Chinese University of Hong Kong president Rocky Tuan quits, cites ‘opportune’ time after governing council overhauled
- In highly unusual move, Tuan submits resignation letter week after new three-year term began, saying time is right following adoption of new governance model
- Tuan, who oversaw university as it climbed up international rankings but also became embroiled in controversy, to stay on for year to ensure smooth transition
Rocky Tuan Sung-chi has resigned as head of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) just days after starting a new three-year term, following a contentious overhaul of the institution’s governing body.
Confirming an earlier Post report, Tuan on Tuesday said he was quitting because of changes to how the university was governed after lawmakers passed an amendment to the ordinance that covered the school’s operations in November.
“I believe now is an opportune moment for the university to search for a new vice-chancellor and president,” the internationally known biomedical scientist said.
Tuan, who oversaw the university as it climbed up international rankings of tertiary institutions but also became embroiled in controversy, submitted his resignation letter to the council’s chairman on Monday.
The move was highly unusual as Tuan, who took up the top job in 2018, began his new term on January 1, but he said he would stay on in the role for one year to “ensure a smooth transition”.