CUHK Economist Terence Chong Apologises After 'Women Marrying for Money' Talk Sparks Outcry
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
A prominent economist at the Chinese University of Hong Kong has apologised after he analysed women "marrying for money" in a talk on campus that led students to accuse him of making gender-biased remarks. The backlash erupted shortly after Terence Chong Tai-leung, an associate professor of economics, delivered his talk about how to invest in one's life at the university's bi-weekly assembly on Tuesday. According to posts on social media platform Threads, slides presented by Chong included one titled "Economics of Partner Choice" that contained the heading: "The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Women Marrying for Money." The content sparked outrage among students, who accused the academic of reducing women's partner criteria to purely material gain, with critics slamming the framing as gender-biased, objectifying and unfair .
Key Points
- Terence Chong Tai-leung, associate professor of economics at CUHK, delivered a talk at a bi-weekly university assembly on Tuesday (September 23, 2026)
- A slide titled "Economics of Partner Choice" featured the heading "The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Women Marrying for Money," sparking student backlash
- Students demanded the university launch a formal investigation, a public apology, and Chong's removal or resignation as associate college head
- Chong admitted his presentation was poorly phrased, stating: "Men and women are equal. If anyone might feel uncomfortable, I am really sorry"
- When contacted by the South China Morning Post, Chong said no attendees or university officials had raised concerns with him during or after the event
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about gender representation and bias within Hong Kong's academic institutions. As a university setting is expected to foster inclusive dialogue, this controversy raises questions about how economic theories should be presented to avoid perpetuating stereotypes . The swift student response and demands for accountability signal growing expectations for professors to be mindful of the broader social impact of their remarks, particularly on sensitive topics such as gender and relationships .
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about gender representation and bias within Hong Kong's academic institutions. As a university setting is expected to foster inclusive dialogue, this controversy raises questions about how economic theories should be presented to avoid perpetuating stereotypes . The swift student response and demands for accountability signal growing expectations for professors to be mindful of the broader social impact of their remarks, particularly on sensitive topics such as gender and relationships .