Newsletter No. 1

CUHK Newsletter Professor of Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Gave Inaugural Lecture Professor Teik E. Oh delivered his inaugural lecture on 3rd November at the Lecture Theatre of the Prince of Wales Hospital. The topic was 'Life with Death - the Science and Art of Intensive Care Medicine' . Professor Oh traced the development of intensive care medicine and discussed its scientific aspects such as training, organization, planning, administration, staffing, continuing education and research. He also explored the art of professionalism and clinical judgment through subjects like euthanasia and brain death. About 150 academics from different departments attended the lecture. Important Scientific Discovery by Dr. Tsui Lap Chee, CUHK Alumnus A team of medical scientists headed by Dr. Tsui Lap Chee at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto have successfully identified and cloned the gene defect that causes cystic fibrosis 一 a genetic disease that involves disorders of the exocrine glands, resulting in pancreatic insufficiency, chronic pulmonary diseases, and cirrhosis of the liver. The disease occurs at a high frequency in infants, children and adolescents among the Caucasians; few patients can live over the age of 30. To date, there is no cure for the disease except limited life prolongation through the administration of antibiotics. Dr. Tsui's discovery has opened up new hopes of combating the disease. Many believe he wi ll be nominated as a candidate for the Nobel prize because of this major scientific achievement. Dr. Tsui graduated from CUHK in 1972 and obtained his master degree in 1974 under the supervision of Dr. K. K. Mak of the Biology Department. He then obtained his PhD in the States and is now associate professor of the Department of Medical Genetics, University of Toronto. Dr. Tsui visited CUHK in November at the invitation of the University and gave a public lecture on 22nd November, which attracted an audience of over 100. Conference on Gender Studies in Chinese Societies About 30 scholars from mainland China, Taiwan, USA and Hong Kong took part in a conference on 'Gender Studies in Chinese Societies' held at the University on 9th and 10th November. Significant changes in the social status of women in contemporary Chinese societies and the accompanying changes in gender roles have prompted the centre for Hong Kong Studies to organize the conference. Topics for discussion included theoretical issues and methodologies of gender studies, gender stereotypes, the status of Chinese women in historical perspective, and gender issues in the areas of health, education, and career development. A Donation of $2.27 million for Japanese Studies in CUHK According to a recent agreement reached between the Hong Kong and Japanese governments, CUHK will be given HK$2.27 million by the Japanese government for the purchase of teaching and audio-visual equipment to strengthen its Japanese studies programme. The agreement was signed by the Secretary for Education and Manpower and the Japanese Consul- General in Hong Kong at the Government Secretariat on 10th November. Also present was CUHK Vice- Chancellor Professor Charles K. Kao. The University has previously received financial assistance from both the Japan Foundation and the Japan Exposition Commemorative Fund for similar purposes. This donation is another example of the continued support rendered by the Japanese government for the promotion of Japanese studies in the University.