'Perfect timing' for science park boss to step down next year

Stacy Shi

Hong Kong Science and Technology Park chief executive officer Albert Wong Hak-keung has decided to step down after his contract ends in July next year.

Wong was appointed chief of the tech start-up and enterprise hub in August 2016 and has been at the helm for nearly eight years.

Sources said he earlier wrote to the company's Board of Directors and staff members through an internal email saying he had recommended the company's Senior Staff Management Committee to search for a suitable replacement last September and February this year.

"With all the good foundations set, it is perfect timing for a new CEO to carry the torch and lead HKSTP to the next level in the coming years," he wrote.

Wong believed "when things are good, we should change," as HKSTP has been making significant progress, including executing the Hong Kong government blueprint in line with national strategies and contributing to the innovation and technology ecosystem in many ways.

Wong added he was prepared to "start doing different things whenever the board is ready for the change."

The company yesterday said they accepted Wong's proposal to initiate recruitment for a new CEO.

"With the support of our country and the SAR government's commitment to promoting innovation and technology development, we will identify suitable candidates to continue the important mission of the HKSTPC and continue to contribute to the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong," he said.

The company thanked Wong for his years of dedicated service and outstanding performance in leading the company to contribute to the development and growth of Hong Kong's innovation and technology ecosystem.

Before taking up the HKSTP post, Wong held a number of leadership positions in multinational corporations, including General Electric's US, Asia-Pacific and China headquarters.

He also served at large-scale enterprises such as PerkinElmer, Emerson, Caterpillar and Schlumberger, where he accumulated industrial and commercial management experience.

Wong holds an engineering degree from the University of Hong Kong and an MBA from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com