In memory of Prof. Tam Sheung-wai (1934-2021) - Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

In memory of Professor Tam Sheung-wai

1934-2021

Professor Tam Sheung-wai, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry, passed away peacefully on 1 January 2021 at the age of 86. He was born in 1934 in Hong Kong, graduated with a B.Sc. degree and a M.Sc. degree from The University of Hong Kong in 1958 and 1961, respectively. In 1964, he obtained his Ph.D. degree from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom.

Professor Tam returned to Hong Kong in 1965 and started his academic career in the Department of Chemistry, CUHK as Lecturer. Since then, he had a distinguished career at CUHK for more than 30 years. He was Reader in 1978-81 and Professor of Chemistry in 1982-95, and became Emeritus Professor of Chemistry since his retirement in 1995. We were indeed honoured to have Professor Tam as a member of our chemistry community.

Being an outstanding chemist, Professor Tam played a pivotal role in the synthesis of natural products featuring a dibenzocyclooctadiene skeleton, as well as the use of iron carbonyl complexes in organic synthesis. He was equally devoted to teaching, and nurtured an immense number of brilliant students. He was deeply loved by his colleagues and students.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Professor Tam, an outstanding chemist, a beloved teacher as well as a good friend. May Professor Tam rest in peace across the rainbow bridge. His kindness, dedication and enthusiasm will forever live in our heart.