Don’t rely only on government, top Hong Kong oncologist Tony Mok tells young researchers in innovation, technology sector

A top Hong Kong oncologist who has recently been conferred a prestigious international award has said local researchers need to rely on their own efforts to create a favourable environment for their work.

Professor Tony Mok Shu-kam, chairman of Chinese University’s department of clinical oncology, said he agreed the research scene in Hong Kong had improved in recent years, with the government recognising the field of innovation and technology as one of the city’s economic pillars.

“There has been more money invested and voices in this area. This is a change,” said Mok, 58, a lung cancer expert. “Hong Kong is no longer only about property and finance.”

The government earlier this year announced to set aside HK$50 billion to support innovation and technology development, including funds for establishing research clusters.

Mok last month received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the European Society for Medical Oncology for his work in lung cancer research – the first Chinese bestowed the honour.

While some researchers have previously lamented the lack of government funding for universities, Mok said he believed that the administration, while important, should not be the only side relied on for resources.

“The government can help facilitate the process and make life easier for us. But the responsibility is on us to fight for the resources we need,” he said, noting that funding could come from donations or from pharmaceutical firms.