Chinese University alumni leader saddened over Tuan’s resignation

09-01-2024 16:19 HKT

Kelvin Yeung Yu-ming, a member of Chinese University’s governing body said on Tuesday that he was saddened to learn about president Rocky Tuan Sung-chi’s resignation, also thanking Tuan for his continued support to alumni affairs.

The university said on Tuesday that Tuan has resigned from his position as president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, with his decision to step down taking effect from January 2025.

Yeung, who holds a council spot as chair of CUHK's statutory alumni body, said Tuan has facilitated idea exchange among alumni communities from different regions of the world by initiating the Distinguished Alumni-in-Residence Programme and Global Alumni Advisory Board.

“I feel deeply sad for his resignation, and would wish him inner peace and further achievement in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medical research,” said Yeung.

Meanwhile, lawmaker Tik Chi-yuen, a former council member of the university, said he was shocked and saddened to learn about the news. However, he said it came as no surprise.

He said the Legislative Council has frequently targeted the institution, with Tuan’s management of the university heavily criticized.

Tik also said the development of CUHK and Tuan's performance was being scrutinized politically, also noting that a bill to reform the CUHK council did not undergo sufficient discussion.

He believes that the university should be autonomous - free from political interference, in which the lack of autonomy can lead to a chilling effect and negatively impact the reputation of universities, and potentially discourage overseas scholars from coming to Hong Kong.

Students from the university regret Tuan's resignation, but added that it was "as expected" as staff movements are usual after a revamped Council.

A spokesman for the Education Bureau said the government has taken note of Tuan's resignation and has "full confidence" that the Council of the CUHK will make appropriate arrangements for the president's recruitment based on its long-term interests and development needs.

The Chairman of the University Grants Committee (UGC) Tim Lui Tim-leung expressed respect for Tuan's personal decision and commended the CUHK for its outstanding academic achievements during his tenure.