(January 22, 2022)

Mr. Cheah See Kian, President of Malaysia Silk Road Society,

Mr. Anwar Fazal, Chairman of Dr. Wu Lien-Teh Society,

Dear guests and friends,

Good morning!

It is a great pleasure to join all of you to attend the Wu Lien-Teh International Forum cum Launching of Publication of “Biography of Wu Lien-Teh”. First of all, on behalf of the Consulate General of China in Penang, I would like to extend warm congratulations to the publication of Mr. Cheah See Kian’s monograph and the organizers for holding this event!

Dr. Wu Lien-Teh was born in Penang, and he was an outstanding representative of the Chinese community in the field of modern medicine. He was a world-renowned expert in preventive medicine and epidemic prevention. He was a pioneer in China’s epidemic prevention, quarantine, medical education, hospital management and medical exchanges. He was the first to introduce traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to the international community. During the 30 years from 1907 to 1937, he made great contributions to the development of modern medicine in China. Especially during the pneumonic plague that broke out in northeastern China in 1911, he led the epidemic prevention personnel and took less than four months to put an end to the unprecedented infectious disease, saving the lives of tens of millions of people. Beyond this, Dr. Wu Lien-Teh was also one of the founders of the Chinese Medical Association and was appointed as the first and second president of the Association. He was in charge of the founding of more than 20 hospitals and medical schools, such as the Northeast Army General Hospital, Harbin Special Medical School (the predecessor of Harbin Medical University), Peking Central Hospital (now Peking University People’s Hospital Baitasi Campus), etc. The profound influences of these achievements can still be seen today, becoming a great story of China-Malaysia friendship. Dr. Wu Lien-Teh was always proud to be a Chinese, and his heart belonged to the motherland. Dr. Wu truly practiced the great spirit of scientific innovation, sincere patriotism, and selfless dedication that he always preached and so he is deeply admired and respected by all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation, both at home and abroad.

At present, the COVID-19 pandemic is still rampaging across the world. It poses a serious threat to people’s safety and health, and exerts a profound impact on the economy. Ending this once-in-a-century pandemic has become an urgent task for the international community. In the face of the complex COVID-19 situation, at the 2022 World Economic Forum Virtual Session, Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out that countries are not riding separately in some 190 small boats, but are rather all in a giant ship on which our shared destiny hinges. Strong confidence and cooperation represent the only right way to defeat the pandemic. China upholds the spirit of joint efforts, openness, and cooperation, remains committed to making COVID-19 vaccines a global public good, and takes concrete actions to advance the building a global community of health for all with practical actions. At present, China has provided more than two billion doses of vaccines to over 120 countries and international organizations. That means one out of two vaccines administered around the world was made in China. 

China and Malaysia are neighbors facing each other across the sea. There is a long history of friendly exchanges between the two countries. The two peoples have always helped each other during disasters and difficulties. Especially confronted by the once-in-a-century pandemic, the governments and the peoples of China and Malaysia have supported each other and joined hands to fight the pandemic, demonstrating precious friendship of sharing weal and woe. The two sides donated anti-epidemic supplies to each other, and conducted in-depth cooperation in areas such as vaccine cooperation. The traditional friendship between China and Malaysia is growing with vigorous dynamism. 

“Biography of Wu Lien-Teh”, a monograph by Mr. Cheah See Kian, introduced the life of Dr. Wu Lien-Teh in the form of critical biography based on detailed and accurate historical materials, and vividly describes his fight against the plague in northeastern China. Dr. Wu Lien-Teh’s successful experience has provided valuable references for the global fight against the pandemic that is happening now. I hope that through today’s exchanges and discussion, you will enrich and carry forward the spirit of Dr. Wu Lien-Teh, sow the seeds of peace, build a bridge of friendship, and dedicate greater efforts and contributions to enhancing the health and wellbeing of the peoples of China and Malaysia. 

Lastly, I wish this event a complete success. As the traditional Chinese festival – the Spring Festival is approaching, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all Happy Chinese New Year, good health, family happiness, and all the best in the Year of the Tiger. 

Thank you!