Banker Peter Wong has been appointed as the new chairman of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) governing council, taking over from barrister Priscilla Wong when her term ends next month. This announcement was made by the government on Wednesday, stating that Peter Wong, who previously served as the Asia-Pacific chief executive officer at HSBC, will serve a three-year term starting from January 1, 2025.
In addition to Peter Wong’s appointment, Chief Executive John Lee, in his role as the university’s chancellor, has also named five new members to the governing council. These new members include Simon Li, the former director general of civil aviation; Irons Sze, a Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Standing Committee member; Rock Chen, a lawmaker; Wilfred Wong, the former president of the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management; and Samuel Yung, a CPPCC delegate. At the same time, five current members will be stepping down from their positions on the council along with the outgoing chairwoman.
The government described the newly appointed members as elites in the community with exceptional capabilities and extensive experience. It expressed hope that these appointments will bring a fresh perspective and energy to HKU’s governance, setting the university on a path towards excellence and providing it with new momentum.
HKU, in response to the appointments made by the government, stated that it will continue its pursuit of excellence and focus on academic achievement, talent development, and international collaboration. This commitment comes in the wake of a leadership conflict within the university earlier this year, which led to the establishment of a task force to address internal issues and improve communication among stakeholders.
Acknowledging the efforts of the task force, the chief executive expressed gratitude for its work in coordinating the university’s operations, facilitating communication, resolving issues, and achieving positive outcomes. The group is expected to continue its efforts to promote collaboration between the new council and the university’s management, ultimately enhancing HKU’s governance effectiveness.
Overall, the appointments of Peter Wong as the new chairman and the additional members to the governing council represent a significant development in HKU’s leadership structure. With a focus on excellence, collaboration, and communication, the university aims to strengthen its position as a leading academic institution in Hong Kong and beyond.
