The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announced here Thursday that it will set up Joint Eye Center in Beijing with Tsinghua University of the mainland.

Hong Kong Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund, Tsinghua University and the CUHK signed a memorandum of understanding here Thursday to announce their joint effort to set up the William Mong Eye Center of Tsinghua University and the CUHK.

The Joint Eye Center will be located in adjacent to the newly- built Affiliated Hospital of Tsinghua University. The Center is expected to be in full operation in mid 2008.

Fund needed for establishing the Joint Eye Center is around HK$70 million (about US$9.04 million). Initial funding donated by Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund will be around HK$30 million.

Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences of CUHK Professor Dennis S.C. Lam said that the Center will keep abreast of the latest development in science and technology that will bring hope and sight to the people in need in the mainland.

"The center will become a major training and skill-transfer platform for eye doctors in the mainland. Our vision is to achieve international excellence in ophthalmology and visual sciences," he added.

Vice-President of Tsinghua University Professor Cen Zhangzhi also said that the collaboration rode on the strengths, the expertise and the reputation of Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund, Tsinghua University and the CUHK.

Officiating at the signing ceremony also included Chairman of Shun Hing Group William M. W. Mong and Vice-Chancellor of CUHK Professor Lawrence J. Lau.

(Xinhua News Agency June 30, 2006)