The Plaque Unveiling Ceremony of Macau University of Science and Technology Clinical Trial Centre (MUST-CTC) Successfully Held

Plaque Unveiling Ceremony of the MUST-CTC

The Macau University of Science and Technology-Clinical Trial Centre (MUST-CTC) launched by the Medical Science Division of the Macau University of Science and Technology and supported by the University Hospital and the University of Hong Kong Clinical Trial Centre has been officially launched in the afternoon on the 19th September, 2023 at Block R Lobby, MUST.

The officiating guests for the plaque unveiling ceremony were: Dr. Choi Peng Cheong, Director of the Pharmaceutical Supervision and Administration Bureau of Macau SAR Government; Mr. Gong Zhiming, Director of Education and Youth Development Bureau of Macau SAR government; Mr. Che Weng Keong, President of Administrative Committee of Science and Technology Development Fund of Macau SAR Government; Dr. Kuok Cheong U, Deputy Director of the Health Bureau of the Macau SAR Government and the Director of Centro Hospitalar Conde de São Januário (CHCSJ); Ms. Ung Pui Kun, Hospital Director of Macau Kiang Wu Hospital; Professor VAN Iat Kio, President of Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau; Mr. Henry Yau Kwong-chi, Managing Director of the University of Hong Kong Clinical Trials Centre; Dr. Liu Chak Wan, Chancellor and Chairman of the University Council of M.U.S.T.; Chair Professor Joseph Hun-wei Lee, Vice Chancellor and President of M.U.S.T.; Dr. Chen Ji Min, Secretary General of the University Council of M.U.S.T.; Chair Professor Paul Tam Kwong-Hang, Chief Director of MUST Clinical Trials Centre and Vice President of M.U.S.T.; Chair Professor Jiang Zhihong, Vice President of M.U.S.T. and the Director of State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines; Mr. Kwong Ying Wa, Vice President of M.U.S.T., and Professor Manson Fok, President of University Hospital and the Dean of Faculty of Medicine of M.U.S.T..

President Joseph Hun-wei Lee delivered a speech

The President of M.U.S.T., Chair Professor Joseph Hun-wei Lee mentioned in his speech that The Macau University of Science and Technology-Clinical Trials Centre (MUST-CTC) is established with the aims to align with the policy of the State and the SAR government in promoting the development of the 'great health' industry, to advance the integration of medical education, scientific research and clinical practice, and to contribute to the strategic development of the University and the region. The newly established centre will help to enhance the level of clinical research, promote the translation and transfer of high-value scientific research achievements to industry, and nurture application-oriented talents in medical research, industry engagement and research consultancy services for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the whole country.

Chair Professor Paul Tam Kwong-Hang delivered a speech

Chair Professor Paul Tam, Chief Director of the Macau University of Science and Technology-Clinical Trials Centre (MUST-CTC), Vice President of M.U.S.T. delivered a speech. He pointed out that the ceremony is a milestone in our journey to advance medical science and improve the lives of millions of people in Macau, Greater Bay Area, and the entire world. Clinical trials are essential for testing the safety and efficacy of new drugs, devices, and therapies, before bringing them to the market. Establishment of the MUST-CTC, the first clinical trial center in Macau, is a joint effort of many partners in the academia, the industry, the government, and the community. The clinical trial center will be equipped with the expertise and most advanced facilities, technology, and staff to conduct high-quality, ethical, and rigorous research.

Director Choi Peng Cheong delivered a speech

Director Choi expressed his excitement at witnessing the establishment of Macau's inaugural clinical trial center and extended congratulations to MUST on behalf of the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau. He also underscored the pivotal role clinical trials play in ensuring the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals, medical treatments, and public well-being. Clinical trials bridge the gap between scientific research and clinical applications in healthcare. Director Choi also emphasized that the creation of Clinical Trails Centre marks a significant milestone in the development of local medical research and will bolster the growth of local clinical research. He highlighted that Clinical Trials Centre will be instrumental in translating scientific research achievements into advancements in medicine, pharmacy, and science, while also nurturing local clinical research professionals. The Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau places great importance on the management of clinical trials, with a commitment to ensuring the safety and rights of trial participants and patients. They fully support MUST's adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards during clinical trials, thereby encouraging the advancement of medical research and innovative drug development in Macau. Director Choi believes that MUST-CTC would foster collaboration between industry, education, and research, aligning with the Macau SAR's goal of achieving economic diversification. The Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau eagerly anticipates future collaborations with MUST-CTC to contribute to the protection and promotion of public health and medical research.

Managing Director Henry Yau Kwong-chi delivered a speech

Managing Director Henry Yau mentioned in his speech that clinical research has become globalized and the requirements are becoming more and more stringent. The establishment of the Clinical Trial Centre allows researchers to commit to clinical research. The Centre is not just a laboratory, it also represents the expertise in science, ethics, regulation, as well as management. The M.U.S.T. own the first and to date, the only medical school in Macau and clinical research is an indispensable part in the research component. The establishment of CTC is disruptive move that will give a strong boost to the medical research at the M.U.S.T., the University Hospital, and in Macau as a whole. In line with the Central Government's development plan for the Greater Bay Area, the collaboration between the MUST-CTC and the HKU-CTC will create tremendous synergy and accelerate the development of the Greater Bay Area as the centre for biomedical innovation, research, and development. The University of Hong Kong congratulates the establishment of the MUST-CTC and looks forward to seeing more influential clinical studies and valuable research results, benefiting Macau, the country and the world.

Officiating guests of the Plaque Unveiling Ceremony.

Starting from the left: Che Weng Keong, Gong Zhiming, Choi Peng Cheong,

Liu Chak Wan, Joseph Hun-wei Lee, Paul Tam Kwong-Hang.

Our distinguished guests who attended the ceremony included: Chair Professor Zhu Yizhun, Associate Vice President and Director of School of Pharmacy of M.U.S.T.; Professor Aliana Leong Man Wai, Associate Vice President and Dean of Liberal Arts of M.U.S.T.; Professor Mo Hui, Director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine; Professor Zeng Li, Dean of Faculty of Chinese Medicine of M.U.S.T.; Dr. Yung Ka Kun, Hospital Director of Macau Yin Kui Hospital; Mr. Xie XuBin, Deputy Hospital Director of Macau Kiang Wu Hospital; Dr. Valencia Chang, Vice President and Administrative Director of University Hospital, Executive Director of the MUST Clinical Trials Centre of M.U.S.T.; Dr. Creany Wong, Deputy Managing Director of the University of Hong Kong Clinical Trials Centre, Professor Su Zhongzhen, Vice President of The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Dr. Milly Ng, Vice President (Academic) of Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, etc.