HKU says next leader must have ‘fresh ideas’ for coming ‘transformation’

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) will launch a global hunt for its next leader to guide the institution to “fresh ideas” and through a coming “transformation”, the head of its governing council has said.HKU council chairman Peter Wong Tung-shun announced details of the recruitment on Tuesday, a day after president and vice-chancellor Xiang Zhang announced he would leave the post in 2028.“Universities must actively strive for breakthroughs in the face of society’s ever-changing needs. Both Professor Zhang and I understand that it is time for HKU to embrace fresh ideas and be guided by a new leader in undergoing [an] upcoming transformation,” Wong said in a statement issued after the council meeting.The council would handle the recruitment and would launch the global search, he said.A source told the South China Morning Post that council members gave a round of applause for Zhang’s contributions when discussing his departure during the one-hour meeting, and they each shook hands with him when it ended.Zhang announced on Monday that he would step down in 2028 after completing a second five-year term.