Mark O. Clift, the chief operating officer of Hong Kong's technology hub, passed away this week.

The news was confirmed in a message from Pagan Wong, acting chief executive officer of Cyberport, the Hong Kong's government's subsidized campus of technology businesses, startups, and investors. Clift passed away from undisclosed causes on July 16.

Clift joined Cyberport in 2003 and then launched its Smart-Space within its environs as one of Hong Kong's first co-working spaces.

Wong wrote, "Under his outstanding management, Cyberport has grown into a vibrant innovative ecosystem."

Cyberport has been home to top international businesses like Microsoft and Cisco, and it has also housed top Hong Kong and Asian tech businesses like Outblaze, TienPay, Kovurt, and Jump Willy.

Social media posts from various technology and investment professionals in Greater China hailed Clift as a champion for startups and he was often helpful in connecting businesses to one another. Cyberport has arranged an area within one of its facilities for highlighting and celebrating Clift's vibrant life.