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Sammy Heung

A renowned scientist picked as the next head of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has said the varsity is “back on track for greater things” after the 2019 social unrest, as he signalled plans to mend ties with its students and governing council.
The governing council voted unanimously on Friday in favour of appointing molecular geneticist Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, the sole candidate for the job.
The decision paves the way for him to succeed Professor Rocky Tuan Sung-chi as president and vice-chancellor on January 8.
Lo told the media that he and the council would be “one family” when it came to serving the university, adding he would maintain frequent communications with students.
Asked about CUHK being referred to as “rioters’ university” during the social unrest, he said that the institution had turned over a new leaf.
“What happened in 2019 was unprecedented for the university,” he said. “I think that now we are actually having a new beginning. I believe that the university is actually back on the track for greater things.”
Lo said his five-year term as president would see him focus on the fundamental tasks of promoting academics and education, as well as seeking to communicate with and listen to students.
The academic also voiced support for the student union to be re-established, stressing that any such move should be done in accordance with the relevant procedures and regulations.
After taking office, he would assist students in completing the union’s registration under the Societies Ordinance and drafting its constitution, he added.
Lo’s predecessor, Tuan, was accused of being too sympathetic to student protesters in 2019 when he met them on campus and issued an open letter detailing alleged police abuses.
He also urged the government to conduct an independent probe into the claims.
Tuan’s actions were later condemned by the pro-Beijing camp and police groups, which accused the university of being “a hub of anti-China and pro-Hong Kong independence forces”.
The current president has also had a terse relationship with CUHK’s governing council, facing criticism months before his resignation for refusing to attend any Legislative Council meetings regarding the restructuring of the governing council.
Lo stressed on Friday that the vice-chancellor served as “an important member” of the body.
“I think we are a family, and the most important thing is to work together for CUHK,” he noted.
He also expressed gratitude to Tuan for the university’s climb in the rankings and its stronger international academic reputation during his tenure, even amid the unrest and the Covid-19 pandemic.

A report from US-based advocacy group Human Rights Watch on Tuesday warned of a “severe decline in academic freedom and the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly” at Hong Kong’s eight publicly funded universities since the Beijing-imposed national security law took effect in 2020.
Asked whether any mention of the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown or the 2019 anti-government demonstrations would be allowed in academic research, Lo said: “I very much respect academic freedom, but we also have to abide by the law. These two things are in fact consistent.
“For example, when I am conducting medical research, I also have to follow legal procedures and comply with rules and regulations … I believe that if it is within the scope of regular research, there will be a small chance of stepping on the red line.”
Lo also expressed his gratitude to the governing council for appointing him.
“I am deeply honoured to serve as the ninth vice-chancellor and president of CUHK,” he said.
“CUHK is not only a globally acclaimed comprehensive research university with a unique college system, but also an institution where I have served for 27 years. I am sincerely thankful for the council’s support and trust.”
Professor John Chai Yat-chiu, the council’s chairman, said a search committee had recommended Lo after a global recruitment and seven meetings.
“Under Professor Lo’s leadership, CUHK is set to make substantial advancements in academics, research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Professor Lo will lead the university to open a new chapter and realise the university’s vision,” Chai said.
“He aims to further enhance the university’s research and innovation capabilities, contributing to Hong Kong’s development as an innovation and technology centre and an international hub for high-calibre talent.”
Asked why the five council seats reserved for students, teaching staff and alumni were currently vacant, Chai said the body was in the process of drafting election regulations and expected the positions to be filled at the end of the year or early 2025.
Lo, 60, is a pioneer of non-invasive prenatal testing. He is the director of the Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences at CUHK, and the associate research dean of the university’s medical faculty.
Tuan submitted his resignation just a week into a new three-year term in January, citing personal reasons. He said at the time it was “an opportune moment” for the university to look for a new leader.

The Post reported that observers described Lo as having a “stellar” academic reputation. They expected a pressing mission for the new head to be mending the university’s image and keeping a close relationship with mainland Chinese counterparts.
After receiving his bachelor’s degree in medicine at the University of Cambridge, and doctorates in medicine and philosophy from the University of Oxford, Lo returned to Hong Kong in 1997 and joined CUHK.
Lo’s medical accomplishments include developing non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for Down’s syndrome with an accuracy rate of more than 99 per cent, and multi-cancer early detection tests, which allow cancer markers to be detected through the simple drawing of blood.
The Hospital Authority has provided NIPT for free since 2019, while more than 60 per cent of expectant mothers on the mainland use the tests every year, according to the university.
Last year, Lo was elected as a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the nation’s top science institute, the only Hongkonger among 59 new members.
He has also received many international accolades, including the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, which is widely regarded as the United States’ top biomedical research prize.


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Incoming CUHK head says university ‘back on track’ after Hong Kong protests

Professor Dennis Lo (left) with council chairman John Chai. Photo: Jelly Tse

Professor John Chai, the council’s chairman, has said a search committee recommended Lo after a global recruitment and seven meetings. Photo: Jelly Tse

The incoming president has said he will safeguard academic freedom at the university. Photo: Eugene Lee

Who is Hong Kong scientist Dennis Lo and what is sole candidate for top CUHK job best known for?

Professor Dennis Lo has been at Chinese University since returning from Britain in 1997. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Dennis Lo is also a founding member of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences. Photo: Yik Yeung-man 

Hong Kong molecular geneticist Dennis Lo endorsed by CUHK committee to be next president

Molecular geneticist Professor Dennis Lo has been recommended by a search council to be CUHK’s next president. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Students at the CUHK campus. Professor Lo will meet students, staff and alumni this Thursday. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong molecular geneticist Dennis Lo ‘sole candidate’ to become CUHK president

Professor Dennis Lo is tipped to take the top job at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Rocky Tuan handed in his resignation in January. Photo: Jonathan Wong

The Chinese University of Hong Kong campus in Sha Tin Photo: Yik Yeung-man

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Hong Kong

Education

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Molecular geneticist was sole candidate to succeed outgoing Rocky Tuan, who was embroiled in controversy following 2019 social unrest


Molecular geneticist was sole candidate to succeed outgoing Rocky Tuan, who was embroiled in controversy following 2019 social unrest.


The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Universities in Hong Kong