Tsing Hua President Responds to US Interview Controversy, Cites Cultural Misunderstanding

Tsing Hua University President Kao Woei-yuan has addressed the controversy surrounding his interview for the University of Hawaii at Mānoa presidency, which occurred just days after beginning his second term at the Taiwanese institution. Kao issued an apology to the university community, acknowledging the "trouble and unease" caused by the news and subsequent public discussion.

Kao explained that while headhunting is common in academia and industry, it is rare for foreign universities to recruit sitting presidents of Taiwanese universities. He admitted that the opportunity sparked his curiosity and attributed the situation to his own insufficient understanding of the cultural differences between Eastern and Western work environments.

The university president, who officially started his second four-year term on May 1, 2024, interviewed for the position at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa on May 4-5. He was one of three finalists and participated in public forums and meetings with campus members, though he was ultimately not selected for the role.

Despite the controversy, Kao reiterated his dedication to Tsing Hua University. He expressed his deep appreciation for his connection with the university community and stated his hope for continued support to "jointly create a new peak for Tsing Hua."