Collected Works of Jao Tsung-i: XuanTang Anthology
Background
Hailed as one of the most influential Sinologists in contemporary times, Professor Jao Tsung-i had a broad range of academic interests, which were by no means limited to classical Chinese studies, and made remarkable, if not decisive, achievements in almost every field he touched, including Chinese philosophy, literary studies, historical studies, palaeography, epigraphy, archaeology, religious studies, the study of ancient Sino-foreign relations and cultural exchanges, Dunhuang studies, bibliography, chorography, and fine art studies. With his encyclopaedic erudition of and enormous scholarly contributions to traditional Chinese scholarship and culture, Professor Jao was a true master of our times. Since its inauguration, Hong Kong Baptist University Jao Tsung-I Academy of Sinology takes as its mission to promulgate traditional Chinese culture and to carry on the spirit of Professor Jao, Permanent Honorary Director of the Academy, by actively pursuing pioneering research in both classical Chinese studies and Sinology. Through this endeavor, we hope to keep his memory and legacy alive.
Aim
To promote a wider circulation and extend the influence of his scholarship, important scholarly works of Professor Jao will be selectively translated into English by our team and published in several volumes to further consolidate the status of "Jao Studies" as a thriving and vibrant field of research.
The project will last for five years from 2019 to 2023. A choice of Professor Jao's scholarly works will be translated from Chinese into English and published in five volumes by an internationally renowned academic publishing house. The Academy will establish an advisory board and an editorial board, both coordinated by Professor Chen Zhi, Director of Jao Tsung-I Academy of Sinology. Board members will include prominent scholars from Harvard University, Columbia University, Oxford University, the University of Chicago, the University of Tokyo, Fudan University, the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Baptist University.
Agreement Signing Ceremony
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) recently received a generous donation pledge of HK$2.5 million from The Jao Studies Foundation in support of this new project which will translate Professor Jao Tsung-i's important scholarly works into English. An agreement signing ceremony was held on 5 March 2019. It was officiated by Professor Lee Cheuk-fan, Chairman of the Management Board of The Jao Studies Foundation; Professor Roland Chin, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU; and Professor Chen Zhi, Director of the Jao Tsung-I Academy of Sinology at HKBU.
Addendum Signing Ceremony
HKBU received an additional HK$1 million donation from The Jao Studies Foundation in support of the operation of the Collected Works of Jao Tsung-i: XuanTang Anthology. An addendum signing ceremony was held on 16 April 2021. It was officiated by Professor Lee Cheuk-fan, Chairman of the Management Board of The Jao Studies Foundation; Professor Alexander Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU.
