Dr The Honourable Lee Shau Kee, GBM, has passed away

We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Honorary Fellow, Dr The Honourable Lee Shau Kee, GBM, at the age of 97. Dr Lee was an eminent business leader and entrepreneur. He was also a great philanthropist who made significant contributions to education and to improving the lives of those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Dr Lee was born in China's southern Guangdong Province and moved to Hong Kong as a young man, where he began his business career. He went on to found Henderson Land, one of the world’s largest property companies. In 2007, Dr Lee was awarded Hong Kong's highest honour - the Grand Bauhinia Medal - in recognition of his contributions to society.

Dr Lee was a dedicated supporter of Wadham. In 2015, he was admitted to Oxford University’s prestigious Chancellor’s Court of Benefactors, in recognition of his outstanding generosity to the University and Wadham. The Lee Shau Kee Scholarship Scheme, which was established in 1979 and ran for 28 years, enabled more than 100 of Hong Kong’s most talented students from less advantaged backgrounds to come to Oxford and study at Wadham. Dr Lee’s involvement in the scholarships included funding those students who demonstrated financial need and dedicating his personal time to the success of the programme.

The Lee Shau Kee Scholarships were an aspiration to a generation of top academic achievers, encouraging them to consider an Oxford education and forming an important link between Hong Kong and Oxford. As a mark of their gratitude and affection for their benefactor, the Lee Scholars funded the establishment of the Lee Shau Kee Scholars Seminar Room at Wadham College.

Thanks to Dr Lee’s further generosity, we were able to open the beautiful Dr Lee Shau Kee Building in 2020. Part of our new Back Quad Buildings, the Dr Lee Shau Kee Building has been a crucial addition to our Access to Excellence programme, which supports young people from the moment they consider university through their time at Oxford and into their careers.

Dr Lee Shau Kee passed away peacefully on 17 March, surrounded by his family. Our thoughts are with them at this time.

The Warden of Wadham, Robert Hannigan, said:

“All of us at Wadham have reason to be grateful to Dr Lee Shau Kee. His philanthropy has left a lasting legacy, notably in the countless lives he changed through generations of Lee Shau Kee Scholars. He also donated a new building in which future generations will be inspired and educated. Dr Lee was passionate about the power of education to extend opportunity. He was a great friend to many here and we join his beloved family and friends in mourning his passing. The College flag is flying at half mast as a sign of respect for this remarkable Honorary Fellow of Wadham.”