University of Hong Kong chief Zhang Xiang to step down in 2028 to focus on research

Zhang Xiang, the president and vice-chancellor of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), announced he will step down in 2028 to return to research. The 62-year-old mechanical engineer informed the HKU Council of his decision, initiating a search for his successor. Zhang cited the transformative impact of AI and a complex global environment as factors influencing his choice.

During Zhang's ten-year term, HKU achieved significant academic recognition, climbing to 11th globally and first in Asia in the QS World University Rankings. The university also saw a record number of academics named in Clarivate's "Highly Cited Researchers 2025" list. However, his tenure was not without controversy.

HKU faced scandals related to academic and student use of AI, and criticism over censorship following the replacement of a Tiananmen Square crackdown memorial with seating. Zhang himself was cleared of misconduct allegations in 2024 after a six-month internal investigation into mishandling funds and procurement procedures. He also publicly supported the national security law in 2020.

In his remaining two years, Zhang plans to focus on key development projects, including the Tech Landmark, the Pokfield Road campus, the Global Innovation Centre, and international campus projects in Shanghai and Europe.

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it was an honour to lead HKU, citing the transformative impact of AI and the challenges of a complex global environment for his decision.