Naming Ceremony for Vincent V.C. Woo Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Institute

15 November 2023
 Prof. Wai expressed his gratitude to the Vincent and Lily Woo Foundation for its tremendous contributions towards HKBU
 Dr. Woo hoped that the Institute can benefit more patients in need
 Prof. Bian said the Institute is committed to advancing Chinese medicine clinical research through multidisciplinary collaboration
 Dr. Clement Chen (left) and Prof. Wai presented a memento to Dr. Woo (centre)
 Guests and representatives of HKBU posed for a group photo

 Prof. Bian led the guests to tour the Vincent V.C. Woo Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Institute

(From left) Prof. Bian Zhaoxiang, Dr. Clement Chen, Dr. Alice Woo, Prof. Alexander Wai and Prof. Lyu Aiping officiated at the naming ceremony of the Vincent V.C. Woo Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Institute

The naming ceremony for the Vincent V.C. Woo Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Institute (Institute) was held on 15 November 2023 to recognise the generous donation of HK$75 million from the Vincent and Lily Woo Foundation for the establishment of the Institute, with the aim to advance the clinical research in Chinese medicine and increase the influence of Chinese medicine in the international arena.

The naming ceremony was officiated by Dr. Alice Woo, Chair of the Vincent and Lily Woo Foundation, together with HKBU representatives including Dr. Clement Chen, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Council and the Court; Professor Alexander Wai, JP, President and Vice-Chancellor; Professor Lyu Aiping, Vice-President (Research and Development) cum Dean of Graduate School; and Professor Bian Zhaoxiang, MH, Associate Vice-President (Chinese Medicine Development) cum Founding Director of the Institute.

In his welcoming remarks, Professor Alexander Wai commended Dr. Woo as a dedicated and inspirational philanthropist who has devoted decades to supporting the development of education and medicine in Mainland China, Hong Kong and the USA. He also expressed his gratitude to Dr. Woo for her tremendous contributions to various HKBU projects, including a collaborative research project conducted by the School of Chinese Medicine and Cornell University entitled “East Meets West: A Revolutionised Nanotechnology Approach to Modernise the Delivery of Chinese Medicine for Vast Improved Cancer Therapeutic Efficacy” and the Vincent V.C. Woo Endowed Associate Professorship in Chinese Medicine.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Alice Woo thanked HKBU for honouring her respected father by naming the Institute after him. She said, “I hope to see the Institute, named in honour of my beloved father, significantly contribute to Chinese medicine research and the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong. I sincerely hope the Institute can benefit more patients, promote the integration of Chinese medicine and Western medicine, contribute to the standardisation, modernisation and internationalisation of Chinese medicine and nurture more Chinese medicine research talents.”

In his speech, Professor Bian Zhaoxiang shared the Institute’s vision and mission and it has been conducting 17 clinical studies on Chinese medicine, covering 8 target diseases such as long COVID, metabolic diseases, mental disorders and stroke, and is committed to advancing Chinese medicine clinical research through multidisciplinary collaboration.

Following the ceremony, Professor Bian led the guests to tour the new Institute located at Room 105 of the Academic and Administration Building, Room 205 and the third floor of the Jockey Club School of Chinese Medicine Building to know more about the latest development of the School of Chinese Medicine.

Guests attending the ceremony and visit included family members and friends of Dr. Alice Woo, including Dr. The Hon. Geoffrey Ma, GBM, former Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal; Ms. Vicky Sung, Mr. Harry Yeung and Ms. Helena Koo, President, Vice President and Treasurer respectively of the Vincent and Lily Woo Foundation; and Mr. Woo Pat Nie, Partner of KPMG China. HKBU representatives included Dr. Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) and Acting Dean of Arts; Professor William Cheung, Associate Vice-President (Undergraduate Programmes); Professor Li Min, Associate Dean (Teaching  and Learning), School of Chinese Medicine; Professor Han Quanbin, Professor of the Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine; Dr. Cheung King Ho, Vincent V.C. Woo Endowed Associate Professor in Chinese Medicine; Mrs. Lily Chan, Director of University Advancement and Secretary-General of the HKBU Foundation; and Ms. Kay Choy, Director of Estates.