The University of Hong Kong (HKU) remains shrouded in uncertainty as an internal investigation into the controversial appointment of its new vice-chancellor, Professor Wei Shyy, fails to provide transparency and clarity. Despite a 10-month probe, the findings remain largely inaccessible, leaving faculty, students, and the public with more questions than answers.
The investigation was initiated after widespread criticism and protests over the opaque process that led to Professor Shyy’s appointment, with concerns over his lack of academic experience in Hong Kong and his potential ties to mainland Chinese authorities. The report, released in mid-July, has been criticized for its limited scope, focusing primarily on procedural irregularities rather than addressing the fundamental concerns raised by the community.
Crucially, the investigation failed to address the issue of academic freedom, which lies at the heart of university autonomy. Critics argue that the appointment process, which involved the HKU Council, a body heavily influenced by the Hong Kong government, undermines academic freedom and threatens the university’s core values.
The lack of transparency surrounding the investigation has further eroded trust in the HKU Council and the university administration. The public release of the report with redacted portions has been deemed insufficient, leaving many to question the true extent of the investigation and the potential for a genuine accountability.
This situation highlights the urgent need for a more open and transparent governance model at HKU. The university must commit to genuine academic freedom and ensure that future appointments are conducted with full transparency and public consultation. Without these essential safeguards, the future of HKU as a leading academic institution remains uncertain.
