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The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine) held the Shaw Auditorium opening ceremony alongside a cross-disciplinary seminar titled “Life as an Arena: Ring, Stage, Operating Table” recently, served to celebrate the decades of steadfast support from The Shaw Foundation for CU Medicine’s medical education, scientific research and innovation. The event features a special dialogue between Hong Kong award-winning actor Mr Gordon Lam Ka-tung alongside Professor Philip Chiu Wai-yan, Dean of CU Medicine on mental resilience.

Shaw Foundation and CUHK partner for decades in advancing medical innovation

CU Medicine shares a deep and long-standing bond with The Shaw Foundation, which has been committed to the advancement of healthcare and medical education in Hong Kong since the 1980s. Through generous donations for teaching and medical facilities, the Foundation has been a strong pillar of support of the medical faculty’s development.

In the early 1990s, the gastroenterology team at CUHK and the Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) pioneered the application of advanced endoscopy in Hong Kong and Asia. The Foundation’s support enabled the team to introduce cutting-edge endoscopic equipment and expand professional manpower. The Shaw Endoscopy Centre was established at PWH in 1994, providing comprehensive, state-of-the-art endoscopic diagnostic and minimally invasive procedures for patients with gastrointestinal diseases. Over the years, the Foundation has continually funded the acquisition of advanced medical equipment, including modern ultrasound systems, and the renovation of teaching and research facilities, significantly enhancing the Faculty’s academic and clinical capacities.

To support CU Medicine in nurturing medical talent, the Shaw Foundation donated HK$20 million in 2001 to build the Shaw Auditorium, which has become a vital teaching facility for the Faculty. It also serves as an exchange platform for international medical conferences and academic forums, witnessing the birth of numerous healthcare innovations and driving medical development both locally and regionally.

In 2025, the Foundation generously donated an additional HK$10.5 million for a comprehensive renovation. By upgrading the infrastructure, the Foundation aims to provide a modern learning environment for students at CU Medicine and attract top global experts, further strengthening the leading position of the Faculty and Hong Kong as an international hub for medical innovation and academic excellence.

Speaking at the Shaw Auditorium opening ceremony, Dr Raymond Chan Wai-man, Chairman of The Shaw Foundation, said: “The Shaw Foundation and CUHK share a deep bond forged over decades of close partnership. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with CU Medicine in cutting-edge medical fields, jointly driving healthcare technology and innovation, and translating research outcomes into clinical applications that benefit society.”

Life as a Boxing Ring: doctors and award-winning actor share on mental resilience

Recognising that high-pressure clinical environments demand emotional balance alongside technical mastery, the Faculty hosted a special dialogue moderated by Professor Tony Mok Shu-kam, Associate Dean (Translation and Entrepreneurship) of CU Medicine.

Guided by a patient-centred educational philosophy, the Faculty regards mental resilience as an indispensable core competency for future doctors. Navigating complex and ever-changing clinical settings and making critical life-or-death decisions, medical students must not only master advanced clinical skills, but also develop the mental strength to thrive under pressure and adversity.

Drawing from their personal growth and career setbacks, the three speakers shared candid accounts of how mental resilience helped them overcome hardship, offering valuable stress-management wisdom and life insights to students facing academic pressures and preparing for clinical clerkships. Despite their different backgrounds, Mr Lam and Professor Chiu acknowledged that everyone inevitably faces expectations and scrutiny from family and society. They encouraged medical students to adjust their mindset, learn to believe in themselves and remain steadfast on their own paths.

Reflecting on his upbringing as the eldest son born into a family of healthcare professionals, Professor Philip Chiu shared that he faced significant pressure from his father’s high expectations. He remarked with humour that he was never “top of the class” but he kept trying his best. He said: “I don’t believe life has a starting line or a finish line, because we should not compare ourselves with others. Every person has his or her own path in life.”

Echoing these thoughts, Mr Gordon Lam responded: “People talk a lot about starting lines these days, but I believe that if you are willing to face your shortcomings and put in the efforts, opportunities will always arise. Everyone here possesses unique talents; the key lies in whether you can open the right door—and the key has always been in your own hands.” He added that breaking boundaries and refusing to settle for the status quo are the true driving forces behind pursuing excellence.

Professor Tony Mok, Associate Dean (Translation and Entrepreneurship), concluded: “Life is both a stage and a ring. In the ring, there are wins and losses; on the stage, there are cheers as well as jeers. True success in life is not measured by how many times you win or how many awards you receive, but whether you can pick yourself up whenever you fall.”