Honorary University Fellows

Citation for Dr E K Yeoh written and delivered by Dr Gabriel M Leung at the Honorary University Fellowships Presentation Ceremony on December 15, 2005:

Clinician, public servant, trailblazer, but first and foremost an outstanding medical alumnus and honorary professor of this University: Yeoh Eng Kiong served with distinction and honour as Hong Kong’s first Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, first medically qualified Secretary for Health and Welfare, and later first non-civil servant Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food under the political accountability system.

Yeoh was born in Ipoh, Malaysia. After spending his formative years at St. Michael’s Institution in his hometown, he enrolled in the University and was elected President of the Student Union in 1968 and graduated in 1971. Known for his keen intellect, brilliant clinical skills, patient bedside manners and strong advocacy for social justice, Yeoh quickly rose through the ranks to become consultant physician at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in 1979. He spent the next 11 years championing the clinical management of the then newly emerging HIV/AIDS epidemic and the liver disease burden associated with infectious hepatitis.

In 1990, Yeoh laid down his stethoscope and instead prescribed a systematic series of transformational changes to Hong Kong’s public hospital system, leading to the establishment and flourishing of the Hospital Authority since. His vision of a patient-centred, outcome-oriented organization providing seamless integrated care for all has set a new standard to which many health care agencies from around the region now aspire.

In a palindromic way, it was another novel emerging infectious disease that became Yeoh’s final challenge in his 34- year public service career. As Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, he tackled SARS with characteristic energy, dedication and passion. He led Hong Kong through one of its most difficult hours and has been rightfully praised in all corners of the international medical community for his leadership, tenacity and professionalism. While the retrospectoscope always gives 20/20 vision post hoc, history will remember Yeoh as a true leader who has demonstrated compassion and resolve, wisdom and understanding, integrity and commitment.

From a public health doctor, on a public health doctor, with pride and honour, Mr Pro-Chancellor, I present to you, Dr Yeoh Eng Kiong for the Honorary University Fellowship.