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The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is honoured to receive a generous donation of HK$1 million from the Tsz Shan Monastery in support of the ‘Ashoka Tree’ Youth Personal Growth Programme established by the Department of Psychology, with the objective of improving the mental wellness of youth through learning Buddhist theories and practicing ‘Chanwuyi’ (‘Chan’ means enlightenment; ‘Wu’ means Kung fu; ‘Yi’ means healing).  A donation ceremony was held recently, officiated by Venerable Thong Hong, Abbot of Tsz Shan Monastery and Prof. Joseph Sung, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK.  Prof. Fanny Cheung, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of CUHK, as well as distinguished guests from the Tsz Shan Monastery, also joined the ceremony.  Prof. Agnes Chan, Director of the Chanwuyi Research Center for Neuropsychological Well-Being, Department of Psychology, introduced to the guests details of the ‘Ashoka Tree’ Youth Personal Growth Programme.

In April 2016, Tsz Shan Monastery and CUHK jointly organized a two-day ‘Zen Meditation Training Programme’ with the participation of more than 130 university students and members of staff.  Carrying on the success of the programme, the ‘Ashoka Tree’ Youth Personal Growth Programme will be launched with an aim to promote mental and physical well-being of youth aged 7 to 23 through learning Buddhist theories and practicing Chanwuyi.  Selected participants will start a nine-month training in October. 

Prof. Joseph Sung said in his welcoming address, ‘I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Venerable Thong Hong and the Tsz Shan Monastery for their generosity in support of our endeavours in promoting mental health and research in neuropsychology.  It is believed that the “Ashoka Tree” Youth Personal Growth Programme will help students achieve a peaceful mind by practicing Chanwuyi.  It can also help reduce their stress level and enhance their learning capacity.’ 

In his speech, Venerable Thong Hong highlighted the importance of promoting all-round development of youth, a vision shared by both the Tsz Shan Monastery and CUHK.  ‘Through practicing Chanwuyi, students will be able to develop a peaceful mind in the face of challenges.  It will also help them cultivate virtues and find happiness in life,’ he said. 

About Tsz Shan Monastery

Tsz Shan Monastery is a Chinese Buddhist monastery established by Mr. Li Ka-shing, Chairman of CK Hutchison Holdings Limited and Cheung Kong Property Holdings Limited, who as of mid-2015 has contributed over HK$1.7 billion from his personal Foundation to cover the development and daily operating costs of the Monastery.  Since its establishment, Tsz Shan Monastery has been dedicated to serving society through organizing Dharma talks and lectures, spiritual practices, experiential programmes, educational activities and community services.

‘Ashoka Tree’ Personal Growth Programme: www.chanwuyi.org/page459

Source: Communications and Public Relations Office, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

The Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has established Hong Kong’s first dementia prevention research centre - the Therese Pei Fong Chow Research Centre for Prevention of Dementia - through a generous donation from Ms. Therese Pei Fong Chow. The aim of the Centre is to prevent or delay onset of dementia through innovative research and education, and develop and promote effective preventive strategies or treatments. In addition, the Centre has set up a website allowing the public to find nearby centres with dementia services on a point-to-point mapping system and acting as a hub for self-assessment. 

Dementia affects one in every ten older adults in Hong Kong and is a major threat to the quality of life of patients and their families. With the rapidly ageing population in Hong Kong, the number of older people with dementia is estimated to rise dramatically from about 100,000 in 2009 to over 330,000 in 2039. This increase urgently calls for effective measures for prevention and treatment of this disease. 

Strengthen dementia research in the Chinese population; Identify high-risk subjects 

Chinese people differ significantly from Western people in genetic makeup, lifestyle, and educational attainment, but still much of dementia research comes from the West and therefore there is a great need for more research in dementia prevention among Chinese people. 

There is good evidence to show that dementia can be prevented.  Brain pathologies of common dementing diseases, namely Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral small vessel disease and Parkinson’s disease, have recently been found to harbour in the brain for around 10-15 years before the emergence of symptoms. Simple and valid methods to identify these high-risk subjects and clinical trials targeting this pre-dementia stage are urgently needed.

Dementia Prevention through Research and Education 

Donor Ms. Therese Pei Fong Chow, addressing the opening ceremony of the Centre, said, ‘A couple of my family members have dementia, which lead me as a layman to learn about the cause of this affliction.  This is the basis of my donation in support of the Research Centre for Prevention of Dementia at CUHK, in memory of my brother Donald Huk Keung Chow.’

The four major objectives which the Therese Pei Fong Chow Research Centre for Prevention of Dementia is set to serve are: 

1. to identify novel risk or protective factors of dementia and Parkinsonism;
2. to identify biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer’s and cerebral small vessel disease;
3. to evaluate potential effective interventions to prevent dementia; and
4. to educate the public on preventive measures against dementia.  

Prof. Vincent Chung Tong MOK, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at CUHK and Director of the Therese Pei Fong Chow Research Centre for Prevention of Dementia said, ‘Research is the key to understanding the causes of dementia and to advancing our ways to prevent it.’ 

The Centre will conduct multidisciplinary research to understand the causes of dementia, to derive new assessment methods and to examine novel interventions, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, on the prevention and treatment of dementia. These studies combine advanced digital technology with sophisticated brain imaging methods to understand the interface between medicine, psychology, lifestyle and environment with cognition. 

Prof. Timothy Chi Yui KWOK, Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at CUHK and Co-Director of the Therese Pei Fong Chow Research Centre for Prevention of Dementia said, ‘A major project of ours is to follow over 1,000 older people in their eighties for incidence of dementia through a cohort study started 14 years ago. We therefore have detailed information about these people over a long period of time. From this unique study, we shall be able to identify modifiable factors, for example, diet, physical activity, sleep pattern and so on that can predict dementia in Chinese people.’ Another major focus of our research will be to investigate environmental influence, such as indoor or outdoor pollution and green space, upon risks of dementia. 

Education is another key activity of the Centre. Dr. Adrian WONG, Research Assistant Professor, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at CUHK and Executive Member of Therese Pei Fong Chow Research Centre for Prevention of Dementia explained, ‘We work with the community, professionals and educators to achieve the goal of dementia prevention. We shall provide education activities for the public, from students to older people, to increase their awareness and understanding of dementia as well as to share with them evidence-based methods to prevent dementia. We also conduct training workshops for professionals working with elderly people.’ 

A One-Stop Platform for self-assessment, service finding, research and education 

On top of the work on research and education, the Centre has set up a website (http://cog.mect.cuhk.edu.hk) to reach out to everyone. The service finding function covers a database of almost 400 directories of NGOs and Elderly Care Centres in Hong Kong, allowing the public to find nearby centres with dementia service on a point-to-point mapping system.

The website also serves as a hub for the public to do self-assessment, and to gain knowledge of dementia and the research carried out by the Centre.  A social media platform has also been set up to keep the public up-to-date. 

High cost of social care for dementia patients; Early prevention helps reduce  financial burden on society 

In Hong Kong, the total cost of social care for people with dementia was estimated to be HK$12 billion per year in 2010.  This amount is projected to increase by 250% in the coming 25 years.  Prof. Joseph SUNG, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK said, ‘The generous donation from Ms Therese Chow, we believe, will realise the visionary steps taken by the Chinese University to generate useful insights into dementia prevention, and enhance clinical care for patients, so helping reduce the burden on society, patients and their families.’

Source: Communications and Public Relations Office, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

The International Summer School of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), which draws students from all over the world every year, is launching an inaugural ‘Chinese Art and Culture Month’ for the 400 foreign students attending the Summer School this year. The University is honoured to have the generous support of the Qin Jia Yuan Foundation Limited, co-founded by Dr. Philip WONG Yu-hong and Dr. Anita LEUNG Fung-yee, in introducing this ‘Chinese Art and Culture Month’.  It will comprise a series of Chinese traditional art and cultural performances and seminars, conducted by renowned Chinese artists, to give students an in-depth and interactive experience of Chinese culture.  The upcoming sessions from 6-13 July on Chinese folk arts, guzheng, kunqu, cantonese opera and Chinese folk songs are open to members of the public.  Free admission.  For details of upcoming events and online registration, please visit: www.ws.cuhk.edu.hk/student-information/chinese-art-and-culture-month?lang=en. 

The opening ceremony was held today (6 July) at the Yasumoto International Academic Park in CUHK, attended by Prof. Joseph J.Y. SUNG, Vice-Chancellor, CUHK; Dr. Anita LEUNG, Co-Founder and Life Honorary Chairman, Qin Jia Yuan Foundation Limited; Dr. Philip WONG, Co-Founder and Life Honorary Chairman, Qin Jia Yuan Foundation Limited; Prof. FOK Tai-fai, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, CUHK; Prof. Joseph Wan-yee LAU, Master, Lee Woo Sing College, CUHK; and Prof. WONG Suk-ying, Associate Vice-President, CUHK, as well as the 400 students of the International Summer School.  In addition to a Sichuan face-changing show that amazed the audience during the ceremony, the students were also excited to be writing Chinese calligraphy with Professor Sung who showed them the beauty of Chinese characters. 

Prof. Joseph Sung, Vice-Chancellor, CUHK, remarked, ‘This year’s International Summer School stands out from previous years, in that it's the first time we are having a “Chinese Art and Culture Month” – a series of Chinese cultural performances and heritage-related activities, tailor-made for all the lucky students here coming from different parts of the world.  We must give our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Philip Wong and Dr. Anita Leung.  Without their vision and generous donation, this colorful Chinese Art and Culture Month would not have been possible.’ 

The ‘Chinese Art and Culture Month’ is organized by Lee Woo Sing College of CUHK.  A series of art and culture activities is being rolled out during the July session of the CUHK International Summer School, allowing students abroad to appreciate the different facets of Chinese culture.  The programme features excellent performances of Kunqu, Peking Opera, Cantonese Opera, Chinese folk music, Chinese music, movie and dance by renowned masters and artists, including the China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe, Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe, Kunqu performer Dr. Koo Ti-hua, national class one perfomer Mr. Wang Lijun, renowned Jiangnan painter Mr. Ji Quanbao, the world’s leading Chinese guzheng artist Dr. Lunlun Zou, and the daughter of the grandmaster of Cantonese Opera Ms. Pak Kui-wing, Ms. Pak Suet-mui.  Some students will also visit Guangzhou to see the architecture and heritage, including Bruce Lee’s home, taste the most authentic Cantonese cuisine,and mix with the people there. 

Dr. Anita Leung is a distinguished CUHK alumna and has never ceased to support her alma mater.  Sharing the vision of CUHK to promote Chinese culture and nurture future leaders, Dr. Leung generously supported the ‘Chinese Art and Culture Month’ and invited Dr. Alice Lam, a prominent banker and community leader, to be the programme’s Honourable Advisor, and Ms. Karen Mok, a famous actress and singer-songwriter who has enjoyed phenomenal success worldwide, to be its Cultural Ambassador. 

Prof. Joseph Lau, Master, Lee Woo Sing College, CUHK, said, ‘Our College places great emphasis on both the intellectual and cultural development of the students.  We have hosted various large-scale art and cultural events on campus, and we are excited about introducing this Summer Programme, which has invited renowned Chinese artists to come to Hong Kong to promote the beauty of Chinese art and culture to hundreds of foreign students through lectures and performances.  We look forward to organizing more art and cultural activities for students abroad and promoting understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture around the world.’ 

The vision of CUHK is to combine tradition with modernity, and bring together China and the West.  Every year since 2004, CUHK has been organizing the International Summer School with a view to bringing hundreds of young achievers from different cultures to learn and grow together in this amazing city of Hong Kong.  With CUHK’s firm roots in Chinese culture and Hong Kong’s extraordinary position at the crossroad between mainland China and the world, we have a perfect environment in which to cultivate international students’ interests in Chinese culture.  The Summer School offers courses of various disciplines, including Business, Chinese Medicine, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Humanities, and Social Science, many drawing a focus on China.  The School also offers Chinese language in Putonghua and Cantonese, allowing students to better understand the Chinese culture through language.  The Summer School draws on expert international and local faculties to impart academic knowledge to students and, at the same time, encourages the exchange of ideas between students from different cultural backgrounds.  An equally consequential component of the success of the International Summer School is the immersion and cultural programmes which provide opportunities for students to experience the local culture.  The wide range of cultural field trips exploring diverse corners of Hong Kong, together with cultural immersion activities exploring local scenes, will no doubt enable students to gain a better understanding of Hong Kong and traditional Chinese culture on all fronts. 

Prof. WONG Suk-ying, Associate Vice-President, CUHK said, ‘Over the past 13 years, the CUHK International Summer School has accomplished significant growth in depth and breadth.  Annual international student enrolment numbers have multiplied from a mere 19 to 650, with a total enrolment of over 6,600 students over the years.  Academic offerings have increased from a handful to some 20 courses.  Complemented by the extensive programmes in the “Chinese Art and Culture Month” sponsored by Dr. Wong and Dr. Leung this year, the Summer School students will not be short of opportunity to understand and appreciation Chinese arts and culture.’ 

This year, a total of 650 students enrolled in the CUHK International Summer School (for all June, July and August sessions), coming from universities in 34 countries and regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Sweden, Austria, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Ireland, Poland, South Korea and Switzerland.  The unique experience of enjoying such a wide array of traditional Chinese culture and arts in a summer programme is second to none.

Source: Communications and Public Relations Office, The Chinese University of Hong Kong