Hong Kong’s former secretary for commerce and economic development Gregory So Kam-leung died on Saturday morning at the age of 67 following a brief illness.
Entering the government in 2008 as an under secretary for commerce and economic development, he served as the special administrative region's commerce chief from 2011 to 2017.
He had also participated in different advisory and statutory bodies, serving in areas such as public healthcare services, education, and district governance, and was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star in 2012.
Expressing sorrow over his death, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu extended his condolences to So's family.
In a message, the CE said So had made significant contributions to the city with his professional knowledge and dedication.
“Mr So had dedicated years of service to the Hong Kong community through his work in the Government and different public offices, contributing to the city's development in the economy, trade, tourism, information technology, telecommunications and creative industries,” he said.
In a separate message, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah expressed deep sorrow over the passing of So.
“During his tenure, Mr So had made immense contributions to Hong Kong's economic and trade developments by taking forward various policies and measures, and forging cooperation between Hong Kong and other economies.”
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr So and extend my sincere condolences to his family,” he added.
So went to Canada when he was 16 and pursued his studies there. He stayed for 15 years and obtained his Canadian citizenship and his professional qualifications as a lawyer in the country before returning to Hong Kong.
On May 29, 2008, after his appointment as the under secretary, he announced that he would give up his Canadian citizenship to allay public worries and prevent political disputes.
Through the appointment as an under secretary, he became one of the first batch of under secretaries and political assistants under the expanded second-tier of the SAR's political accountability system.
