Tycoons and political leaders pay tribute at funeral of Hong Kong billionaire Cheng Yu-tung

Philanthropist and developer praised for his generosity and patriotism

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Henry Cheng Kar-shun, son of Cheng Yu-tung, holds his father's photo during the funeral at Cape Collinson Crematorium on Thursday. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 2:00pm, 13 Oct 2016Updated: 11:13pm, 13 Oct 2016

A who’s who of Hongkongers were among hundreds who paid tribute on Thursday at the funeral of late billionaire Cheng Yu-tung, the city’s third-richest man.

They praised Cheng for his generosity and patriotism, hailing his support for the younger generation in particular.

The city’s top political leaders and business tycoons were among eight pall-bearers for Cheng, who died on September 29 at the age of 91.

Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying (left) and former Hong Kong leader Tung Chee-hwa (right) lead the pall-bearers. Photo: SCMP Pictures

They included Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa, property magnate Li Ka-shing, Henderson Land Development chairman Lee Shau-kee, director of the central government’s liaison office Zhang Xiaoming and Macau Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai-on.

Speaking at the funeral, Tung, now vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the nation’s top political advisory body, hailed Cheng as a “great philanthropist” who contributed to China’s modernisation and opening-up for decades.

“Cheng’s departure is a loss for us, and a loss for the country,” Tung said. “His love for the country, for Hong Kong ... deserves the respect of the generations to come.”