Robert Hung Ngai Ho, C.M., O.B.C. (1932-2025)

It is with profound sadness that we share news of the passing of Robert Hung Ngai Ho (22 October 1932 – 30 November 2025), a philanthropist whose exceptional generosity has had a truly transformational impact on the Courtauld and the wider world of art and culture, as he sought to champion Buddhist heritage. Alongside his philanthropy, Mr Ho was a renowned newspaper journalist and editor who was an advocate for global exchange and responsibility in journalism during his time leading the Kung Sheung Daily and Evening Newspapers and serving as Chairman of the Newspaper Society of Hong Kong. 

Mr Ho founded the Robert H.N. Ho Family Foundation in 2005, through which he has made 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 Courtauld here in London. 

His enduring commitment to global Buddhist heritage is exemplified by the Courtauld’s Centre for Buddhist Art and Conservation. The Robert H N Ho Family Foundation’s visionary endowment enabled the Courtauld to establish a centre for research into Buddhist art and conservation – a centre dedicated to trans-cultural and collaborative research, teaching and the preservation of Buddhist cultural heritage. Through public events, conferences and publishing new research, the Centre continues to shape the field and inspire dialogue among students, academics, curators, conservators and Buddhist monastics across the UK and beyond.   

Mr Ho’s steadfast commitment to supporting the study of Buddhist art and culture can be seen in organisations across the world, and we are honoured to have been amongst those to have benefitted from his generosity.  

We send our deepest sympathies to his family, his friends and all who knew him.