Official report into University of Hong Kong rift aims to put school interests first

The first official report investigating a conflict between the president and the governing council chairwoman of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has taken a neutral, blame-free stance, said sources who indicated Beijing and the local government wanted the rift settled quickly and amicably.

Both governments felt the reputation of the university – one of the top in the city and in Asia – and Hong Kong’s ability to attract top-notch scholarly talent would be at risk if the internal squabbling dragged on, the insiders said on Tuesday.

The Post has also learned that university president Xiang Zhang’s tenure is secure and the rift with chairwoman Priscilla Wong Pui-sze will not dislodge him from his position as institutional stability is seen as important to maintaining the university’s standing.

Zhang’s second tenure ends in July 2028, while Wong’s term as chairwoman ends in December this year.

Some might have raised eyebrows about his approach on matters such as appointments but nothing untoward or improper was found, the sources added.