Joseph Sung, 2003 Sars hero and former Chinese University president, to lead medical school at Singapore’s NTU
- The 60-year-old, honoured by Time magazine for his role in battling the epidemic, expressed excitement over opportunity, tempered with sadness at leaving
- In a social media post, Sung said he sees opportunities to increase collaboration between academic institutions in the two cities
A former Chinese University president and gastroenterologist hailed as an “Asian hero” during the Sars epidemic in 2003 has been appointed as the medical dean of Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and will move to the city state next year.
Joseph Sung Jao-yiu, 60, took the helm of Chinese University as its president and vice-chancellor in 2010, after years spent in teaching and research, before deciding to step down in 2017.
The gastroenterology scientist, who called Hong Kong his “sweet home forever” in a social media post on Tuesday, said he was both sad and excited about the move, but added he did not view it as truly leaving Hong Kong, as his family would be staying in the city.
Sung, who served as associate dean of Chinese University’s medical faculty before becoming president, had remained with the faculty as a professor, and currently serves as director of two key research entities, including the institute of digestive disease.
He was best known outside Hong Kong as the lead doctor during the city’s fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) in 2003, for which Time magazine dubbed him an “Asian hero” for his contributions.