City University of Hong Kong announced on Friday that its president, Freddy Boey, had resigned due to personal reasons.

In a statement, the university said a global recruitment effort would be launched shortly to fill the vacancy.

The university council expressed its gratitude to Boey for his contributions to the Kowloon Tong institution during his tenure.

The executive committee of the council has appointed provost and deputy president Lee Chun-sing as acting president with immediate effect.

Lee, chair professor in both the chemistry and materials science and engineering departments, has served as provost and deputy president since 2023, overseeing academic affairs and strategic development.

The council said it would provide full support to ensure stability during the transition.

In response to media enquiries regarding the resignation, a spokesperson for the Education Bureau said the government respected Boey's personal wish and decision and thanked him for his contributions to the university during his tenure.

"The recruitment of the president is part of the university's institutional autonomy and is taken care of by the CityU Council under the authority conferred on it by the CityU Ordinance," the spokesperson said.

"The government has full confidence in the CityU council in selecting the most suitable candidate for the post based on the university's long-term interests and development needs."


Edited by Tony Sabine