Remembering Mr Run Run Shaw

I attended the memorial service for Mr Run Run Shaw this afternoon.

Mr Shaw was a member of the Preparatory Committee for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and a Hong Kong Affairs Adviser during the territory’s transitional period. He and I often flew to Beijing together to offer our views on the arrangements for Hong Kong’s return to the Motherland. In the blink of an eye, 17 years have passed since Hong Kong returned to the Motherland as planned. I still remember that during the three hours or so on our flights to Beijing, the topic he most enthused about was his plan to sponsor education in the Mainland.

Everyone knows that Mr Shaw was a movie mogul. He had a private cinema at Clear Water Bay, and used to invite my wife and me there to see movies not yet out in theatres. Indeed, many of the movies that I have seen were seen there. One of them was Forrest Gump. I remember that after seeing this movie with me, Mr Shaw told me that it would be a blockbuster. Sure enough, the movie turned out to be a box office hit. Mr Shaw’s discerning eye for movies was truly impressive.

Although Mr Shaw has passed away, he still lives in our memory. He will always be remembered for his love for the country and Hong Kong, as well as his contributions to the movie industry and charity.

May you rest in peace, Mr Shaw.

January 17, 2014