Internet tributes pour in for film pioneer

The news of media pioneer Sir Run Run Shaw's death has inspired waves of tributes and remembrance on Sina Weibo, China's popular micro blogging service. Many netizens praised his generous philanthropy.

Shaw, founder of Hong Kong-based Television Broadcasts Ltd (TVB), died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 107. TVB, the brainchild of Shaw, announced the news and offered condolences.

Shaw's name is deeply etched across Hong Kong' vibrant media industry. His self-launched Shaw Brothers studio and TVB, two of the most influential media outlets in the city, shaped the golden era of the city’s film and TV production.

Classrooms and libraries named after Shaw are scattered throughout universities of Chinese mainland. These institutions and many others now serve as a reminder of Shaw's career as a great philanthropist. Many of the Weibo mentioned these contributions to education and society.

His charity fund has donated roughly 4 billion yuan ($661 million) to more than 6,000 projects by 2012, many of which were dedicated to Chinese mainland's education.

"I have studied at a school building named after Shaw. Wish him rest in peace," a Weibo user posted.

Another Weibo user posted, "I just searched him online and found the centenarian did so many good deeds. He was a great man. Wish him rest in peace."

Excerpts from Weibo posts

He was the founder of TVB and godfather of Hong Kong's entertainment industry.

I have always wondered why there are so many "Yifu Buildings" (Yifu – Mandarin pronunciation of Shaw's name). Then I learned that a man named Shao Yifu, or Run Run Shaw, sponsored them and started to know more about him. Rest in peace, Mr Shaw.

He deserved our commemoration for his philanthropic deeds.

Thank you for your dedication to the film industry and charity, sir.

Watching Shaw Brother - produced movies has been part of my youth. The news of his death made me so sad. May he rest in peace.

He was a legend that I always admired.