Chow (centre) admiring the exhibition on Dr Wu Lien-Teh at Penang Institute. Among those present are Dr Zhong (left), Anwar (holding a walking stick) and Dr Noor Hisham (on Anwar’s right). — Buletin Mutiara
Chinese professor receives Penang award for leadership named after renowned Plague Fighter
RENOWNED public health expert Prof Dr Zhong Nanshan has received the 4th Dr Wu Lien-Teh Award for Leadership in Public Health, in recognition of his contributions to global health.
Dr Zhong, a Chinese national, said the honour reflected the enduring collaboration between nations and a shared commitment to public health.
“I am deeply moved to stand in the footsteps of Dr Wu Lien-Teh, a son of Penang whose pioneering work bridged nations and saved countless lives.
“By honouring leaders who embody Dr Wu’s courage and compassion, you ignite a beacon for future generations to follow.
“This award reaffirms my resolve to uphold his ethos of service, science and solidarity,” Dr Zhong said at a ceremony held at the Penang Institute in Jalan Brown, George Town.
Dr Zhong, who is director of Guangzhou National Laboratory and National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, China, was recognised for his role in combating SARS and Covid-19, reported Buletin Mutiara.
He received the prestigious award from Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Dr Wu Lien-Teh Society Penang president Datuk Seri Dr Anwar Fazal at the event.
Bronze bust of Dr Wu at Penang Institute in Jalan Brown. — Filepic
In his address, Chow said Dr Zhong’s dedication to scientific excellence, his courage in challenging prevailing narratives and his ability to communicate crucial public health information helped save countless lives.
“His work has not only transformed public health in China but has also provided invaluable lessons for Malaysia and the rest of the world.
“Dr Zhong embodies the very values that Dr Wu championed, making him a most deserving recipient of this award,” he said.
Chow also commended the society for working tirelessly to ensure that Dr Wu’s legacy continued to inspire people.
The late Dr Wu, a former Penang Free School student, pursued medical studies in England and was later credited for his groundbreaking efforts in combating the Manchurian plague (1910-1911), earning him the title “Plague Fighter”.
Adding a personal touch to the occasion, Dr Zhong expressed his delight at meeting his former teacher Pauline Barr, 78, who taught him English when he studied in England 45 years ago.
Pauline and her husband, Joe, who now reside in Langkawi, Kedah, made the journey to Penang after learning of Dr Zhong’s visit.
Others present were former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Penang State Speaker Datuk Seri Law Choo Kiang, state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and state sports, youth and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi.
'I am deeply moved to stand in the footsteps of Dr Wu Lien-Teh, a son of Penang whose pioneering work bridged nations and saved countless lives.' - Prof Dr Zhong Nanshan
Also present were vice-consul general of China in Penang Ding Qiao, newly appointed Dr Wu Lien-Teh Society Penang advisers Datuk Seri Cheah Cheng Hye and Loke Gim Tay, as well as Penang Institute executive director Datuk Dr Ooi Kee Beng.
At the ceremony, Chow also honoured former national Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, who received the inaugural award in 2022 for his leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ooi said the Penang Institute had taken steps to honour Dr Wu’s legacy, including establishing the Dr Wu Lien-Teh Medicinal Herbs Garden in its compound.
The institute is a founding member of the Dr Wu Lien-Teh Society Penang and has housed a bronze bust of Dr Wu since June 2016.
“The institute has always considered health matters to be central to the well-being of Penang’s population.
“We are a regional centre for medical tourism, and favourite retirement destination for people from all over the world. We are also an innovative technological centre producing some of the world’s most modern biotech equipment,” Ooi added.
The award ceremony was followed by the 9th Dr Wu Lien-Teh Annual Public Lecture, where Dr Zhong and Dr Noor Hisham were the featured speakers.
The lecture, titled “From SARS to Covid-19: 20 Years’ Lessons of Coronavirus Infection”, included reflections on Malaysia’s challenges in combating the pandemic.
