The Audit Commission on Wednesday said the Chinese University of Hong Kong has not done enough to safeguard national security, and that it has discovered other campus facility management issues as well.

In a report, the public spending watchdog said the university has not “incorporated measures or regulations over matters concerning national security in its tender documents, contracts, as well as guidelines”.

It pointed out that CUHK did not issue any guidelines related to the safeguarding of national security for the operation of its bookstore.

The commission, therefore, urged the institution to strengthen “guidance and regulations” for its campus facilities, including those operated by outside contractors over matters concerning the safeguarding of national security.

Separately, the watchdog called on the university to enhance monitoring mechanisms for facility operations after discovering that none of its 33 catering outlets have obtained a food business licence. It also said that most of those outlets were not providing exclusive services for campus staff and students as mandated.

The commission suggested the university could “attract more potential operators to submit tenders and step up the publicity of tender invitations”.

In response, the university’s vice chancellor agreed with the recommendations, citing they will gradually implement them.

The Audit Commission’s report comes weeks after Legco passed a bill to reform the university’s governing council.