STORY: Faces of China: Lee Cheuk Fan -- cultural volunteer with a mission
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: Feb. 17, 2025
LENGTH: 00:02:16
LOCATION: HONG KONG, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE/SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole
2. various of Lee Cheuk Fan
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LEE CHEUK FAN, Director of Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LEE CHEUK FAN, Director of Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole
5. various of Lee Cheuk Fan
6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): LEE CHEUK FAN, Director of Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole

STORYLINE:

Lee Cheuk Fan, 80, has made it a daily ritual for years to visit the Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole.

This institute is a center for research in Chinese cultural studies at the University of Hong Kong (HKU).

In 2003, renowned scholar Jao Tsung-I donated thousands of valuable books and works of art to HKU, leading to the establishment of the Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LEE CHEUK FAN, Director of Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole
"Back then, when Professor Jao was 88 years old, he felt that he was getting on in years. He had many reference books that he had used throughout his life, including some precious ancient Chinese books. Rare and even unique editions. He wanted to ensure these books were well preserved."

As a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Lee's background is rooted in engineering. However, his passion for literature since childhood has guided his educational and career choices.

As HKU vice-chancellor at the time, Lee was chosen as inaugural director of the Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole. It's a role he has held for over 20 years.

Currently, an exhibition featuring Jao's works is underway. Lee noted that over 100 exhibitions have showcased his art worldwide.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LEE CHEUK FAN, Director of Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole
"Nowadays, a professor's primary responsibility is to advance research, publish papers, and produce academic results. If someone were to take on the role of director at the Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole, organizing student activities and exhibitions would take up much of his time and he might not want to devote the energy to these tasks."

In July 2024, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government awarded Lee the Grand Bauhinia Medal in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the preservation of Chinese culture. The medal is the highest award under the Hong Kong honors and awards system.

Lee, however, would humbly identify himself as a "cultural volunteer."

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): LEE CHEUK FAN, Director of Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole
"This role is different from that of other university faculty members. The director position does not come with a salary. It is voluntary work. I am just an old volunteer."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Hong Kong, China.
(XHTV)