Press Releases

With the generous support from Dr. Liu Yung Chau & Madam Chen Yuan Rita Charity Foundation, CUHK Medical Centre (CUHKMC) has introduced the locally developed Sentire® Surgical System, and launched the Robotic Surgery Subsidy Scheme, subsidising 200 patients receiving surgeries using the surgical system. In recognition of Dr. Liu Yung Chau and Madam Chen Yuan Rita’s donation, CUHKMC has named a surgery theater “Liu Yung Chau & Chen Yuan Rita Robotic Surgery Centre,” marking a significant milestone in CUHKMC’s development of smart healthcare and minimally invasive surgery. 

CUHKMC supports local innovation and technology by taking the lead in introducing the locally developed Sentire® Surgical System. Since its introduction to CUHKMC, over 160 surgeries have been performed, with about 90 of them subsidised. The surgical robot is currently one of the most complex robotic-assisted surgical platforms independently developed in Hong Kong. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine) received the HKSAR Government’s InnoHK funding support and established the Multi-scale Medical Robotics Center in 2020. Since August 2022, CU Medicine has been collaborating with Cornerstone Robotics to conduct clinical trials on the Sentire® Surgical System, covering colorectal surgeries, urological surgeries, and upper gastrointestinal surgeries. 

Professor Dennis Lo Yuk Ming, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CUHKMC, expressed his gratitude to Dr. Liu Yung Chau and Madam Chen Yuan Rita for their support, said, “The locally developed Sentire® Surgical System exemplifies the integration of medical and engineering expertise into advanced clinical application, fully demonstrating the advantages of combining medicine and engineering. The innovation enhances surgical precision and develops a better treatment experience for patients. It also empowers our clinical teams to manage complex cases with greater confidence, marking a major milestone in Hong Kong’s medical innovation.”

Professor Anthony Chan Tak Cheung, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Alumni/Community Engagement and Institutional Advancement) of CUHK, said, “This donation represents far more than hardware enhancement. The introduction of an advanced robotic system into clinical practice establishes a comprehensive platform for training and research, benefiting both healthcare professionals and junior surgeons. It will drive continued advancement in robotic surgery and minimally invasive surgery, ultimately extending its benefits to a wider patient population. This initiative embodies a progression from education, research to clinical application that all stakeholders have long aspired to achieve.” 

Dr. Liu Yung Chau, Chairman of Huashang Technology and Education Group, said, “CUHKMC has always been dedicated to advancing medical progress and serving the health of the community. As a member of Hong Kong society, I firmly believe that supporting local innovation is the most effective way to give back. It is my hope that this system will protect the well-being of more patients, inspire more local innovation, and create more moments of pride for Hong Kong — enabling these achievements to take root, flourish, reach the world, and benefit humanity.”

Dr. Chung Kin Lai, Chief Executive Officer of CUHKMC, said, “‘CUHK Leads – Transforming Research into Care’ is more than solely a slogan, it is our mission. This robotic system has progressed from the laboratory to the operating theatre, and now into the community, demonstrating how research can directly benefit patients. Dr. Liu’s generous donation is also an integral part of this mission. Looking ahead, we will continue to utilise this technology to deliver more surgeries that are precise, safe, and affordable for patients.” 

A 70-year-old patient, Mr. Cheung, underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer earlier this year. The surgery was successful, the procedure went smoothly, and his recovery was satisfactory. He said, “With the generous support of the donor, I received a subsidy for part of the surgical cost, which allowed me to receive the treatment earlier. The new surgical technology, together with the professional care of the medical team, has been very helpful to my recovery.” 

Sentire® Surgical System is currently applied in urology and general surgery and will be extended to multiple specialties in the future, including gynecology, thoracic surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery, and cardiology. Compared to traditional surgery, robotic surgery offers smaller incisions for faster recovery, reduces blood loss, and lowers complication risks. Meanwhile, minimally invasive endoscopic surgical instruments allow surgeons to operate with enhanced flexibility as well as a clear and sharp visibility which ensures safe and precise surgery. 

The CUHK research team is currently investigating embodied AI using this robotic system. In the future, embodied AI will be able to serve as co-pilot with surgeons in making the most appropriate clinical decisions for safe performance of complex robotic surgeries.