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Dr. Victor Joseph Dzau, a world renowned cardiologist and the President of the US National Academy of Medicine (NAM), came to The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) today (18 September) to deliver a Shun Hing Lecture, co-organised by CUHK and the Shun Hing Group. Dr. Dzau spoke on the topic “Medical and Technological Breakthroughs Shaping the Future of Health and Medicine and Their Implications for Society”, attracting about 250 CUHK staff and students, alumni, high school students and members of the public. After his lecture, Dr. Dzau had a fruitful interaction with the audience and he encouraged the youth to participate in scientific and medical research.

Born in Shanghai, Dr. Dzau spent his teenage years in Hong Kong and received medical training in Canada. He specialised in cardiovascular medicine and molecular medicine and was a pioneer in gene therapy. His seminal work laid the foundation for the development of Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, lifesaving drugs used globally to treat hypertension and heart failure. He also pioneered gene therapy for cardiovascular disease and his work on stem cell paracrine mechanisms and the use of microRNA in direct reprogramming has provided novel insight into stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.

Dr. Dzau is a dynamic researcher and a global leader in health care policy. He has designed and led important initiatives, including the Commission on a Global Health Risk Framework for the Future, to make recommendations for an effective global architecture for recognising and mitigating the threat of epidemic infectious diseases. The launch of the NAM Grand Challenges in Healthy Longevity represents his vision to inspire coalescence across disciplines and sectors around a shared priority and an audacious goal to advance health.

Among his many honours and recognitions are the American Heart Association Distinguished Scientist Award, the Max Delbrück Medal from Germany, and the Henry Freisen International Prize. In 2014, Dr Dzau received the Public Service Medal from the President of Singapore. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the UK Academy of Medical Sciences, Academia Sinica and the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. He has also received honorary doctorates from 13 internationally renowned institutions.

Introduction of Shun Hing Lecture Series

The Shun Hing Lecture Series has been established with a generous donation from the Shun Hing Group since 2013. The lecture series aims at promoting scientific and cultural knowledge and scholarly pursuits in different aspects. Distinguished scholars from various areas have been invited to give public lectures. Previous lectures given by filmmaker Sylvia Chang, picture book author Mr. Jimmy Liao, composer Dr. Lam Bun-ching, sculptor Prof. Wu Weishan, and Confucian scholar Prof. Tu Weiming have been very successful in inspiring the younger generation. Interested parties can review the lectures at the CUTV website: www.cpr.cuhk.edu.hk/cutv/category/21.

As a multi-faceted Hong Kong-based company for 65 years, the Shun Hing Group is the pioneer in serving as agent in home appliances and audio-visual products. The Shun Hing Group embraces corporate social responsibility and over the years has generously donated towards various projects in education, scientific research, arts and culture, sports and recreation, as well as environmental protection.

For more photos, please visit:
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