Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) hosted the 7th Cheung On Tak International Award for Outstanding Contribution to Chinese Medicine (COT Award) on 27 March 2024. The two awardees, Academician Liu Liang, a renowned expert in Chinese medicine rheumatology, the former Dean of Chinese Medicine (SCM) at HKBU and currently a First-class Professor at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine; and Professor Xu Anlong, a renowned specialist in molecular biology and immunology and President of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, have been presented with the accolades in recognition of their achievements in inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine,  and contributions to the promotion of Chinese medicine to the world.

In the opening address, Professor Alex Wai, JP, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, stated that Hong Kong will demonstrate its capacity for “International Modern Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine”. Since the establishment of the SCM in 1998, HKBU has been committed to nurturing professionals in the field, and strengthening the role of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong’s public healthcare system. Through a quarter-century of dedicated efforts, we have gained a clearer understanding of the significant role of Chinese medicine in global health sciences.

Professor Chen Kaixian, Chairman of the Panel of Adjudicators of the 7th COT Award, said that the influence of the COT Award in promoting the development of Chinese medicine has been growing and well-recognised by the academic and social communities. The two awardees have made systematic and innovative contributions to drug innovation and discovery, as well as the development and internationalisation of Chinese medicine, creating a positive global impact.

During the ceremony, Ms. Annie Cheung, and Mr. Gavin Cheung, Directors of the Cheung On Tak Charity Foundation; Ir Professor Paul Poon, MH, Deputy Chairman of the Council and Court at HKBU; Professor Alex Wai, together with Professor Lyu Aiping, Vice-President (Research and Development) cum Acting Dean of Chinese Medicine of HKBU, presented the awards to Academician Liu Liang and Professor Xu. The event was well received and attracted almost 150,000 participants who joined in person and online.

Following the ceremony, Academician Liu and Professor Xu each delivered a lecture. Academician Liu shared his original research on the treatment of rheumatic diseases by integrating Chinese and Western medicine, and Professor Xu focused on the internationalisation of Chinese medicine and shared his unique insights on the mutual learning between Eastern and Western civilisations.

Established in 2011 by the SCM with the donations from the Cheung On Tak Charity Foundation, the biennial Cheung On Tak International Award for Outstanding Contribution to Chinese Medicine aims to recognise scientists and scholars who have advanced the internationalisation of Chinese medicine or Chinese medicine research with their groundbreaking and internationally-recognised achievements. Since its inception, the award has received over HK$16 million in donations from the Cheung On Tak Charity Foundation.