University of Hong Kong reveals provost won two extensions amid retirement contract controversy
- Paul Tam Kwong-hang secured rare approval to continue in his position for eight years beyond retirement age of 60
- Staff have complained of difficulty winning retirement contracts and say decision-making process is far from transparent
The University of Hong Kong has revealed that the professorship of a senior manager was extended twice beyond retirement age for a total of eight years, after complaints from staff about difficulties and a lack of transparency in securing contracts post-60.
HKU told the Post the rare move to prolong the career of interim provost Paul Tam Kwong-hang until 2020 was “in the best interests of the university”, but academic staff called on the institution to be more forthcoming on the decision-making process for post-retirement appointments.
The university released details of Tam’s reappointments on Saturday after the Post discovered he was 66 years old and pressed HKU for full disclosure.
“I have no idea what criteria have been used in the whole process. The standards applied to different applicants seem different,” said Dr William Cheung Sing-wai, the university’s academic staff association chairman.
Cheung said it was very rare for a professor to win approval for full-time work beyond the age of 65.
The policy has been called into question after renowned HKU scholars failed to secure contract renewals or were only given short-term posts. Many eventually joined other universities.
