5th June 2024 – (Hong Kong) Amid an ongoing governance crisis at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), the Council has once again faced scrutiny for bypassing Vice-Chancellor Zhang Xiang and approving several interim deputy vice-chancellor appointments without consulting him.
This move has prompted the government to instruct the Education Bureau to investigate and report on the issue. In response, Zhang Xiang has written a letter to the university staff, strongly criticizing the Council’s actions and accusing them of violating established procedures. He expressed his disappointment at the university’s management, stating that they were unaware of these decisions. Zhang Xiang further condemned the Council’s behaviour, stating that it undermines the century-old cornerstone of academic autonomy at the University of Hong Kong. He emphasised the importance of finding a resolution to protect the university’s dignity and stability, as well as its ability to attract global talent.
Today, Zhang Xiang made his first public appearance since the governance controversy erupted. He attended the inaugural ESG Forum of HKU Jockey Club Enterprise Sustainability Global Research Institute. During the event, he was seen alongside the newly appointed interim deputy vice-chancellor for business, Professor Cai Hongbin, who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics. The interaction between Zhang Xiang and Cai Hongbin appeared cordial, with a brief exchange between them. Throughout the forum, Zhang Xiang wore a smile, suggesting a positive mood. However, after the event concluded, Zhang Xiang and the other attendees promptly left without addressing questions from the reporters present.
It is worth noting that the initial interview notice indicated that Chairman of the Council, Priscilla P.S. Wong, would attend the event and have a photo opportunity with Zhang Xiang. However, given the strained relationship between Zhang Xiang and the Council following the governance controversy, a subsequent interview notice issued on 3rd June omitted Priscilla P.S. Wong from the list of attendees. Additionally, Professor Cai Hongbin, who did appear, was not listed initially.
Furthermore, the appointment of the new interim deputy vice-chancellors differs from previous practices, as it was announced by the Council rather than the university administration. HKU has yet to provide an official response to these developments, and it was only on 4th June that the university’s website updated its “Leadership Team” page. However, the Chief Executive Officer’s page on the HKU website remains unchanged, resulting in two versions of the governance list being displayed simultaneously.
