Chinese University (CUHK) said on Sunday that the former head of the Monetary Authority, Norman Chan, has been appointed as the vice chairman of its governing council.

Chan, an alumni of the university, started his two-year term last Tuesday, replacing businessman Lee Chien.

The former HKMA head from 2009 to 2019 has been a council member for two years as the head of the Board of Trustees at CUHK's Chung Chi College.

In a statement released through the university, Chan said he's honoured to be named to his new role.

"I am grateful for the council’s trust and support, and I look forward to working together with the council chairman and members to promote the university’s vigorous development," he said.

Council chairman John Chai said he looks forward to cooperating with Chan to continuously improve CUHK’s governance.

"Chan not only has rich leadership experience in the financial sector, but is also deeply committed to contributing to CUHK and the higher education sector," he said in a statement.

The university's vice-chancellor, Rocky Tuan, said Chan has been very supportive and dedicated in advancing CUHK's development.

He said he looks forward to working with Chan in his new capacity to take the university forward, as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.

Chan's appointment comes as the university is in the process of lowering the amount of members in the council, and he also heads a task force responsible for such work.