Future HKU head should be a good leader: lawmakers

The future president of the University of Hong Kong would be expected to possess excellent management skills, leadership qualities and academic achievements, according to lawmakers.

Their remarks came after the university’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Xiang Zhang, announced he would step down in 2028 after serving in the role for 10 years.

Lawmaker Chan Hok-fung, who's also a member of the HKU court — the university’s supervisory and legislative body — thanked Zhang for his contribution.

He hoped the next president would be familiar with national development and Hong Kong’s situation, while possessing exceptional management skills with a global vision and connections.

Another lawmaker, Judy Chan, hoped the future HKU head would possess the academic and leadership qualities needed to succeed in the job.

Lawmaker Tang Fei, who represents the education sector, said the HKU president position would be attractive to global scholars due to the university’s reputation and Hong Kong’s efforts to develop a university town in the Northern Metropolis.

Tang also hoped the next president would bring high-quality research projects and laboratories to the SAR to boost the university town development.

Mervyn Cheung, chairman of the Hong Kong Education Policy Concern Organisation, told RTHK that Zhang is an outstanding university head, proven by HKU’s achievements under his leadership

He added the next HKU president should lead reforms while possessing management skills.

“I think the new leader must be able to coordinate the development of the university, and at the same time, resolve conflicts in the process with especially the senior management level of the institution,” Cheung said.

“He or she must also be able to embrace new ideas, with the courage and capability to introduce reforms in the traditional teaching modes, so the students can be better prepared for the future world, including their careers.”

Edited by Tony Sabine ...