Explainer | Chinese University of Hong Kong dropped its new crest after a week. Here is all you need to know about the saga
- University president Rocky Tuan has been criticised for his handling of the redesign with lawmakers calling for an independent inquiry
- Students and alumni did not appreciate the new crest with many blaming a lack of consultation for the negative reactions
The Chinese University of Hong Kong has ditched its new crest a week after it was introduced following an outcry from the pro-establishment camp which accused the management of bypassing the governing council on the redesign.
Three lawmakers, who also sit on the school’s decision-making council, have demanded an independent investigation to look into the saga, as they pointed their fingers at the leadership of the president, Rocky Tuan Sung-chi, who showed sympathy towards protesting students during social unrest in 2019 and secured his term renewal until 2027 despite opposition from the legislators.
Here’s what you need to know about the controversy.
1. Why did CUHK change its emblem?
On October 17, CUHK said it launched “a brand refresh” including a new look for the university logo as it prepared to mark its 60th anniversary.
“As we prepare for the advent of our new ‘Jiazi’ (a sixty-year cycle), we have thought carefully with our stakeholders about the journey we have travelled and how we can build on our strong heritage to future-proof the CUHK brand over the decades to come,” said President Tuan.
It is the fourth time for CUHK’s emblem to have a new design since the University’s establishment in 1963. The second oldest university in the city also held an exhibition on the “Evolution of CUHK’s Emblem” on campuses but it was suspended after the emblem controversy erupted.
