The Chinese University (CUHK) on Tuesday announced the resignation of its vice-chancellor, Rocky Tuan, who will step down from his position in January 2025.

In a statement, Tuan said it had been an honour and privilege to serve the university since 2018.

“As the new governance structure is implemented following the amendment of the CUHK Ordinance, I believe now is an opportune moment for the University to search for a new Vice-Chancellor and President,” he said.

“Serving the CUHK community has been an extraordinary honour and a privilege. Hong Kong is my home. It was humbling to be given the opportunity to return here and be entrusted with the noble responsibility to deliver the core mission of this great institution. I am deeply grateful to the entire CUHK community for their support throughout my tenure.”

In November, the Legislative Council passed a bill to reform CUHK's governing council, reducing the size of the body and introducing more external members.

The university thanked Tuan, saying he had helped it reach all-time highs in international rankings, and achieve excellence in research.

Tuan enjoyed a successful career as a biomedical scientist in the United States before returning to Hong Kong to join CUHK six years ago.

He said he would do his best to ensure a smooth transition.

"Since Professor Tuan assumed office as the Vice-Chancellor and President of the CUHK in 2018, the University has continuously driven innovation in scientific research and provided channels for enterprises to recruit quality talent. Furthermore, the CUHK has received a number of international and national awards, and achieved remarkable results in world university rankings," the Education Bureau said in a statement.

The bureau also noted that CUHK's governing body has been working to improve its structure. "The improvement of the CUHK’s governance standard and effectiveness marks an important step in Hong Kong’s higher education development."

The chairman of the University Grants Committee, Tim Lui, commended the university's outstanding academic achievements during Tuan's tenure.

"I trust that the university community will work together for the future development of the CUHK, and continue to contribute to Hong Kong's higher education sector," Lui said in a statement.

A committee will be set up to advise the CUHK Council on the appointment of its next vice-chancellor.
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Last updated: 2024-01-09 HKT 19:20