Prof. Zhong Nanshan is a renowned respiratory disease expert. He has worked in the fields of clinical practices, teaching and research of respirology for over 50 years and is currently director of the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, and a medical consultant to the World Health Organization. During the SARS outbreak in 2003, Professor Zhong initiated a management protocol known as the ‘Three Propers’ which contributed to Guangdong having the lowest mortality rate from SARS and the highest cure rate among the affected regions in the country. He supported CUHK’s initiative in nurturing talent on the mainland by serving as a member of the Governing Board of CUHK (Shenzhen). The University conferred upon Professor Zhong the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa, in recognition of his contributions to medical and educational advancement.