Prof Lam to get alumnus award
ACADEMICIAN Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Lam Sai Kit of Universiti Malaya has been awarded the University of Queensland (UQ) International Alumnus Award of the Year 2019. University president and vice-chancellor Prof Peter Høj made the announcement on the award.
The University of Queensland Alumni Awards recognise a broad range of leaders who have made exemplary contributions in fields ranging from science to social enterprise. According to UQ, Prof Lam has been at the forefront of infectious viral disease research for more than 40 years.
He is best known for heading the medical team that discovered the Nipah virus, which resulted in the containment of a severe encephalitis outbreak in Malaysia in 1999. His research into dengue and other major viral diseases has been recognised worldwide because of the significant impact on public health globally.
“We are proud to present this award to Prof Lam in honour of his outstanding contributions made to medical and infectious disease research,” said Prof Høj.
This is the latest accolade received by Prof Lam. In 2005, he was awarded France’s Knight of the National Order of Merit by the French President; the Prince Mahidol Award for Public Health by the King of Thailand in 2001; the Japan Nikkei Asia Prize for Technological Innovation in 2002, and one of the most prestigious awards in Malaysia, the Merdeka Award, which he won twice, once with his Nipah team in 2008 and individually for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement in 2013.
Prof Lam obtained his Master of Science from the University of Queensland in 1963. UQ is ranked 47th in the 2020 QS World University Rankings and has maintained its global reputation for creating positive changes by delivering knowledge leadership for a better world.
The university has a community of more than 278,000 alumni who are making a positive impact as leaders within their communities and professions in Australia and around the world.
“I am truly humbled and honoured to be recognised by my alma mater more than 50 years after I left UQ.
“I am glad my research has enabled me to contribute towards the betterment of society and this provides me an immeasurable joy and a sense of fulfilment,” said Prof Lam.
The awards will be presented at the annual “Courting the Greats” ceremony in the Brisbane City Hall on Oct 16.