Dr Thein (sixth from left) with fellow Malaysians in Hong Kong. Photo by Ng Wai Hong
HONG KONG: Professor Dr Thein Swee Lay became the first Malaysian to win the Shaw Prize (Life Science and Medicine) in Hong Kong.
Dr Thein, a Universiti Malaya (UM) graduate, shared the prize with Dr Stuart Orkin, who is the David G. Nathan Distinguished Professor of Paediatrics at Harvard Medical School.
They picked up the prize for their discovery of mechanisms underlying the fetal-to-adult haemoglobin switch, making possible revolutionary therapies for sickle cell anaemia and thallasemia.
Universiti Malaya (UM) alumni and fellow Malaysians in Hong Kong gathered to celebrate Dr Thein's win with her on Thursday evening (Nov 14).
"The most important thing is to enjoy what you do.
"If not, it is not the right job," said Dr Thein, when asked about the secret to her success.
Dr Thein, who graduated from UM with a medical degree in 1976, is originally from Kuala Lumpur.
She did her postgraduate studies in Oxford before moving to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Maryland, the US for her present job.
Malaysian Chamber of Commerce president Datuk KC Gan, who hosted the gathering, said: "As a fellow UM alumni and Malaysian, we are very proud and thrilled that Swee Lay has won this award."
Malaysian Consul-General in Hong Kong Muzambli Markam said Dr Thein’s success shows that nothing is too hard for anyone if we try to make the best of what we do.
Long-time Hong Kong resident and former The Star journalist Datuk Seri Cheah Cheng Hye said it takes talent, drive and focus to get the Shaw Prize.
Fellow alumni also celebrated UM's rise in rankings this year.
It now ranks 12th in the QS Top Asia Universities 2025.
The Shaw Prize was established under the auspices of Run Run Shaw in 2002 and was first presented in 2004 to honour individuals who have recently achieved a significant breakthrough in academic and scientific research and whose work has resulted in a positive and profound impact on mankind.
The Shaw Prize consists of three annual prizes in Astronomy, Life Science and Medicine, and Mathematical Sciences, each bearing a monetary award of US$1.2mil.
