It is with profound sadness that we share news of the passingÌýof Robert Hung Ngai Ho (22 October 1932 – 30 November 2025), a philanthropist whose exceptional generosity has had a truly transformational impact on the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and the wider world of art and culture, as heÌýsoughtÌýto champion Buddhist heritage. Alongside his philanthropy, Mr Ho was a renowned newspaper journalist and editor whoÌýwas an advocate forÌýglobal exchange and responsibility in journalism during his time leading the Kung Sheung Daily and Evening Newspapers and serving asÌýChairmanÌýof the Newspaper Society of Hong Kong.Ìý
Mr Ho founded the Robert H.N. Ho Family Foundation in 2005, through which heÌýhasÌýmade an extraordinary contribution toward both Buddhism and cultural heritage. His support has ensured that the ancient practices of Buddhism remain relevant to contemporary life through funding Buddhist studies at universities across the globe, including Hong Kong, North America, and the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ here in London.Ìý
His enduring commitment to global Buddhist heritage is exemplified by the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s Centre for Buddhist Art and Conservation. The Robert H N Ho Family Foundation’s visionary endowment enabled the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ toÌýestablishÌýa centre for research into Buddhist art and conservationÌý– aÌýcentre dedicated to trans-cultural and collaborative research,ÌýteachingÌýand the preservation of Buddhist cultural heritage.ÌýThrough public events, conferences and publishing new research,Ìý³Ù³ó±ðÌýCentre continues to shape the field and inspire dialogue amongÌýstudents, academics, curators,ÌýconservatorsÌýandÌýBuddhistÌýmonasticsÌýacross the UK and beyond.ÌýÌýÌý
Mr Ho’s steadfast commitment to supporting the study of Buddhist art andÌýculture canÌýbe seen in organisations across the world, and we are honoured to have been amongst those to haveÌýbenefittedÌýfrom his generosity.ÌýÌý
We send our deepest sympathies to his family, his friends and all who knew him.ÌýÌý