Hong Kong university ‘back on track’ after protests, says new v-c

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has appointed molecular scientist Dennis Lo Yuk-ming the institution’s next vice-chancellor, set to replace current head Rocky Tuan, who will step down in January after a tumultuous tenure. 

The appointment was confirmed on 27 September, following a recruitment process led by the university’s council, in which Professor Lo was the only candidate. 

Professor Lo is currently associate dean of the faculty of medicine at CUHK, a post he has held since 2002, and is also president of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences. 

The biologist is known for his advances in developing non-invasive prenatal testing. Born in Hong Kong, he studied medicine at the University of Cambridge, before obtaining his PhD at the University of Oxford. He returned to Hong Kong in 1997 to work at CUHK. 

Speaking to local reporters, Professor Lo said his vision was that the university will “maintain its uniqueness among the world’s institutions”. 

“Our uniqueness is that we have a mission to bring Chinese culture to the world and to bring the best of the world culture back to China,” he said.

Asked about the unrest at the university in 2019, Professor Lo said the institution was “back on track” and emphasised the importance of academic freedom.

“I think that academic freedom is a cornerstone of universities and I believe actually that in Hong Kong, we have very good academic freedom, and of course, we have to bear in mind that we have to be law-abiding and I will continue to push forward research excellence with my tenure,” he said.

His predecessor, Rocky Tuan, was criticised by some factions for his reaction to the protests that took place in Hong Kong in 2019, including demonstrations and a student-led occupation of CUHK’s campus, which garnered a violent reaction from police forces.

Issuing a letter after the protests, Professor Tuan called for “fair treatment” of the students. 

Last year, a bill came into force in Hong Kong that downsized the governing council of CUHK, seen as lessening the role of academics and staff in decision-making at the institution. Two months later, Professor Tuan announced that he would be stepping down, saying the new structure made it an “opportune moment” to move on. 

The current vice-chancellor welcomed Professor Lo to the helm. “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. “I am confident that he will guide the university to reach new heights, while upholding its unique legacy and commitment to excellence.”

helen.packer@timeshighereducation.com