A NEW milestone in academia–industry collaboration was marked today with the signing of a contract agreement between Professor Kelvin Leung, Head of the Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and Datuk Ch’ng Huck Theng, executive director of Ghee Hiang Manufacturing Co Sdn. Bhd, one of Malaysia’s oldest and most iconic food manufacturing companies.
The partnership, funded by Ghee Hiang Manufacturing Co Sdn Bhd, will spearhead innovative research into the neuroprotective effects of bioactive compounds enriched in premium sesame oil extracts. The project, led by Prof Catherine Hor Hong Huan, Department of Chemistry, HKBU, seeks to advance fundamental understanding of how natural dietary ingredients contribute to brain health and disease prevention, with the potential to open new scientific and clinical avenues in functional foods and nutraceuticals.
The contract signing ceremony was witnessed by distinguished guests, including Madam Intan Zalani, Trade Commissioner of MATRADE Malaysia from the Consulate General of Malaysia, Hong Kong; Prof Jade Shi, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science, HKBU; Prof Kelvin Leung, Head of the Department of Chemistry, HKBU; Prof Aik Wei Shen, representative of the Malaysia Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong & Macau) and Faculty member of the Department of Chemistry, HKBU; as well as Prof Cheah Kok Wai, Emeritus Professor of Physics at HKBU and a renowned Malaysia-born scientist.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Hor emphasised the significance of the collaboration: “This partnership embodies the power of academia–industry synergy. Drawing on the heritage and authenticity of premium sesame oil extracts and the scientific expertise at HKBU, our project promises to deliver transformative insights into brain health, benefitting both science and society.”
Ch’ng highlighted Ghee Hiang’s longstanding commitment to innovation and quality. “As a company with over 165 years of heritage, Ghee Hiang is proud to support cutting-edge research that not only strengthens the scientific value of sesame oil extracts, but also contributes to better health outcomes for future generations,” Ch’ng said.
This landmark collaboration symbolises a bridge between tradition and science, reinforcing the shared mission of HKBU and Ghee Hiang to harness the power of natural products for human well-being.
Founded in 1856, Ghee Hiang is one of Malaysia’s oldest and most iconic food manufacturers, internationally recognised for its sesame oil and pastries rooted in heritage craftsmanship, authenticity, and innovation.
HKBU, established in 1956, is a leading liberal arts university in Asia, renowned for excellence in research, scholarship, and creativity across a spectrum of disciplines, with a strong commitment to serving society through innovative partnerships and knowledge transfer.
Pix courtesy of Ghee Hiang Manufacturing Co Sdn Bhd