Freddie and his determination to stand up to insurmountable challenges will live long in HKU students’ memory.
Aug 2014
HKU pharmacy graduate Freddie Ng (伍庭發) (BPharm 2013) passed away in December 2013, but his bravery in the face of a terminal illness won everybody’s heart. The University is exceedingly proud of Freddie, and his determination to stand up to insurmountable challenges makes him a role model to youngsters in Hong Kong.
Shortly before he was due to take his A-levels, Freddie was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer. The nerves of his right hand had to be excised. Although Freddie tried hard to write with his left hand, he was still unable to sit for his examinations. However, Freddie never gave up and went knocking on universities’ doors. Thanks to his passion for medicine, the HKU Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy made a special exception and admitted him.
Freddie battled against his illness throughout his university life. With a strong will and great persistence, he graduated with First Class Honours and won 3 out of 4 awards of the Pharmacy Department:Eisai Prize in Clinical Pharmacy, Jacobson Prize in Pharmaceutical Science and Professor Paul M Vanhoutte Prize. At the Congregation, the entire audience gave him a standing ovation out of sincere respect for his determination.
The journey of the 22-year-old’s life ended shortly after the Congregation but his legacy has just begun. Freddie left his prizes money in a bequest to the “Ng Ting Fat Education Foundation” established by his family. The Foundation seeks to perpetuate Freddie’s spirit and support students who are facing extreme difficulties in life. It also received funds raised from the “Tribute to Freddie” concerts, which will be allocated to the HKU Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, La Salle College, and the Ng Ting Fat Scholarships.
The TF Ng Improvement Award in Pharmacy has also been established at the University by his family. 3 students have been awarded for showing significant improvement in their academic performances in 2013-2014.
Official Page of Freddie Ng: http://ngtingfat.com/
At the Congregation, although very weak, Freddie received his graduation certificate and awards with his own hands. Photo Source: Faculty Graduation and Prize Ceremony 2013, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (http://www.med.hku.hk/grad2013/)
The cover of the “Tribute to Freddie” concert house programme features illustration of Freddie and his dad by famous comic artist Khoo Fuk-Lung.
