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The Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund, established in 1987 to commemorate the former Governor, aims to encourage the education of or research by the people of Hong Kong. This year, two HKU PhD students, Siu Wa Chui and Wing Lam—both year 1 PhD students from the School of Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine—were presented with the prestigious Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowship and Scholarship 2024/25 and received a one-off grant of HK$50,000.

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Siu Wa Chui
Year 1 PhD student from the School of Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine

“I am deeply grateful and honoured to be awarded the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowship, a recognition that fuels my passion for advancing medical research through technology. My PhD research focuses on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a pressing global health challenge affecting nearly one-third of the world's population. Unfortunately, the silent progression of MASLD means many patients are diagnosed only at advanced stages, when irreversible liver damage has already occurred. Current diagnostic gold standards, such as liver biopsy, are invasive and impractical for widespread screening, underscoring the need for innovative, non-invasive alternatives. 

“To address this, my research leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to automate histopathological liver slide analysis, aiming to enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve patient stratification, and facilitate early intervention. By integrating AI-driven imaging with panoramic multiomics analysis, I hope to develop a highly precise and reproducible diagnostic system, particularly tailored for Asian populations, who exhibit unique disease characteristics compared to Western counterparts. 

“Receiving this fellowship is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the significance of applying AI in medical research for real-world impact. I am incredibly grateful to the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund, Professor Xu, and my research team for their unwavering support. This recognition strengthens my commitment to translating cutting-edge research into meaningful healthcare advancements. I look forward to contributing to a future where technology-driven solutions enable early detection, precision medicine, and personalised healthcare for patients worldwide.”

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Wing Lam
Year 1 PhD student from the School of Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine

“I embarked on my research journey in haematology a few years ago, which inspired me to pursue a PhD degree. My research focuses on investigating the potential effects and treatment mechanisms of a novel targeted therapy for acute myeloid leukemia, with the goal of enhancing its translational development and expanding treatment options for patients. I am truly honoured to receive this fellowship, which serves not only as a recognition but also provides me with invaluable support. It encourages me to delve deeper into my research, to stay passionate, and to make meaningful contributions to the field. I would like to express my gratitude to my supervisor, Professor Anskar Y.H. Leung, and HKU for the opportunities and support.”