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Education in Hong Kong
Opinion
SCMP Editorial
Editorial
SCMP Editorial

Next HKU chief will need more than academic stature, administrative skills

The city aims to become an education hub in line with the national five-year-plan even as the geopolitical environment remains complicated

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The main building of the University of Hong Kong in Pok Fu Lam on June 17. The university’s vice-chancellor has announced he will step down at the end of his term in 2028. Photo: Karma Lo
SCMP Editorial
Editorials represent the views of the South China Morning Post on the issues of the day.
Xiang Zhang’s decision to leave the helm at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in 2028 marks more than a routine leadership transition. It signals the start of a new chapter at one of the region’s most prestigious universities, while opening a window for new thinking and synergy as the city strives to become an education and talent hub under the national five-year development blueprint.

Announcing his move in an email to the university community, Zhang said he realised that it was time for HKU to embrace fresh ideas and for a new president to guide transformation amid challenges brought by artificial intelligence. “I remain a scientist and a professor at heart. I yearn to return to my laboratory, to answer profound scientific questions, and to make a societal impact,” he said.

The 62-year-old will step down as president and vice-chancellor of HKU upon completing his second five-year term in 2028. The announcement leaves ample time for a global hunt for a successor.

Despite Zhang’s conflict with the university’s then council chairwoman in 2023-24 over some management issues, HKU has continued to do well in global rankings. The city is moving to a new stage of development. While the internal political environment has stabilised, geopolitics has become more complicated. Hong Kong-mainland integration has also deepened. The new environment will continue to shape the conditions under which HKU recruits scholars, builds partnerships and competes for global standing.

The new leader will, therefore, need more than academic stature and administrative competence. While he or she will inherit a university that remains globally recognised, academically strong and deeply embedded in Hong Kong’s identity, there are also growing expectations for the higher education sector to contribute more to the city and the country. This is especially important as the national five-year development plan has made education and talent strategic priorities. That gives HKU both new opportunities and obligations.

It is to be hoped that the new president can further enhance the university’s global performance, attract and nurture foreign and local talent, and serve as a bridge between the city, the country and the wider world in the next stage of development.

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