RENOWNED public health expert Professor Dr Zhong Nanshan was honoured with the 4th Dr Wu Lien-Teh Award for Leadership in Public Health at a ceremony held at Penang Institute today.
Recognised for his exceptional contributions, particularly during the SARS and Covid-19 outbreaks, Prof Dr Zhong, the director of Guangzhou National Laboratory and National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, China, was lauded for his scientific excellence and dedication to public health.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, together with Dr Wu Lien-Teh Society Penang president Datuk Seri Dr Anwar Fazal, presented the prestigious award to Prof Dr Zhong at the event, organised by the Dr Wu Lien-Teh Society, Penang.
“Prof Dr Zhong’s dedication to scientific excellence, his courage in challenging prevailing narratives, and his ability to communicate crucial public health information have saved countless lives,” Chow said in his address.
“Like Dr Wu, he has demonstrated the power of scientific innovation and an unwavering commitment to public service.
“His work has not only transformed public health in China but has also provided invaluable lessons for Malaysia and the rest of the world. Prof Zhong embodies the very values that Dr Wu championed, making him a most deserving recipient of this award.”
Chow commended the Dr Wu Lien-Teh Society, Penang, the organisers, for working tirelessly to ensure that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Dr Wu, a former student of Penang Free School, pursued medical studies in England and was later credited for his groundbreaking efforts in combating the Manchurian plague of 1910-1911, earning him the title of ‘Plague Fighter.’
Prof Dr Zhong expressed profound gratitude and humility upon receiving the award. In his acceptance speech, he stated that the honour was not merely a personal achievement but a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration between nations and a shared commitment to advancing global health.
“I am deeply moved to stand in the footsteps of Dr Wu Lien-Teh, a son of Penang whose pioneering work bridged nations and saved countless lives.
“By honouring leaders who embody Dr Wu’s courage and compassion, you ignite a beacon for future generations to follow. This award reaffirms my resolve to uphold his ethos of service, science, and solidarity,” Prof Dr Zhong said.
Adding a personal touch to the occasion, Prof Dr Zhong expressed his delight at meeting Pauline Barr, 78, who taught him English when he studied in England 45 years ago. Pauline and her husband, Joe, who now reside in Langkawi, made the journey to Penang upon learning of Prof Zhong’s visit.
Among the distinguished personalities at the event were former Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, State Speaker Datuk Seri Law Choo Kiang, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, state Sports, Youth and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, vice-consul general of China in Penang Madam Ding Qiao, newly appointed Dr Wu Lien-Teh Society Penang advisers Datuk Seri Cheah Cheng Hye and Mr Loke Gim Tay, and Penang Institute executive director Datuk Dr Ooi Kee Beng.
Chow also took a moment to honour Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, the former Malaysia Health director-general and inaugural recipient of the award in 2022, for his steadfast leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chow emphasised the importance of nurturing future public health leaders through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
He highlighted concerns raised during the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) meeting in Putrajaya regarding the declining engagement in STEM subjects among Malaysian students.
“While engineering has been a major focus in recent years, we must ensure that crucial STEM components, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, are not neglected. If we fail to address this decline, we risk jeopardising our Penang2030 vision,” Chow cautioned.
He called on educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to collaborate in making STEM subjects more engaging and accessible to students.
Dr Ooi shared that, as Penang takes great pride in Dr Wu’s legacy, the Penang Institute has laid the groundwork for a Dr Wu Lien-Teh Medicinal Herbs Garden on its compound, an initiative launched by CM Chow.
“Since then, we have had many visitors and people expressing surprise and interest in the connection between the Dr Wu Lien-Teh Society and Penang Institute,” he said.
Dr Ooi added that the institute is a founding member of the Wu Lien-Teh Society and has been home to a bronze bust of Dr Wu Lien-Teh, gifted from the University of Harbin to Penang, since June 2016.
“The Institute has always considered health matters to be central to the wellbeing of Penang’s population. We are a regional centre for medical tourism, we are a favourite retirement destination for people from all over the world, and we are an innovative technological centre that produces much of the world’s most modern biotech equipment,” Dr Ooi said.
The award ceremony was followed by the 9th Dr Wu Lien-Teh Annual Public Lecture, where Prof Dr Zhong and Dr Noor Hisham, chairman of the National Heart Institute, were the special speakers. The session was moderated by Dr Hor Chee Peng.
The lecture, themed ‘From SARS to Covid-19 – 20 Years’ Lessons of Coronavirus Infection,’ featured Dr Noor Hisham’s reflections on the challenges Malaysia faced in combating the then-unknown virus. He also addressed the spread of misinformation through social media platforms.
Elected as the first chair of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Standing Committee on Health Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response (SCHEPPR), Dr Noor Hisham spoke about the difficulty in getting 94 countries to collaborate. Ultimately, they agreed on five fundamental principles, with cooperation and collaboration being the key.
In closing, Dr Anwar thanked both Prof Dr Zhong and Dr Noor Hisham for their insightful sharing, as well as Penang Institute, the Dr Wu Lien-Teh Society, and volunteers for making the event a success.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Lim Min Jun