Hong Kong university picks new leader over the objections of students and staff
Governing council unanimously opts for US-based vice-chancellor despite concerns over his ability to defend the institution’s autonomy
Chinese University has chosen an internationally renowned scientist as its new vice-chancellor despite opposition from students, staff and alumni who fear he will not be able to protect its institutional autonomy.
Dr Norman Leung Nai-pang, chairman of the university’s governing council, announced on Tuesday night that it had unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Rocky Tuan Sung-chi, a Hong Kong native, in a meeting.
Tuan will begin his term on January 1 next year for a period of six years. Current vice-chancellor Joseph Sung Jao-yiu will step down at the end of the year and resume his role as professor of medicine and therapeutics.
Speaking to reporters following his appointment, Tuan quickly hit back at critics’ claims that he was not familiar with the city by proudly declaring that he was “made in Hong Kong” despite leaving for the US as a teenager to pursue university education.
“Even though I’ve been away [in the US] for many decades, I’ve always had a hope in my heart that one day I [will] have the opportunity to come back to my hometown to serve society and institutions of higher education. And now this dream of mine has come true,” he said.