Hong Kong University is embroiled in a governance crisis as the university president and the school council stand at odds, prompting government intervention and the establishment of a research group. Secretary for Education, Daisy Choi, met with reporters on the 12th, stating that the primary goals of the group consist of three aspects, emphasizing that it will not conduct investigations into individual incidents.
Choi explained that the research group aims to clarify facts and understand the issues from all parties, facilitate internal communication to assist cooperation and enhance collaboration, and provide opinions and recommendations based on investigation findings. The group has already commenced its work.
She mentioned that the group will refer to the good practices in operation and management of local and international universities to offer suggestions for improvement to universities. The University Grants Committee will also review whether universities have complied with and fulfilled the accountability agreements as stipulated. She further clarified that the group will not investigate individual incidents.
The members of the group consist solely of Permanent Secretary for Education Michelle Lee and Chair of the University Grants Committee Raymond Leung. When asked about their credibility, Choi stated that the Education Bureau is not only responsible for providing resources but also for formulating educational policies, supervising universities’ responsibilities, and the Permanent Secretary for Education will work in line with the Education Bureau’s role, while the Chair of the University Grants Committee represents the committee to review universities’ compliance with the accountability agreements.
Regarding whether the group will meet with university president Zhang Xiang and school council chairperson Wang Peishi, Choi responded that the group can arrange meetings with relevant individuals or request written submissions. As for the timetable for the research work, Choi indicated that they will coordinate according to the school’s actual operations to ensure the university can function smoothly.