HKU says next leader must have ‘fresh ideas’ for coming ‘transformation’

University of Hong Kong says global search will be launched for successor of Xiang Zhang who announced he would leave post in 2028

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) will launch a global hunt for its next leader to guide the institution to “fresh ideas” and through a coming “transformation”, the head of its governing council has said.

HKU council chairman Peter Wong Tung-shun announced details of the recruitment on Tuesday, a day after president and vice-chancellor Xiang Zhang announced he would leave the post in 2028.

“Universities must actively strive for breakthroughs in the face of society’s ever-changing needs. Both Professor Zhang and I understand that it is time for HKU to embrace fresh ideas and be guided by a new leader in undergoing [an] upcoming transformation,” Wong said in a statement issued after the council meeting.

The council would handle the recruitment and would launch the global search, he said.

A source told the South China Morning Post that council members gave a round of applause for Zhang’s contributions when discussing his departure during the one-hour meeting, and they each shook hands with him when it ended.

Zhang announced on Monday that he would step down in 2028 after completing a second five-year term.