HKUST Receives Over HK$10 Million Donation to Launch Sinovac Fellowship Program  

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has received a generous donation of US$1.5 million (approximately HK$11.7 million) from Sinovac Foundation. The funding will be used to establish the “Sinovac Fellowship Program” to nurture talents in life sciences through supporting promising faculty scholars in enhancing their research achievements, thereby driving the advancement of medical technology. 

A donation ceremony was held on HKUST campus yesterday, attended by distinguished guests including Mr. YIN Weidong, Chairman, President and CEO of Sinovac Holding Group Co., Ltd. and Founder of Sinovac Foundation, Ms. WANG Nan, Chief Financial Officer of Sinovac  Holding Group Co., Ltd., Prof. Nancy IP, HKUST President, Prof. TAM Kar-Yan, Vice-President for Administration and Business and Acting Vice-President for Institutional Advancement, and Prof. LO Yuk-Lam, Strategic Advisor to the HKUST President. 

Mr. Yin Weidong, Founder of Sinovac Foundation, said, “Biotechnology is developing rapidly, and human demand for health is enormous. Sinovac Fellowship Program is designed to guide our researchers in focusing more on the increasing healthcare needs of our country and beyond, and to transform more scientific discoveries into scientific contributions." 

Prof. Nancy Ip, President of HKUST, stated, "The foundation's generous donation not only reflects its recognition of HKUST's achievements in scientific research, but also demonstrates its confidence in the future development of life sciences in Hong Kong. Over the years, HKUST has made significant strides in life science basic research, clinical applications, and public health. However, translating research outcomes into clinical applications often requires substantial resources. The newly established Sinovac Fellowship Program provides staunch support for our scholars, allowing them to continuously seek breakthroughs through interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaborations in life sciences and cutting-edge biomedicine, develop more innovative solutions in the healthcare field, and contribute to Hong Kong in becoming an international health and medical innovation hub." 

Prof. Lo Yuk-Lam, who has played a pivotal role in facilitating this donation, said, "By producing over 3 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses, Sinovac has made an indelible mark in the global pandemic fight. This generous donation not only reflects Sinovac’s unwavering commitment to supporting researchers and scientists but also highlights the company’s dedication to innovation and confidence in the future. We believe that this funding will inspire the dreams of more aspiring scientists, foster groundbreaking research breakthroughs and drive progress for society." 

With the aim of supporting young faculty in conducting cutting-edge research in areas such as life sciences, biomedical sciences and biotechnology, while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the Sinovac Fellowship Program will provide funding support to 13 faculty members from the Division of Life Science. Each selected fellow will receive funding of HK$300,000 annually for three years. A dedicated committee will be set up by the University to select and appoint suitable fellows for the program.