ACLS Remembers Robert H. N. Ho, Sr.

It is with deep sorrow that we note the passing of Robert Hung Ngai Ho, Sr., C.M., O.B.C., founder of The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Global. He was a generous and visionary supporter of ACLS for more than a decade, and his impact was felt all over the world. 

After a successful career in journalism, Mr. Ho established The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation in 2005 in Hong Kong to promote global understanding of Buddhism, as well as Chinese arts and culture. In 2013, the foundation chose ACLS to administer The Robert. H. N. Ho Family Foundation Program in Buddhist Studies. Through a suite of fellowship and grant competitions and professional development activities, the program promotes the study and dissemination of knowledge of Buddhist traditions, fosters global scholarly networks, and hosts annual symposia for early-career scholars.

In addition to research support, since 2017 the program has also provided seed funding to establish 13 new professorships in Buddhist studies at universities in Asia, Europe, Mexico, and the United States. In 2021 the Buddhism Public Scholars program began placing recent PhDs in professional positions at museums, libraries, and publications to lend their skills in helping those institutions present and interpret knowledge of Buddhist traditions. In 2025, the book series Global Buddhism was launched with Yale University Press as a platform to publish the first books by program awardees.

Mr. Ho was deeply influenced by his devotion to Buddhist values and his commitment to applying Buddhist principles to contemporary challenges. The foundation’s generous support has enabled ACLS to advance Mr. Ho’s vision and uphold his legacy through the careful fostering of scholarly programs. To date, more than 345 scholars have received support through these programs, contributing to a growing international community of scholars and friends dedicated to the study and visibility of Buddhism.  

All of us at ACLS, along with the many who have benefited from Mr. Ho’s support, join together to mark his passing in sorrow, in gratitude, and with renewed energy for our work.

Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues all over the world.