Media

HKU Council accepts recommendations of the Review Panel on the Centenary Ceremony

03 Feb 2012

 

The Council of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) today (February 3) received the report of the Review Panel on the Centenary Ceremony held on 18 August.

The Council accepted in principle the goodwill and recommendations of the report, and resolved to invite the University Management to set up a task force to work with the Council to look into the recommendations of the report.

Council Chairman Dr Leong Che-hung thanked the Convenor of the Panel Mr. Lester Huang and other members for their work.

He said some of the recommendations of the Panel have already been taken on board by the Council. One example is the establishment of the post of Executive Vice-President to lead administration and university operation.

Moreover, the Council was pleased to note the salient points highlighted by the Panel:
i. The Panel is impressed by the dedication, loyalty and enthusiasm of the staff members involved in the organization of the ceremony
ii. No integrity problem with any of the involved staff
iii. No evidence to suggest any external parties (e.g. the Chief Executive's Office and the China Liaison Office) had exerted any undue pressure on, or interference with, HKU
iv. No evidence of any conscious attempt by HKU or any of its staff to ingratiate the University with either the rich or the powerful

"In its deliberations today, many Council members have expressed their appreciation of our staff at all levels for their dedication and hard work for the University over the years." Dr Leong said.

"We are confident that the report will enable the University to rise from this episode and scale new heights of excellence into the next Centenary." He continued.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Lap-Chee Tsui said: "The University will learn from all past mistakes with humility. As the head of the University, I will accept the responsibility for any inadequacies in the organization of the event and handling of various matters related to the Ceremony."

He said the Management would study the Panel's recommendations carefully, and work with the Council to find ways to implement them as much as practicable.

He pledged to continue to uphold the core values of the University

"HKU is and will always be a bastion of freedom of expression. The University belongs to teachers and students. We will do our utmost to defend its autonomy, and uphold its core values of freedom, liberty and diversity."

For the full report, please visit: http://www.hku.hk/rpanel/

For media enquiries, please contact Ms Trinni Choy (Assistant Director (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office) tel: 2859 2606 email: pychoy@hku.hk  or Ms Melanie Wan (Manager (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office) tel: 2859 2600 email: melwkwan@hku.hk .