Chinese University of Hong Kong governing body ‘disappointed’ over handling of logo redesign

Council chairman reveals emblem redesign cost HK$4 million and president Rocky Tuan had said he would bear responsibility for affair

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The Chinese University of Hong Kong campus. The new emblem, which was later shelved, immediately drew criticism from council members, former city leader Leung Chun-ying, alumni and students. Photo: Eugene Lee

Published: 10:25pm, 29 Jul 2024Updated: 1:55am, 30 Jul 2024

The governing body of the Chinese University of Hong Kong has expressed its “disappointment” in the school management’s handling of a contentious redesign of the institution’s logo, saying president Rocky Tuan Sung-chi would bear all responsibility for the affair.

Council chairman John Chai Yat-chiu made the comments on Monday evening after the body was presented with an external consultant’s second report on the controversy over the redesign. The logo was changed as part of a band “refresh” to mark the university’s 60th anniversary.

Chai disclosed HK$4 million (US$512,350) was spent on the redesign, with most of the money going to consultation fees paid to an international branding consultancy.

The new emblem, which was later shelved, immediately drew criticism from three lawmakers who were also university council members, former city leader Leung Chun-ying, alumni and students.

Some slammed the university management for undertaking the overhaul without consulting the council or carrying out consultations.

Chai said the council was “disappointed” with the judgments of management and it “could not accept” the lack of cooperation in reviewing the project.

Tuan also told a council meeting in October 2022 that as the top leader of the university he would accept overall responsibility for the project, Chai said.