Chief Executive Donald Tsang (left) poses with Nobel Laureate Charles Kao (3rd left) and his wife Gwen Wong (2nd left) during the opening ceremony of the exhibition, "The Lore of a Laureate: A Tribute to Charles Kao, Former CUHK Vice-Chancellor and Nobel Laureate", at the Chinese University of Hong Kong Friday. Edmond Tang

HONG KONG: Nobel Laureate Charles Kao made his first public appearance in Hong Kong Friday since being awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physics.

The man known as the "father of fibre optics" was greeted by the affectionate applause of over 200 people at Chinese University of Hong Kong while Kao and his wife Gwen Wong beamed their thanks.

The couple entered the university hall to attend the opening ceremony of an exhibition which showcases some of Kao's most precious belongings that include the Nobel Prize medal and diploma that he donated to the University. Immediately behind the couple came Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

Kao, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease and experiences speech and mobility impairments, managed to stand and bow, in expression of his gratitude.

"Charles and I are delighted to return to Hong Kong ... we are happy to have this opportunity to greet our old friends and all of you," said Wong.

"Charles studied in Hong Kong for his high schooling; he has taught here, he was the Vice-Chancellor of CUHK and retired here too. In all he has lived in Hong Kong for over 30 years. So he is a Hong Kong belonger," she said.

Kao donated 18 medals he was awarded during his career. They are presented in the exhibition, "The Lore of a Laureate; A Tribute to Charles Kao, Former CUHK Vice-Chancellor and Nobel Laureate".

The warmth of Kao's smile, and the evident deep love he and his wife share touched everyone in the hall.

It is the couple's wish to raise the public awareness of dementia and to fund services for Alzheimer's patents and family care givers in Hong Kong, Wong said.

"As you may know, Charles is coping with his health problem. Being his wife, I can tell you it is a very stressful job, and we need community support," Wong said.

The idea of establishing a foundation in the name of Charles Kao to help research of Alzheimer's is under consideration, said Vincent Cheng, Council Chairman of the Chinese University.

The University is also planning to commission a sculpture of Kao, to be presented at the Faculty of Engineering, said Kenneth Young, Vice-President of the Chinese University.

To encourage further development of scientific research and nurture students with innovative ideas, a Charles Kao Scholarship will also established.

Kao and his wife Wong will join the CUHK walkathon held on March 14, to raise funds for both the scholarship and a training program for family caregivers of people with cognitive loss.

(HK Edition 02/06/2010 page1)