Press Release

HKBU awards the 7th Cheung On Tak International Award for Outstanding Contribution to Chinese Medicine to two renowned scholars

Thursday, 28 March 2024

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) hosted the 7th Cheung On Tak International Award for Outstanding Contribution to Chinese Medicine (COT Award) yesterday (27 March). The two awardees, Professor Liu Liang, an renowned expert in Chinese medicine rheumatology, the former Dean of the School of Chinese Medicine 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, attended the ceremony.

In the opening address, Professor Alex Wai, 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 School of Chinese Medicine 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 the development and internationalisation of Chinese medicine, in the areas of innovative drug development and promotion.

During the ceremony, Ms Annie Cheung, Director of the Cheung On Tak Charity Foundation, along with Mr Paul Poon, Deputy Chairman of the Council and Court at HKBU, presented the award to Professor Xu Anlong. Mr Gavin Cheung, Director of the Cheung On Tak Charity Foundation, along with Professor Lyu Aiping, Vice-President (Research and Development) cum Acting Dean of Chinese Medicine of HKBU, presented the award to Professor Liu Liang. The event attracted almost 150,000 participants who joined in person and online.

Professor Liu Liang is a distinguished expert in Chinese medicine rheumatology. He is currently Chairman of the Academic Committee and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Syndrome at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. He developed Zhengqing Fengtongning, the world’s first rheumatic drug targeting prostaglandin E2 synthase-1, which is the only Chinese medicine monomer compound drug included in the National Essential Medicines List and widely used nationwide. He also led a team in the development of the pioneering titanium dioxide-PGC chip, establishing a highly sensitive quantitative glycomics analysis technology that has resulted in new methods for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis.

Professor Liu said he was deeply honoured to receive the COT Award. “I am grateful for Mr Cheung On Tak’s contributions to the international development of Chinese medicine, and for the support of my colleagues, peers, and partners around the world. I also thank the adjudicators for their affirmation of my work. Chinese medicine is my lifelong pursuit, and receiving this award reaffirms the great responsibility I carry. Going forward, I will continue to spare no effort in promoting the development and exchange of Chinese medicine worldwide, and contribute to the health and well-being of all humanity through Chinese medicine.”

Professor Xu Anlong is a renowned molecular biologist and immunologist. He also held positions as Director of the State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol of Harmful Organisms and Resource Utilisation, as well as the National Engineering Research Center of Marine Biotechnology in the South China Sea. His research primarily focuses on the origin and evolution of the vertebrate immune system and the discovery of new drugs based on fundamental research, particularly in the field of immune regulation of diseases.

Professor Xu said: “I am greatly honoured and encouraged to be awarded the ‘7th Cheung On Tak International Award for Outstanding Contribution to Chinese Medicine’ together with Professor Liu, which is an invaluable recognition of my work in Chinese medicine. It will be my mission to advance Chinese medicine, drive innovations in the field, and contribute to the internationalisation of Chinese medicine.”

The Cheung On Tak International Award for Outstanding Contribution to Chinese Medicine Award was established by HKBU’s School of Chinese Medicine in 2011. It is awarded biennially to recognise scientists and scholars who have made breakthrough achievements and gained international recognition for promoting the internationalisation of Chinese medicine or  the field of Chinese medicine research.

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Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU (1st left); Mr Paul Poon, Deputy Chairman of the Council and Court at HKBU (1st right); and Mr Gavin Cheung and Ms Annie Cheung, Directors of the Cheung On Tak Charity Foundation (2nd left and 2nd right), present the award to Professor Xu Anlong, a specialist in molecular biology and immunology (3rd left), and Professor Liu Liang, an expert in Chinese medicine rheumatology (3rd right).
A group photo of representatives of HKBU’s senior management, the School of Chinese Medicine, and Government representatives and industry partners.
Professor Liu Liang (7th left) and Professor Xu Anlong (8th right), together with the panel of adjudicators of the 7th COT award, representatives of the Cheung On Tak Charity Foundation, senior management of HKBU, Government representatives and industry partners.