Tsang was devoted to contributing to the country's development, dedicated to serving the public, and made important contributions to Hong Kong's smooth transition in 1997, Lam said.

He was among the first batch of people in Hong Kong to have been awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 1997 — the highest award under Hong Kong's honors and awards system.

During a grand gathering in Beijing on Dec 18, Tsang was one of 100 Chinese awarded a medal as a "reform pioneer" for outstanding contributions to the country's advancement. The ceremony was held to mark the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up.

Tsang was recognized for his support to the development of education, aviation, sports, science and healthcare on the mainland, with donations of more than HK$1.2 billion ($153 million) since the 1970s.