Chinese University of Hong Kong can still climb heights of academia despite Tuan decision
- Sudden resignation of university chief Rocky Tuan Sung-chi opens door for someone who may continue the good work of the Hong Kong institution
For a university that often comes under the political spotlight, the sudden resignation of Rocky Tuan Sung-chi – just days into a second term at the helm – is bound to fuel much speculation. But his exit also opens the door for Chinese University (CUHK) to look for a new president, who hopefully, may turn a new page for the troubled institution.
Tuan stopped short of elaborating on his decision to step down, but said he would stay on for another year to ensure a smooth transition.
“As the new governance structure is implemented following the amendment of the CUHK Ordinance, I believe now is an opportune moment for the university to search for a new vice-chancellor and president,” he said.
Tuan’s departure has raised more than political eyebrows. The 72-year-old had just begun a new three-year term despite long-standing criticism in some quarters of his relationship with student protesters during the 2019 social unrest.
It also came weeks after the university council reached a surprise decision to immediately sack his deputy, Eric Ng Shu-pui, who signed a petition against the proposed restructuring of the governing body and was accused of sending out an agenda for a meeting without the chairman’s consent.
Tuan has been no stranger to controversies in recent years. His support for protesters and calls for independent investigations into alleged police abuses and other issues arising from the social unrest made him a target of political attacks.
Last year, citing illness, he did not attend any meetings with lawmakers scrutinising an amendment bill paving the way for long overdue reform of the university council.
But the world-renowned biomedical scientist is to be commended for his contribution to the pursuit of academic excellence at CUHK, which was placed sixth in the region in the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings last year, its best performance. It also rose to 38th in the QS World University Rankings last year, its highest ranking in a decade, before dropping to 47th this year.
The Education Bureau has also praised CUHK for driving innovation in scientific research and providing channels for enterprises to recruit quality talent under Tuan’s leadership.
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It is indeed unfortunate that CUHK has been embroiled in a series of political controversies over recent years. Notwithstanding some setbacks that could have been better handled, it remains one of the finest universities in the region, particularly for its success in medical research and contributions to the preservation of Chinese culture.
It is to be hoped that the university may eventually leave its troubled past behind and continue to scale academic heights under new leadership.
