Exclusive: Calls for University of Hong Kong Head to Clarify Absences from Board Meetings and Business Trips

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is currently embroiled in a controversy as internal communications reveal tensions between President Xiang Zhang and the school council led by Priscilla Wong Pui-sze. The documents, seen by the Post, show that Zhang has been under scrutiny for his attendance at meetings, business trips, and organizational charts.

According to the documents, Zhang attended only one out of 18 academic board meetings since taking office in 2018, despite being the board chairman. The council secretary raised concerns about Zhang’s lack of attendance and requested explanations, but Zhang did not respond to inquiries from the Post.

Additionally, Zhang’s business trips came under scrutiny, with the council accusing him of failing to provide details on 16 out of 20 trips taken between December 2020 and March 2024. The council also criticized Zhang for endorsing a candidate for a position without obtaining necessary approvals.

The tensions between Zhang and the council have escalated, leading to a surprise reshuffle last month, which reportedly stemmed from Zhang’s “gross mismanagement.” The reshuffle demoted Zhang’s deputy vice-chancellor and interim provost, Richard Wong Yue-chim.

The situation at HKU has attracted the attention of city leader John Lee Ka-chiu, who has tasked the Education Bureau to investigate the incident. The public has high expectations for governance at HKU, and it is crucial for all parties involved to communicate sincerely to address the issues at hand.