Chief Executive Donald Tsang has congratulated Hong Kong academic Professor Charles Kao who won the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physics.

"The Nobel Prize in Physics is the highest honour in the field of science. Hong Kong people and I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof Kao on receiving the honour," Mr Tsang said.

"An outstanding scientist aside, Prof Kao is a true gentleman and a committed educator. We are immensely proud to have such an eminent figure in Hong Kong."

Prof Kao was the Chinese University's Vice-chancellor from 1987 to 1996.