The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) announced today that President Wei SHYY has notified the University Council that he will resign from his appointment with effect from October 19, 2022.
Prof. Shyy first joined HKUST as Provost in August 2010, overseeing academic affairs including the transition of the undergraduate programs to a new four-year curriculum. His responsibility was further expanded in September 2013 when he took up a new capacity as the Executive Vice-President & Provost (EVPP), where he was tasked to plan and manage manpower, financial, physical and other resources, as well as matters relating to postgraduate studies and research activities. With his strategic vision and leadership, Prof. Shyy was appointed the fourth President of HKUST in September 2018.
As a visionary educator, Prof. Shyy has been driving changes including a university-wide strategic framework built upon both curiosity-driven and mission-encouraged pursuits. Under his leadership, HKUST's research capabilities - such as the inventions and solutions created during the Covid-19 pandemic, have earned wide recognition in Hong Kong, the Mainland and the world, gaining donations, investments, collaboration opportunities and high assessments from both public and private sectors. With Council's leadership and strategic direction on the establishment of HKUST(GZ), Prof. Shyy and his team have worked hard to spearhead the "Unified HKUST, complementary campuses'' concept, integrating the Clear Water Bay campus and the Guangzhou campus. He also launched the "Sustainable Smart Campus as a Living Lab" initiative in 2019 with an aim to nurture a new generation who can come up with original solutions with a sustainability mindset.
Prof. Shyy said, "It is my privilege to call HKUST home during the past 11 plus years. On an excellent foundation laid by our founders and predecessors, and further strengthened by many members and supporters, HKUST's academic standard, campus-wide openness, and institutional expectations continue to sustain and flourish. The sense of duty to serve HKUST's long-term interests and overall standing has guided our thinking and action during challenging time. In that spirit the University will continue to open new horizons."
The Chairman of the Council Mr. Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing said, "The Council appreciates and thanks President Shyy for his valuable contributions to the University in the last decade, first as Provost, then as EVPP and finally as President. President Shyy is a committed and strong leader, with clear vision and whole-hearted dedication to the University. As the University celebrates its 30th anniversary, with the opening of the Shaw Auditorium later this month and the opening of HKUST(GZ) next September, we are fully confident that HKUST will continue to thrive upon the solid foundation built over the past three decades. On behalf of the University community, I wish President Shyy all the best in his future endeavours."
The University will soon launch a global search for the appointment of its next President.
