“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Professor Joseph Wan Yee Lau,” said a joint statement from his family and Chinese University’s Lee Woo Sing College, where Lau was the founding master.

The statement, which did not disclose the cause of death, added Lau was surrounded by his family when he died.

“Professor Lau left behind a legacy of unparalleled dedication and service to the medical community and beyond,” the statement said.

Lau was also said to have created a supportive environment for students.

“His approachable personality and genuine concern for each student’s growth and well-being created a nurturing atmosphere where everyone feels valued and supported,” the statement said.

“Professor Lau will be fondly remembered for his warmth, compassion, and unwavering support for his family, friends, colleagues and students.”

A memorial service will be held and a special website in tribute to Lau will be set up by the college.

An anniversary celebration dinner organised by the college, scheduled for Wednesday night, was postponed because of Lau’s death.

The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, where Lau was president in the 1990s, said he died in the private Union Hospital in Sha Tin on Wednesday morning.

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Lau was a world-renowned expert in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery and had held a variety of different leadership roles in the medical sector, but was probably best known to Hongkongers through his leadership of the Medical Council.

The council said in a message to its members that Lau had served the body with “total commitment and passion” for more than 22 years.

“His selfless devotion and integrity in serving the profession were held in the highest regard by all members,” the council said.

Professor Grace Tang Wai-king, who became council chairwoman at the start of February, wrote a letter of condolence to Lau’s family to express the council’s sympathies.

Lo, the health chief, said Lau was committed to the medical development of Hong Kong.

“Professor Lau spared no effort in upholding the professional standards of doctors and pushing ahead enhancements to the regulatory framework,” he added.

“His lifelong contribution to the medical community in Hong Kong has earned him much respect and he will be dearly missed.”

The council went through a variety of changes under Lau’s leadership, such as major reforms in 2018, which included the addition of more lay members and an extension in the length of the validity period for doctors with limited registration to not more than three years.

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But the process for changes to the council was not smooth at first and hit a major setback in 2016 after filibustering and quorum counting in the Legislative Council by lawmakers opposed to the reform bill.

Professor Rocky Tuan Sung-chi, Chinese University’s vice-chancellor and president, also praised Lau’s contributions in the medical field.

“Professor Joseph Lau was a medical giant in the field of surgery,” Tuan said. “His pioneering contributions to liver cancer treatment and transplantation in Hong Kong won him numerous international awards.”

Tuan added that Lau had nurtured countless talented individuals and would be “fondly remembered” by the university community.

“His groundbreaking research set new standards in the medical field, and inspired generations of medical professionals to push the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare,” the faculty said.

The College of Surgeons, which Lau headed from 1996 to 1999, said he was instrumental in driving its expansion and establishing the strong foundation that supported its present-day accomplishments.

“The loss of Professor Lau will leave a profound void within our surgical community,” the college said. “His contributions will be remembered and his absence will be deeply felt.”