Since 1887, from a small college by the harbour to a global home of medicine – HKUMed now turns 140. It is a milestone that invites both gratitude and imagination – gratitude for the generations of students, teachers, clinicians, scientists and supporters who built this Faculty, and imaginations for all that is still to come.
From our founding, HKUMed has been defined by a forward gaze – a determination to innovate, to collaborate, and to embrace diversity of people and ideas that makes progress possible. That determination is captured in our vision:
Innovate Health・Inspire Humanity
This vision has never mattered more, because the greatest health challenges of our time recognise no borders. Pandemics, cancer, ageing, the health of our planet are shared burdens that demand shared answers. Standing at the crossroads of East and West, HKUMed makes a statement: we are here to bridge boundaries – between breakthrough science and everyday care, between digital innovation and human compassion, between disciplines, cultures and communities – towards a better architecture for health.
This is ambitious work, and we pursue it with our eyes raised. Oscar Wilde wrote: ‘We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.’ In a world that can feel loud and unrelenting, HKUMed chooses to look at the stars. We keep our eyes fixed not on the turbulence of the day, but on the enduring work of healing, discovery and care that ultimately bends the curve of suffering and uplifts humanity.
Our 140th anniversary is a celebration of legacy – but even more, it is a promise. To our alumni, students, staff, partners and friends around the world: thank you for walking with us. I warmly invite you to join our year-long celebrations, and to help us write the next chapter – where science meets humanity.
Professor Chak-sing Lau, BBS, JP
