The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) welcomes the University Chancellor’s appointment of Professor John Chai Yat-Chiu, a member of CUHK’s Council, as the next Chairman of the University Council for a term of three years with effect from 1 May 2022.

The Council has expressed its deep gratitude to outgoing chair Dr Norman Leung Nai-pang for his strong leadership and generous guidance over the past six years. Dr Leung’s tenure saw CUHK continue its trajectory as one of Asia’s leading universities. Dr Leung’s tenure will expire on 30 April 2022.

Professor Chai said, “I am honoured to be appointed as Council Chairman of CUHK at a crucial time in the University’s history. I look forward to working with the entire CUHK community as it gears up to celebrate its 60th anniversary and implement its ambitious five-year strategic plan”.

Professor Chai, Senior Advisor of Fook Tin Group Holdings Limited, is a distinguished scholar and business leader with a strong track record in corporate governance, environment and sustainability, innovation and technology, and higher education administration. Prior to joining the Fook Tin Group, Professor Chai was a full-time administrator and faculty member at Northwestern University. He is presently Emeritus Professor at Northwestern University, and an Honorary Clinical Professor of the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Hong Kong. He was recently appointed to the CUHK Council after previously serving as the Vice-Chairman of University Council at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Professor Chai has also contributed to various government and non-profit organization Boards and advisory committees including being a member of the Chief Executive’s Council of Advisers on Innovation and Strategic Development, HKSAR.

Professor Rocky S. Tuan, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, welcomed Professor Chai as Chairman of the University Council. He said, “Professor Chai has extensive leadership experience in higher education and comes to this position with a distinguished history of public service. As CUHK prepares to mark its 60th anniversary next year, I eagerly look forward to working with Professor Chai in the continued implementation of the University’s new five-year strategic plan and driving its future growth.”

Professor Tuan also expressed his deep gratitude to Dr. Norman Leung for his significant contributions to CUHK over the past years, “Dr Leung is an exemplary leader who has steered important developments of the University and navigated the many challenges, ensuring CUHK is strongly positioned for future growth”.