New Hong Kong Ambassador and initiative
On 23 November 2017, several university and business leaders, philanthropists, scientists and clinicians, gathered at a special event at Government House in Perth for several exciting announcements.
The evening also paid tribute to the Perron family and our patrons Mr Stan Perron AM, Professor Lyn Beazley AO FTSE and Dr Ken Michael AC. Our patron in chief, Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC, Governor of Western Australia, hosted the evening and announced some exciting news for the institute.
“Mr Hans Michael Jebsen has graciously agreed to his appointment as Perron Institute Ambassador to Hong Kong, willing to advocate for the Perron Institute.” Her Excellency said.
Mr Jebsen (pictured top left) is Chairman of the Jebsen Group in Hong Kong and known and respected internationally as a business leader and philanthropist. His many accolades include an appointment as an Honorary Fellow of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
The second announcement, initiated by Mr Jebsen, involves the institute developing a new collaborative partnership with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. In particular with the Key State Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology headed by Director and neuroscientist Professor Nancy Ip. It is hoped this partnership will lead to a broader relationship with leading scientists in Hong Kong dedicated to working toward neurological translational research outcomes.
“This breaks new ground for neuroscience in Western Australia, and supports our strong belief in the concept of sharing research challenges to benefit more people sooner,” Her Excellency said.
Mr Jebsen acknowledged the institute’s leading capabilities and emphasised the strength of collaboration across oceans.
“Western Australia’s Perron Institute has already demonstrated its solid international standing in translational research breakthroughs,” Mr Jebsen said.
The drug for Duchenne muscular dystrophy that we heard about from Professors Steve Wilton and Sue Fletcher offers enormous promise for the further development of therapies to treat a range of other neurological and neuromuscular diseases,” Mr Jebsen said.
I am a firm believer in the power of working together to achieve real success – the success that contributes to the greater good of our world,” Mr Jebsen said.
Professors Wilton and Fletcher acknowledged the support from both Murdoch University and The University of Western Australia, their team including many PhD students as well as the many researchers and clinicians across the institute.
Professor Wilton also acknowledged the support of Mr Torsten Ketelsen, Perron Institute Board member and Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, and responsible for connecting the Perron Institute with Mr Jebsen.
Mr Jebsen was presented with a framed honorary award by Emeritus Professor Alan Robson AO CitWA, Chair of the Perron Institute, who went on to thank all of our Perron Institute supporters and team at the institute.
Pictured: Hans Michael Jebsen, Governor Sanderson, Torsten Ketelsen,Perron Institute