The Education Bureau today said the Hong Kong SAR Government is aware Prof Zhang Xiang will step down as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) when his current term ends on July 14, 2028.

Following a meeting, the HKU Council announced Prof Zhang’s decision and stated that HKU will launch a global search for his successor.

The Government expressed its gratitude to Prof Zhang for his contributions to the university during his tenure.

It noted that the recruitment of the President and Vice-Chancellor falls under institutional autonomy. The exercise will be handled of by the HKU Council in accordance with the HKU Ordinance.

The Government reiterated total trust in the HKU Council’s ability to select the most suitable candidate to serve HKU's long-term interests and development needs.