The founder of Modern China has found his way back to 'Iolani School.

A new statue of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen was dedicated in a ceremony at 'Iolani School on November 12, 2008 - which would have been the 142nd birthday of the first provisional president of China. 

Sun Yat-Sen (1866-1925) attended 'Iolani from 1879 to 1882. The statue depicts him as a young boy in a brisk walk and holding a book. The pedestal and surrounding platform beneath the statue was designed in a the shape of a Chinese bagua for balance and positive energy. The statue is also facing north east or towards China.

Master Chu Tat Shing designed the statue in Hong Kong for 'Iolani. It was shipped to Hawaii months ago. Master Chu also created a similar statue dedicated one year ago in Honolulu's Chinatown Gateway Park and one that stands in the entrance way to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Museum in Hong Kong. 

The statue and its surrounding garden were a gift to the school from City Mill Company, Ltd. and the David C. Ai Charitable Trust. City Mill President Steven Ai '72 serves on the 'Iolani Board of Governors, the board of the Sun Yat-Sen Hawaii Foundation, and is a grandson of C. K. Ai. C. K. Ai and Sun Yat-Sen were 'Iolani schoolmates and lifelong friends.

The dedication ceremony was opened with a resounding lion dance and drummers followed by remarks from 'Iolani Chairman of the Board James Kawashima '60, 'Iolani Headmaster Dr. Val Iwashita '67, and students Olivia Fatongia '09, Alex Tom '11, Sarah Fang '09 and G. Webster Ross IV '10. Tom and Ross also spoke in Mandarin.

Members of the Sun Yat-Sen Hawaii Foundation and special guests were also present. Rev. Daniel Leatherman delivered the opening prayer and retired Bishop Richard Chang '59 closed the ceremony with a blessing. Students and teachers gathered on the nearby grassy lawn to listen as 'Iolani honored its most famous alumnus.