University of Hong Kong president pledges support for students at inauguration one day after dead body found on campus
HKU president and vice chancellor Zhang Xiang addresses issue at his first inauguration ceremony for freshmen
One day after a professor was arrested over a dead body found in his office, the University of Hong Kong welcomed new students to campus with its newly-minted president promising to help them and staff cope with the tragedy.
Speaking at an inauguration ceremony for first-year students at HKU’s campus in Sai Ying Pun on Wednesday, its president and vice chancellor Zhang Xiang said many students would have heard of the death.
Without naming the professor, Zhang said: “I’m sure you are as saddened and shocked as I am.”
Zhang, who took office last month, said the details were uncertain but the university would offer support to all students and staff.
“Our thoughts are with those who are affected and the university will be providing the necessary assistance to them at this very difficult time,” Zhang said to the more than 1,300 staff and students attending the ceremony at Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre’s grand hall.
On Tuesday, it emerged that associate professor Cheung Kie-chung from the department of mechanical engineering had been arrested over the suspected murder of his wife.
