HKU President Zhang Xiang Denies Third-Term Rumors, Emphasizes Internationalization
RTHK · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago3 MIN
Summary
University of Hong Kong President Zhang Xiang has rejected as "completely and absolutely false" media reports suggesting he was seeking a third term in office . Zhang, who announced earlier that he will depart when his current contract concludes in 2028, stated he has not raised the matter with University Council Chairman in recent months . In a wide-ranging interview with the Hong Kong Economic Journal, Zhang highlighted HKU's achievements in global talent recruitment, noting the university has attracted hundreds of world-class scholars, including Nobel laureates, Fields Medal winners, and academicians from various countries, as well as professors from elite institutions such as Stanford, Harvard, MIT, and Princeton . The number of globally top 0.1 percent scholars at HKU has surged from 15 to 54 during his tenure . Zhang emphasized that Hong Kong must "preserve internationalization" as its most important and priority task, arguing this will help China achieve its goal of becoming an education powerhouse . Regarding the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on graduate employment, Zhang said universities' most critical mission is to cultivate students' flexibility and adaptability . HKU introduced a mandatory AI course for all first-year students several years ago and has integrated multiple disciplines to establish Hong Kong's first AI college, positioning itself as a cradle for AI talent .
Key Points
- HKU President Zhang Xiang dismissed third-term rumors as "completely and absolutely false," with no recent discussions on the topic with the University Council chairman .
- Zhang will leave when his contract expires in 2028, having announced his departure earlier this year .
- HKU has recruited hundreds of top global talents, including Nobel Prize winners, Fields Medal winners, national academicians, and professors from Stanford, Harvard, MIT, and Princeton .
- The number of world-class scholars (top 0.1 percent globally) at HKU has increased from 15 to 54 since Zhang took office .
- HKU requires all first-year students to take a mandatory AI course and has established Hong Kong's first AI college .
Why It Matters
Zhang's denial of third-term rumors and HKU's emphasis on internationalization come at a time when Hong Kong's higher education sector faces questions about its global competitiveness and ability to attract talent amid geopolitical tensions . The university's aggressive push into AI education reflects broader concerns about preparing graduates for a rapidly changing job market where artificial intelligence is disrupting traditional career paths .
Zhang's denial of third-term rumors and HKU's emphasis on internationalization come at a time when Hong Kong's higher education sector faces questions about its global competitiveness and ability to attract talent amid geopolitical tensions . The university's aggressive push into AI education reflects broader concerns about preparing graduates for a rapidly changing job market where artificial intelligence is disrupting traditional career paths .