​The Department of Health (DH) today (February 11) announced that Dr Queenie Wong, a Plant Taxonomist at the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute (GCMTI) of the DH, has been awarded the prestigious title of "Qi Huang Young Scholar" by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (NATCM) following a rigorous selection process. She is the first DH officer to receive this national honour.
      
     The NATCM selects around 100 Chinese medicine practitioners, scholars and researchers across the country every three years. Candidates must be under 45 years old, demonstrate high professional standards, and show capabilities in preserving tradition and driving innovation in Chinese medicine. It nurtures and supports these scholars in conducting pioneering research in Chinese medicine. This year, two scholars from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) were honoured with the title: Dr Wong and Professor Lisa Xian, Assistant Professor of the School of Chinese Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, extended his heartfelt congratulations to both recipients.
          
     Dr Wong has served in the DH for nine years. Dr Lam said, "Dr Wong has devoted herself to the micro-morphological identification of Chinese medicines (CM), combining the strengths of traditional macroscopic techniques with modern microscopic identification methods. Her work has enabled the GCMTI to establish an innovative, practical, and accurate identification system that helps the industry authenticate genuine CM and promotes their safe use. Her selection as a 'Qi Huang Young Scholar' from numerous applicants nationwide not only affirms her outstanding research achievements but also underscores the HKSAR's potential to become an international centre for CM testing and quality control. The GCMTI, which commenced services in phases late last year, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that will undoubtedly provide greater support for Dr Wong's research endeavours in the future. Leveraging Hong Kong's strengths, she will contribute to serving the country's needs and, together with the GCMTI's scientific team, advance the development of Chinese medicine for the health and well-being of all."
      
     Expressing her gratitude, Dr Wong said she is deeply honoured to be nominated by the DH and selected nationally as a "Qi Huang Young Scholar". She acknowledges the huge responsibilities that come with the title and looks forward to collaborating with fellow scholars to conduct innovative research under the NATCM's guidance, contributing to the inheritance and advancements of Chinese medicine in the country. She also aspires to further elevate the research capacity in Chinese medicine in Hong Kong and promote co-operation between the HKSAR and the Chinese Mainland.
      
     Since its establishment, the GCMTI has aligned closely with the national strategy for developing Chinese medicine, adopting a three-pronged approach of "technologies, standards and talents" to drive high-quality development in Chinese medicine. Dr Wong firmly believes that the GCMTI will continue to inject new momentum into the sector, serving as a vital support for Chinese medicine's global advancement and better integrating into the country's overall development.
      
     The GCMTI brings together experts from multiple disciplines and has long been committed to establishing internationally recognised reference standards and testing methods for CM. By promoting technology transfer, it has enhanced the quality control and identification capabilities of the CM industry and testing sector. The GCMTI has gained widespread recognition in the industry and internationally, particularly for establishing Hong Kong's leading position in the field of micro-morphological identification of CM.
      
     Micro-morphological identification involves using instruments or high-power magnifying glasses to observe minute surface features of CM that are difficult or impossible to discern with the naked eye (see Annex). These features serve as identification criteria, supplementing traditional macroscopic identification methods. For CM with similar morphology, micro-morphology provides additional distinguishing features to differentiate visually similar species. To promote the use of this simple, easy and cost-effective micro-morphological identification, the GCMTI has conducted specific research in this area and developed practical identification methods tailored for real-world applications to address challenges commonly encountered by the industry.
      
     With the phased commissioning of its permanent building since late last year, the GCMTI's advanced technology and equipment will further enhance the development of CM's testing methods and standards, supporting the comprehensive, high-quality development of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong.

Ends/Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:20

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