Chiu 'ideal leader' for medical faculty

Ayra Wang

Associate dean Philip Chiu Wai-yan is expected to take over the reins at Chinese University's faculty of medicine starting February 1, becoming its ninth dean.

Chiu will fill the shoes of Francis Chan Ka-leung, who has been serving as dean for more than a decade.

Chiu yesterday said it was an "honor and a privilege" for him to be appointed as the new dean.

"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the search committee and the entire faculty for their support and trust in me," he said.

"In the coming months, I will be meeting with different stakeholders, actively listening to their expectations and suggestions for the faculty," Chiu said.

"In the years to come, I will work closely with students, staff, alumni and different sectors of the community to contribute to the health of the mankind."

In announcing the appointment, university council chairman John Chai Yat-chiu said Chiu is the "ideal leader" for the faculty due to his outstanding surgical skills and renowned academic achievements.

"He is passionate about his alma mater, has a profound understanding of the faculty and the local health-care system, and is also well respected by the academic community both locally and globally," Chai said.

He added that Chiu could also lead the faculty in its exploration of more opportunities in innovation and technology.

University president Rocky Tuan Sung-chi said Chiu will lead the faculty to greater achievements.

"His stellar track record as a clinician-scientist, coupled with his strong leadership experience, position him as the ideal candidate to lead the next chapter of the faculty of medicine's development," Tuan said.

"I have every confidence that Chiu will take the faculty to new heights to see it become an even stronger global leader in clinical excellence and education over the years ahead," he added.

Francis Chan congratulated Chiu and hoped he can guide the faculty to "unparalleled heights."

Chiu graduated from CUHK's faculty of medicine in 1994 and became a fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine in 2001. He received his doctorate in medicine from CUHK in 2009.

He is currently associate dean (external affairs) at the faculty; professor and chief of division of upper gastrointestinal and metabolic surgery; director of the Multi-Scale Medical Robotics Center supported by InnoHK; director of the Endoscopy Centre; and director of CUHK Chow Yuk Ho Technology Centre for Innovative Medicine.