Choi calls for unity amid HKU dispute

Leadership and cooperation are crucial to a university, Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin said in response to the University of Hong Kong's management conflicts.

In an interview with Sing Tao Daily, The Standard's sister publication, Choi said she believed HKU's established mechanisms and governance structure have been effective.

Her remarks came after the authorities set up an investigation and study group last Tuesday to help resolve the row between HKU president Zhang Xiang and governing council chairwoman Priscilla Wong Pui-sze.

"We hope everyone can be united and handle the incident based on the core of the problem," said Choi, adding that it is critical to enhance the university's governance.

Asked if the conflicts were due to the university's management, Choi said: "Leadership is very important, of course, the cooperation of every member of the team is also important."

She emphasized that the achievements of a university rely on the efforts of people from different positions, such as the governing council, president, teachers and students.

The saga started in October after a five-member panel appointed by the HKU council cleared Zhang of misconduct alleged in whistleblower emails sent to the council.

Another dispute arose late last month when Zhang accused council chair Wong of bypassing him in nominating interim vice presidents.

It prompted the administration to set up the group, comprising Permanent Secretary for Education Michelle Li Mei-sheung and University Grants Committee chairman Tim Lui Tim-leung.

Choi said the group is finding facts, facilitating communications and promoting cooperation between stakeholders.

"The task force will suggest improvement and good practices after the results of their study," said Choi, adding the task force has already met with Zhang and Wong.

Both Zhang and Wong welcomed the group and promised to proactively cooperate while agreeing to prioritize the university's interests.

But they continue to have different views regarding the appointment of interim vice presidents.

"Both sides should put aside the disputes over the appointments and deal with the interim arrangement first, and deal with the long-term appointment later to ensure the university's operation remains unaffected," Choi said.

"The study group will also follow up on the incident per the governance and accountability requirements stipulated in the University Accountability Agreement," she added.

Meanwhile, Choi said the eight UGC-funded universities may increase their tuition fees in the 2025-26 academic year as they have not been adjusted since 1996.

Students currently bear 13 percent of the costs - lower than the administration's 18-percent cost recovery target, she said. However, the administration will adjust the tuition fees considering various factors, including the economic situation and affordability.