{"id":45532,"date":"2026-03-16T13:56:32","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T09:56:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/?p=45532"},"modified":"2026-03-16T13:56:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T09:56:32","slug":"marie-madeleine-lee-g-o-s-k","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mauritiustimes.com\/mt\/marie-madeleine-lee-g-o-s-k\/","title":{"rendered":"Marie Madeleine Lee, G.O.S.K."},"content":{"rendered":"

In Memoriam<\/span>
\n<\/u><\/p>\n

A Pioneer of Mauritian Diplomacy and Industry<\/em><\/span><\/h4>\n

Mauritius mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens, Mrs. Marie Madeleine Lee (born Ah-Chuen), G.O.S.K., who passed away on February 26, 2026, at the age of 96.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the eldest daughter of Sir Jean E. Moilin Ah-Chuen, founder of the ABC Group, Madeleine Lee did not merely inherit a legacy; she built an enduring bridge between Mauritius and Asia, fundamentally shaping the economic and diplomatic destiny of our Republic.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Visionary of Industry<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Educated at National Taiwan University in Chinese history and literature, it was there she met her husband and lifelong partner, Joseph Lee. Together, based in Hong Kong, they played a crucial role in attracting Hong Kong textile giants to the island in the 1970s, which eventually was to lay the groundwork for the Export Processing Zone (EPZ). In the 1980s, her strategic tenacity helped secure crucial landing rights for Air Mauritius in Hong Kong, opening Asian gateways for the national carrier.<\/span><\/p>\n

Madeleine Lee\u2019s career was also marked by historic milestones. Having served as a member of Taiwan\u2019s Legislative Council from 1981 to 1984, she made history in the year 2000 by becoming Mauritius\u2019 first-ever Ambassador to China. In Beijing, she solidified diplomatic ties and stimulated cultural and economic exchanges, anchoring Mauritius as a privileged partner of China.<\/span><\/p>\n

An Intellectual and Literary Legacy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A passionate woman of letters, she collaborated for many years with the Chinese Daily News<\/em>. Her autobiography, The Portrait of My Vivid Life<\/em>, remains an essential record of the history of the Chinese community in Mauritius. Her immense contribution to the nation was formally recognized in 2014, when she was elevated to the rank of Grand Officer of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (G.O.S.K.).<\/span><\/p>\n

Marie Madeleine Lee was a bridge between the East and the West, a pioneer for women in diplomacy, and a cornerstone of the Mauritian success story. She is survived by a family that continues her commitment to excellence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 12 March 2026<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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