Members of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) community have welcomed the appointment of Dennis Lo as its new vice-chancellor and president.

The renowned molecular biologist was elected unanimously by the CUHK Council on Friday and will begin his five-year term on January 8, succeeding Rocky Tuan.

John Chai, chairman of the institution's governing body, said the university will make substantial advancements in academics, research and innovation under Lo's leadership.

"In addition to Professor Lo's commitment to nurturing exceptional talent and meeting social expectations, he will also leverage the university's strengths to support Hong Kong's innovation and technology development," he said.

"He aims to further enhance the university's research and innovation capabilities, while contributing to Hong Kong's development as an innovation and technology centre and an international hub for high-calibre talent."

Tuan also welcomed the appointment, saying he's confident that his successor will play a pivotal role in shaping the university's future.

"Professor Dennis Lo is a world-leading biomedical researcher who has made groundbreaking contributions to improving health and wellness. Over the last many years, I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Dennis on various initiatives, and have witnessed his visionary thinking and insightful planning," he said in a statement.

"I am confident that he will guide the University to reach new heights, while upholding its unique legacy and commitment to excellence."

CUHK Council member Bill Tang, who's also a lawmaker of the Federation of Trade Unions, said he hopes the university would become more international in its outlook.

"We also hope CUHK can attract more and more students and talent worldwide, not only in Hong Kong, but also from overseas and mainland China because it is also the best for our local Hong Kong students that we have a highly international atmosphere in campus," he said.

Another Council member, Tommy Cheung of the Liberal Party, also voiced support for the new appointment.

Cheung said he doesn't think Lo's desire to continue with his research would hinder his ability to lead the university.

"We discussed it and we were being assured that he would spend 100 percent on management. Of course being the vice chancellor, management is a must. He would try to still find time to do his research," he said.

"But his research is not a personal item, he has a big team... I am personally confident that he would be able to balance, in fact being the VC and continuing the research."

A fourth-year CUHK student, Jasmine Kan, said more communication is needed to foster a better relationship between students and the university head.

She also told RTHK that she would like to see the university focus more on students pursuing Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees.

"As multiple majors are combining together without the consent or consultation of a lot of current students, I think that BA or humanities in general is not being taken seriously or not being the focus of the university, but (given) the CUHK's historical background, I think they should put more focus on us," she said.