A remarkable man from remarkable times
Tycoon Henry Fok Ying-tung was truly an icon. His achievements and political access to the mainland's highest and mightiest - economic reforms architect Deng Xiaoping foremost among them - tells much about the man he was and the generation of entrepreneurs of which he was a member.
But Fok's accomplishments were also a product of his times. They were unusual and can never be repeated. His death leaves a dwindling few contemporaries and they are the last of that era. We will never see the likes of their generation again, nor the way in which they went about their business and politicking. Nor should we continue to, as it is essential for the future of Hong Kong and the mainland that we move from top-level personal ties of this kind to broader-based individual and institutional contact.
The word most often used in the outpouring of tributes to Fok is patriot: one who loves, supports and defends one's country. This the late tycoon did unswervingly, no matter what the financial, political and personal risks. During the uncertain years before the return of Hong Kong to the mainland in 1997, and in the similarly testing ones since, alliances have frequently flip-flopped and opinions changed. Throughout, Fok remained conspicuous by being steadfastly true to his principles - a quality that will be sorely missed. Throughout, he went about his business quietly. He never loudly proclaimed his views, nor lambasted those whose opinions were at odds with his.
To say that Fok will be irreplaceable might be stretching the point; nonetheless, it is a term that seems apt given the praise he has received from all sides of the political spectrum and the access he had to leaders on the mainland. These are not accolades being mechanically cranked out as a duty for one of Hong Kong's wealthiest people; they are a genuine show of appreciation for a man who did much for the society that made him what he was. His was a true rags-to-riches story and what he gained from his hard work he later freely returned through service and charity. The foundation he set up in 1984 is now one of Hong Kong's biggest philanthropic organisations.
For what he gave, he never sought recognition. Even though he donated hundreds of millions of dollars to the University of Science and Technology, for example, he declined an honorary doctorate, saying that it was of no use to him. Such modesty is not what we always associate with the richest among us. We have become familiar with them showing off their wealth and finery or espousing their views on various matters, unlike the media-shy and private Fok.
Yet the self-made US dollar billionaire had nothing to be modest about; his trail-blazing entrepreneurship on the mainland - based on his belief in all matters China - could well be said to be responsible for helping make Hong Kong what it is today. He was a visionary. By setting up the mainland's first joint-venture hotel and building the first golf course in the modern era, among other projects, he gave direction for others from Hong Kong to follow. Guangdong prospered and is now by far the wealthiest mainland province; its rising fortunes have been correspondingly matched and more by our city, sealing our future through good times and bad.
Fok had a political hand in shaping Hong Kong. As a Basic Law drafter, member of the National People's Congress Standing Committee and vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, his views could easily be tapped by mainland leaders. He was a firm backer of Tung Chee-hwa as our first chief executive.
But the era of such influence has passed, and a new one dawns. Contact between Hong Kong and the mainland must continue, but on a broad front. The government, the business sector, non-governmental organisations and others, must go on building ties and developing our city's contacts with the mainland.
Fok was a truly remarkable man. But he was also from remarkable times and they are now behind us.
