Former Legco officer Chen named CUHK vice president

Eunice Lam

Former Legislative Council secretary general Kenneth Chen Wei-on has been appointed vice president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, taking up the post from September 16 for an initial three-year term.

The decision was made yesterday at a meeting of CUHK's governing council.

University president Rocky Tuan Sung-chi, council chairman John Chai Yat-chiu and vice chairman Norman Chan Tak-lam as well as members and lawmakers Tommy Cheung Yu-yan and Bill Tang Ka-piu attended.

It is understood that Chen, 59, was also present.

After the two-hour council meeting ended at around noon yesterday, Chai did not respond to media questions.

But Tang said: "We hope the entire CUHK management team will be able to lead the university to develop soundly and steadily, and to contribute to Hong Kong as well as the country."

Sources said Tuan had not been listed as a member of the search committee.

But Tang said Tuan had attended every meeting related to Chen's appointment, and emphasized that yesterday's meeting was "mostly harmonious and relaxed."

In a statement, the university said the council in February approved the establishment of a search committee, and it "unanimously" recommended Chen.

"As a key member of the university senior management team, the appointee will maintain strategic oversight of the administrative resources and operations of the university with a view to ensuring effective delivery of services in support of the academic, teaching, and research activities," CUHK said.

Chen said he was honored by the appointment.

"Having served the public sector for many years, I am delighted to be able to contribute to the higher education sector in Hong Kong.

"I have gained a deep appreciation of the importance of good institutional governance and effective management teamwork from my previous roles.

"I am confident that these experiences will guide me as I work closely with members of the university in the common goal of furthering the development of this renowned educational institution."

Chen earned a bachelor of science degree in engineering from Princeton University, a master of science degree from Harvard University, and a master of business administration degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

He was a part-time member of the Central Policy Unit between 1998 and 2000 and part of the Advisory Committee on Teacher Education and Qualifications from 2002 to 2008.

Chen was appointed undersecretary for education in 2008. He became Legco's secretary general for 12 years and was succeeded by Dora Wai Pik-yiu on August 1.

Chen's appointment would fill the void left by Eric Ng Shu-pui's departure.

Ng, relieved from duty last December, was accused of bias for signing a petition against a Legco bill to reform the CUHK council in July 2023 and bypassing the council chairman to set a meeting agenda.

It is understood that University of Hong Kong president Zhang Xiang once recommended Chen to be an executive vice president at HKU - with an annual salary 40 percent higher than a Legco secretary general's HK$3.56 million.

But the recommendation was not approved by HKU's human resources committee.

eunice.lam@singtaonewscorp.com