Editorial | HKU must bank on Wong to end feud in push for best results
An internal dispute has overshadowed Hong Kong’s top university and time has come to again focus on educational excellence with a key appointment
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has long established a place in the top rankings of universities globally, its reputation as an academic institution and employer, and its international research network being just a few of its distinguishing strengths. Within the past year, however, it had become known for something more concerning. A protracted dispute between the governing council and the university president over senior level appointments and other issues blew up into a damaging public struggle.
The government’s appointment of veteran HSBC banker Peter Wong Tung-shun to lead the governing council is therefore a step in the right direction and should bring infighting to a welcome end. Wong has held the top position at three international banks in Hong Kong – Citigroup, Standard Chartered and HSBC – and he is also a former head of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.
Lawmakers describe Wong as being able to manage the interests of many parties, as someone admired for his fairness and to not be afraid of challenges. His experience in corporate governance and management were particular strengths that would prove useful as HKU started to build a new campus and strove to improve its rankings, finance sector lawmaker Ronick Chan Chun-ying said.
Governance was severely put to the test at the city’s flagship university over the past year. Its president, Xiang Zhang, had come under fire for his management style and was investigated for whistle-blower allegations of misconduct, which he denied. The governing council cleared him of wrongdoing in April, but tensions remained with council head Priscilla Wong Pui-sze and there were public disputes over senior level appointments.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who is also HKU chancellor, intervened and formed an independent committee in a bid to get to the heart of the matter. Concern had mounted that if the squabbling was allowed to drag on much longer the reputation of HKU would have suffered, along with the city’s ability to attract academic talent.
It was hoped that Wong’s appointment, along with five new council members, would provide a fresh outlook, start a “new chapter in governance” and steer HKU to excellence, Lee said. Wong takes over as chairman on January 1.
