January 1, 2021 – Professor Sheung-Wai Tam, OBE, GBS, JP, Council Member Emeritus of The Shaw Prize (2004 – 2013) and President Emeritus of The Open University of Hong Kong (1995 – 2003), passed away in Hong Kong at the age of 87.

Professor Tam was widely recognized for his many contributions towards the development of distance education in Hong Kong. With more than 30 years’ experience in teaching, research and university administration at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (1965 – 1995), Professor Tam has attained many achievements in higher education and demonstrated excellence in teaching and research in natural products, mass spectrometry and organometallic chemistry. For his significant contributions to open and distance education, Professor Tam was awarded the Prize of Excellence for Individuals (International Council for Open and Distance Education) in 2001 and the Meritorious Service Award (Asian Association of Open Universities) in 2002, and honorary degrees: Hon D Univ (OUHK) 2002, Hon D Sc (OUHK) 2006, (Nottingham U) 2008, and Hon U Fellow (CUHK) 2011.

The Shaw Prize Foundation sends most sincere condolences to his beloved family.