M.U.S.T.-CTC Plaque Unveiling Ceremony
The Macau University of Science and Technology-Clinical Trial Centre (M.U.S.T.-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 was officially launched in the afternoon of 19th September 2023, at Block R Lobby, M.U.S.T.
The officiating guests for the plaque unveiling ceremony were: Dr. Choi Peng Cheong, Director of the Pharmaceutical Supervision and Administration Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Mr. Gong Zhiming, Director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of Macao SAR Government; Mr. Che Weng Keong, President of the Administrative Committee of Science and Technology Development Fund of the Macao SAR Government; Dr. Kuok Cheong U, Deputy Director of the Health Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and the Director of the Centro Hospitalar Conde de São Januário (CHCSJ); Ms. Ung Pui Kun, Hospital Director of the Macao Kiang Wu Hospital; Professor VAN Iat Kio, President of the Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macao; 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 Kwong Hang TAM, Chief Director of the M.U.S.T. 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 the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine; Mr. Kwong Ying Wa, Vice-President of M.U.S.T.; and Professor Manson Fok, President of the University Hospital and the Dean of the 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 (M.U.S.T.-CTC) was established with the aim 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 center will help to enhance the level of clinical research, promote the translation and transfer of high-value scientific research achievements to the 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 Kwong Hang TAM Delivered a Speech
Chair Professor Paul TAM, Chief Director of the Macau University of Science and Technology-Clinical Trials Centre (M.U.S.T.-CTC) and 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 Macao, the 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. The establishment of the M.U.S.T.-CTC, the first clinical trial center in Macao, is a joint effort of many partners in 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 Macao's inaugural clinical trial center and extended congratulations on behalf of the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau to M.U.S.T. 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 the 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 the 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 M.U.S.T.'s adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards during clinical trials, thereby encouraging the advancement of medical research and innovative drug development in Macao. Director Choi believes that M.U.S.T.-CTC would foster collaboration between industry, education, and research, aligning with the Macao SAR's goal of achieving economic diversification. The Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau eagerly anticipates future collaborations with M.U.S.T.-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 expertise in science, ethics, regulation, as well as management. M.U.S.T. owns the first to date, the only medical school in Macao, and clinical research is an indispensable part of the research component. The establishment of the CTC is a disruptive move that will give a strong boost to the medical research at M.U.S.T., the University Hospital, and Macao as a whole. In line with the Central Government's development plan for the Greater Bay Area, the collaboration between M.U.S.T.-CTC and HKU-CTC will create tremendous synergy and accelerate the development of the Greater Bay Area as the center for biomedical innovation, research, and development. The University of Hong Kong congratulates the establishment of the M.U.S.T.-CTC and looks forward to seeing more influential clinical studies and valuable research results, benefiting Macao, the country, and the world.
Officiating Guests of the Plaque Unveiling Ceremony.
From Left: Che Weng Keong, Gong Zhiming, Choi Peng Cheong,
Liu Chak Wan, Joseph Hun-wei Lee, and Paul Tam Kwong-Hang.
Our distinguished guests who attended the ceremony included: Chair Professor Zhu Yizhun, Associate Vice-President and Director of the School of Pharmacy of M.U.S.T.; Professor Aliana Leong Man Wai, Associate Vice-President and Dean of the School 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 the Faculty of Chinese Medicine of M.U.S.T.; Dr. Yung Ka Kun, Hospital Director of the Macau Yin Kui Hospital; Mr. Xie XuBin, Deputy Hospital Director of the Macau Kiang Wu Hospital; Dr. Valencia Chang, Vice-President and Administrative Director of the University Hospital, Executive Director of the M.U.S.T. 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; and Dr. Milly Ng, Vice-President (Academic) of the Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, among others.