at the age of 89, leaving a legacy of determined stewardship and dedicated public service. This weekend, a state funeral will be held to honour Tung, who was also a former vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). There will be a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368072/patriot-dedicated-hong-kong-business-heavyweights-remember-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368072/patriot-dedicated-hong-kong-business-heavyweights-remember-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2026 05:00:07 +0000 SCMP Reporter SCMP Reporter This weekend, Hong Kong mourns the loss of former chief executive and elder statesman Tung Chee-hwa. The shipping tycoon who became the city’s first leader after its transfer of sovereignty to China in 1997 died on September 8 at the age of 89, leaving a legacy of determined stewardship and dedicated public service. He is remembered for steering Hong Kong through uncharted waters following the end of colonial rule, as well as his tireless efforts as a state leader and business heavyweight to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368071/friend-leader-mentor-how-political-veterans-remember-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368071/friend-leader-mentor-how-political-veterans-remember-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2026 04:00:11 +0000 SCMP Reporter SCMP Reporter Alibaba Group co-founder Jack Ma reflects on his ties to Hong Kong’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa. Those connections spanned both business and philanthropy, encompassing Tung’s eight years on Alibaba’s board of directors and his inspirational role in Ma’s youth entrepreneurship foundation for local youths. Ma’s reflections are part of the South China Morning Post’s special commemorative print supplement published on Saturday. You can also find other tributes from the supplement here,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368070/hard-times-your-honour-shines-jack-ma-pays-tribute-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368070/hard-times-your-honour-shines-jack-ma-pays-tribute-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2026 03:00:10 +0000 Tammy Tam Tammy Tam South China Morning Post publisher Tammy Tam reflects on her encounters with Hong Kong’s first chief executive, the late Tung Chee-hwa, looking back on memories from her days as a frontline reporter, his regular exchanges with media representatives and Tung’s rare appearance at an SCMP conference in 2020 to advocate US-China dialogue. Her recollections are part of a special SCMP commemorative supplement that features heavyweights from various sectors paying tribute to Tung. You can also find... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368064/man-who-built-bridges-over-walls-scmps-tammy-tam-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368064/man-who-built-bridges-over-walls-scmps-tammy-tam-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2026 02:00:07 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Residents visited three community halls across Hong Kong to pay tribute to the city’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, bringing flowers and writing heartfelt messages in public condolence books on Friday. The arrangements came ahead of a vigil on Saturday and a state funeral on Sunday honouring Tung, who died aged 89 on September 8. “Tung’s contribution to Hong Kong is conspicuous and his death made everyone sad,” said Peggy Lam Pei Yu-dja, a former member of the nation’s top political... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367947/hongkongers-pay-tribute-late-leader-tung-chee-hwa-community-halls?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367947/hongkongers-pay-tribute-late-leader-tung-chee-hwa-community-halls?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 04:12:54 +0000 Simpson Cheung,Jess Ma Simpson Cheung,Jess Ma Hong Kong police will impose a high level of security for this weekend’s state funeral of the city’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, including providing protection for the three top Beijing officials attending the event, the South China Morning Post has learned. However, the memorial service, originally planned as a public event, will instead be by invitation only due to venue constraints, the Office of Former Chief Executives announced on Thursday. A command centre would be set up at the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367908/blanket-security-planned-state-funeral-tung-chee-hwa-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367908/blanket-security-planned-state-funeral-tung-chee-hwa-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:30:06 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting has been cancelled because of the state funeral for Hong Kong’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa. In a brief statement on Wednesday, the Hong Kong Jockey Club said the 10-race card would not go ahead as a mark of respect for Tung, who was also the vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. Tung’s vigil will be held on Saturday, with a public memorial and funeral set to take place on Sunday. “In deference to the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3367681/sundays-sha-tin-races-cancelled-due-state-funeral-ex-hong-kong-leader-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3367681/sundays-sha-tin-races-cancelled-due-state-funeral-ex-hong-kong-leader-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 06:44:37 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying,Vivian Au,Danny Mok Lo Hoi-ying,Vivian Au,Danny Mok The first vice-chairman of the nation’s top political advisory body is overseeing an 87-member committee of political and business heavyweights to arrange the state funeral for Hong Kong’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa. A vigil will be held from 3pm to 10pm on Saturday at the Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point and a public memorial service will start at 9am on Sunday, according to an obituary placed by Tung’s family in the South China Morning Post on Tuesday. “In lieu of flowers,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367639/top-chinese-official-leads-87-member-committee-tung-chee-hwa-state-funeral?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367639/top-chinese-official-leads-87-member-committee-tung-chee-hwa-state-funeral?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:00:18 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li The China-United States Exchange Foundation has launched a permanent tribute webpage to Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first chief executive, and collected more than 100 reflections from political and business heavyweights around the world. The foundation, established by Tung in 2008, said the webpage, which launched on Monday, included tributes from Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and Max Baucus, former United States ambassador to China. “This permanent tribute not only placemarks his remarkable... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367496/foundation-collects-tributes-hong-kongs-tung-chee-hwa-online-memorial?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367496/foundation-collects-tributes-hong-kongs-tung-chee-hwa-online-memorial?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Sep 2026 13:35:35 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, has been remembered by former colleagues for his foresight in advancing the city’s tech sector and for actively engaging with mainland China to boost economic development during his tenure, while Singapore’s prime minister hailed his leadership. Singapore’s Lawrence Wong praised Tung, who died last week, for his “steady and visionary leadership” in a letter to Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu to extend his condolences to Hong Kong. “[Tung]... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367340/tung-chee-hwa-remembered-foresight-developing-hong-kongs-tech-sector?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367340/tung-chee-hwa-remembered-foresight-developing-hong-kongs-tech-sector?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Sep 2026 06:37:49 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong The state funeral for the city’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, is scheduled for next Sunday, the South China Morning Post has learned. A source confirmed on Saturday that the service would take place on September 20, with details being arranged. State leaders and central government officials are expected to join the funeral committee, in line with previous practice. The SCMP reported earlier that a state funeral would be accorded to Tung to honour his legacy as a deputy national-level... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367278/state-funeral-hong-kongs-first-leader-tung-chee-hwa-set-september-20?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367278/state-funeral-hong-kongs-first-leader-tung-chee-hwa-set-september-20?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Sep 2026 04:22:54 +0000 Alex Lo Alex Lo The death of Tung Chee-hwa at age 89 has prompted a necessary reckoning with the legacy of Hong Kong’s first chief executive. Two decades after his resignation, the question endures: was Tung a hapless administrator overwhelmed by crisis, or a prescient leader constrained by circumstance and an unforgiving political environment? The contrasting assessments of political scientist Sonny Lo Shiu-hing and former Central Policy Unit head Lau Siu-kai frame this debate sharply. Their divergent analyses... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3367140/tung-chee-hwa-had-clear-vision-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3367140/tung-chee-hwa-had-clear-vision-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Sep 2026 01:30:06 +0000 Jeffie Lam Jeffie Lam Alibaba Group Holding has mourned the death of Tung Chee-hwa, who served as an independent director, saying the global perspective of Hong Kong’s first leader helped the e-commerce giant to remain rooted in the country while expanding internationally. Tung, Hong Kong’s first postcolonial chief executive, later became a vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country’s top political advisory body. He joined Alibaba Group’s board as an independent... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367165/alibaba-mourns-former-independent-director-tung-chee-hwa-hails-his-global-vision?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367165/alibaba-mourns-former-independent-director-tung-chee-hwa-hails-his-global-vision?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Sep 2026 06:15:58 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Mainland Chinese have paid tribute to Hong Kong’s first chief executive, the late Tung Chee-hwa, for introducing a solo-travel scheme more than two decades ago that opened the city to millions of travellers and created indelible memories for middle-class families. The Individual Visit Scheme has grown from a handful of cities in Guangdong province in 2003 to its current 59 spanning the country as far west as Urumqi in Xinjiang, contributing to a more than fivefold increase in the number of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367102/mainland-chinese-pay-tribute-tung-chee-hwa-opening-door-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367102/mainland-chinese-pay-tribute-tung-chee-hwa-opening-door-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:53:21 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong authorities are coordinating a state funeral for the city’s first chief executive, the late Tung Chee-hwa, the South China Morning Post has learned, honouring his legacy as a deputy national-level leader and his contributions to the “one country, two systems” framework. A source familiar with the matter said “preparations were under way” and were being coordinated by the city government after Tung’s death on Tuesday at the age of 89. Responding to queries from the SCMP, the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367075/hong-kongs-first-leader-tung-chee-hwa-be-honoured-state-funeral?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367075/hong-kongs-first-leader-tung-chee-hwa-be-honoured-state-funeral?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:25:11 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial As Hong Kong’s first post-handover leader, Tung Chee-hwa was destined to go down in history. From steering the city through its uncertain early years after its return to Chinese rule to laying the foundations for its later momentous growth, the shipping magnate-turned-inaugural chief executive will be remembered not just for navigating the uncharted waters of “one country, two systems” but for his foresight in maintaining the city’s unique strengths as it integrated with the country for better... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366927/tungs-legacy-continues-inspire-city-under-one-country-two-systems?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366927/tungs-legacy-continues-inspire-city-under-one-country-two-systems?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Sep 2026 23:15:09 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong is mourning the death of Tung Chee-hwa, the city’s first leader after its return to Chinese sovereignty and a respected elder statesman, who died on Tuesday at the age of 89. Tung was surrounded by his family when he “passed away peacefully” at 9.57pm, according to state news agency Xinhua. Tributes and messages of grief poured in on Wednesday from across Hong Kong and mainland China, as well as from overseas, with top officials, politicians, business leaders and others praising his... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366966/tributes-flow-hong-kong-mourns-tung-chee-hwa-pioneering-first-leader?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366966/tributes-flow-hong-kong-mourns-tung-chee-hwa-pioneering-first-leader?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:13:46 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, who died on Tuesday, has been lauded as “one of the greatest movers in China-US relations”, with a foundation established by Neil Bush, a former American president’s son, praising Tung’s “profound contributions” to deepening ties between the two nations. The US consulate and former city leader Donald Tsang Yam-kuen also praised Tung’s work in strengthening ties between the United States and Hong Kong, paving the way for deeper business links and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366963/tung-chee-hwa-hailed-visionary-leader-who-helped-build-us-china-relations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366963/tung-chee-hwa-hailed-visionary-leader-who-helped-build-us-china-relations?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:08:36 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first leader following its return to Chinese sovereignty, has been remembered as a “kind-hearted man” who mentored others and inspired some to take up public office. As tributes poured in for Tung, who died on Tuesday aged 89, people who worked closely with him shared touching anecdotes about the man they said cared deeply about Hong Kong even in the years after he stepped down as chief executive in 2005. Bernard Chan, chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366945/his-heart-was-always-hong-kong-tributes-pour-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366945/his-heart-was-always-hong-kong-tributes-pour-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:33:16 +0000 Denise Tsang Denise Tsang Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first chief executive who died on Tuesday at the age of 89, kept a low profile in the final years of his life, making only a few public appearances but continuing to help bridge the China-US divide. Wearing a face mask and accompanied by his wife Betty Tung Chiu Hung-ping, Tung visited the South China Morning Post’s headquarters in Causeway Bay on December 1, 2020, to deliver a keynote speech at the China Conference organised by the company. Tung spoke in his... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366946/ex-hong-kong-leader-tung-chee-hwa-worked-bridge-us-china-divide-even-final-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366946/ex-hong-kong-leader-tung-chee-hwa-worked-bridge-us-china-divide-even-final-years?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:30:02 +0000 Emily Hung,Denise Tsang,Simpson Cheung,Matthew Cheng,Orange Wang,Danny Mok Emily Hung,Denise Tsang,Simpson Cheung,Matthew Cheng,Orange Wang,Danny Mok Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first chief executive who oversaw the city’s 1997 return to Chinese rule, has died. According to a statement from his office issued in the early hours on Wednesday, he died on Tuesday at the age of 89, surrounded by his loved ones. It is understood that he died at the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital. Tung was also a vice-chairman of China’s top political advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. In this live blog, the South China Morning... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366843/tributes-pour-hong-kong-mourns-death-tung-chee-hwa-first-chief-executive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366843/tributes-pour-hong-kong-mourns-death-tung-chee-hwa-first-chief-executive?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Sep 2026 02:07:50 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong A shipping tycoon who was thrust onto the international stage as Hong Kong’s first chief executive and went on to become an elder statesman and consummate diplomat, Tung Chee-hwa will be remembered as a defining figure of the city’s modern history. The legacy of Tung, who died on Tuesday at age 89, is closely tied to his role as a patriot who led Hong Kong through uncharted waters, navigating a stormy post-handover period beset with economic, public health and political crises. With his Shanghai... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366827/hong-kongs-first-chief-executive-tung-chee-hwa-dies-aged-89?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3366827/hong-kongs-first-chief-executive-tung-chee-hwa-dies-aged-89?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Sep 2026 17:00:36 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Tung Chee-hwa’s tenure as Hong Kong’s first chief executive reflected “a deep belief in dialogue”, the China Institute of America has said during an awards ceremony honouring the former leader for his decades-long efforts to foster understanding between the world’s two superpowers. The China Institute Centennial Award was presented at an event commemorating the non-profit institution’s 100th anniversary in New York on Thursday. Tung, who served as Hong Kong’s first chief executive after the city... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3355334/hong-kongs-first-leader-feted-new-york-institute-fostering-china-us-ties?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3355334/hong-kongs-first-leader-feted-new-york-institute-fostering-china-us-ties?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 May 2026 11:17:40 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong’s leaders have unveiled significant measures since the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. From housing and development to labour protection and health, they have laid out ambitious plans in their annual policy addresses, creating long-term impacts on residents. As Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu prepares to deliver his fourth policy blueprint on Wednesday, the Post takes a look at a few key initiatives rolled out by leaders over the past 28 years that played a major role in... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3325487/what-are-some-key-policies-hong-kongs-leaders-have-changed-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3325487/what-are-some-key-policies-hong-kongs-leaders-have-changed-city?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Sep 2025 11:00:16 +0000