[Press Release] 40th Anniversary Gala: a Ruby Jubilee Celebration for CU Medicine

The Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CU Medicine) commemorated its 40th anniversary with a spectacular gala dinner on the evening of 13 January. This milestone event, attended by around 2,000 distinguished guests, including government officials, community leaders and members of the CU Medicine community, highlighted the Faculty’s impressive achievements and vision since its establishment in 1981.

Group photo of Faculty Deanery, School Directors and Department Chairperson at the Faculty’s 40th anniversary gala dinner.

The Guest of Honour, the Honourable Mr Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong government, applauded CU Medicine’s enduring legacy and contribution. He remarked, “CU Medicine has nurtured many of our leading medical minds.  From early humble days where medical students had to attend classes in makeshift containers, the school has now emerged as among the top 40 of the world, and a hub for numerous ground-breaking studies that shifted the paradigm of clinical practice locally and around the world.”

Mr Chan also remarked, “Beyond excellence in medical research, education and practice, I am most impressed by CU Medicine’s proud and strong tradition, a tradition that emphasises compassion and empathy in caring for patients. It has permeated your work and practice, evident from the profound appreciation by patients, the favourable feedback of the community, as well as national and international recognition of the school.”

Professor Francis Chan, the first CUHK alumnus appointed as Dean of Medicine, honoured the legacy of Professor Gerald Choa, the founding Dean, along with former deans, staff and alumni. Reflecting on CU Medicine’s growth, he stated, “From a humble beginning with barren land and repurposed shipping containers, CU Medicine has grown into one of the world’s premier medical schools over 40 years of unwavering commitment and excellence. As I near the end of my tenure, I express my deepest gratitude to my alma mater for its trust and support, which has given me the opportunity to serve the Faculty to the best of my ability and to spend the golden decade of my life in this position. I am confident that the new Dean will continue to harness CU Medicine’s unique strengths in medical education, healthcare development, and innovation and technology, elevating the Faculty to new heights of global excellence.”

Mr Paul Chan applauds CU Medicine’s enduring legacy and contribution. He says the Faculty has nurtured many of the leading medical minds. Beyond excellence in medical research, education and practice, he is most impressed by CU Medicine’s proud and strong tradition, a tradition that emphasises compassion and empathy in caring for patients. It has permeated its work and practice, evident from the profound appreciation by patients, the favourable feedback of the community, as well as national and international recognition of the school.

Prof. Francis Chan is deeply thankful to the trust and support from alumni, teachers, students, and various stakeholders over the years which makes CU Medicine one of the Top 40 medical schools in the world.

The celebration was further enriched by performances from CU Medicine students, alumni, and teachers to commemorate the ruby jubilee. A special art auction featuring donations from alumni, faculty members and friends raised funds to enhance the Faculty’s endeavours in medical education, research and community service.

Faculty Deanery, including Dean of Medicine, Prof. Francis Chan, and Prof. Samuel Wong, Associate Dean (Education), as well as Director of the JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, and distinguished guests mingling and taking photos at the gala dinner.

Prof. Roger Chung, Associate Professor, the JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, together with a group of students, teachers and alumni of CU Medicine singing to celebrate the Faculty’s 40th anniversary.

Commemorating a legacy of excellence

The ruby jubilee’s theme, “Succession, Innovation and Dedication”, emphasises the continuation of CU Medicine’s expertise, innovative spirit and unwavering dedication to patient care. The anniversary logo, featuring a leaf for growth and a yin-yang that forms the ‘40’, symbolises the fusion of Eastern and Western medical practices, while the globe represents the Faculty’s global healing mission.

The Faculty has hosted various events to commemorate the anniversary, including the Healthcare Innovation and Technology Summit 2022 (HITS 2022), the 2021 Gerald Choa Memorial Fund Charity Concert and community vaccination initiatives.

Renowned for its innovation and excellence, CU Medicine, founded in 1981, employs over 1,200 full-time teaching and research staff across 19 departments and schools. In the 2023 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), CU Medicine ranked first in Asia in Clinical Medicine and Nursing. Globally, CU Medicine ranked 16th and was the only medical school in Asia among the Top 50, while its Nethersole School of Nursing ranked second in the world. 

Group photo of all guests at the gala dinner.

 For more details: Faculty of Medicine, CUHK - https://bit.ly/3tPmqvZ