President

President

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) invites nominations and applications for the position of President.

The University

Founded in 1991, HKUST is an international research university dedicated to the advancement of science, engineering, business & management, and humanities & social science and the education of the next generation of leaders for the world.  With equal emphasis on undergraduate and postgraduate education, as well as close collaboration with industry and business, HKUST is a leading university with significant international impact and strong local commitment.

Within a short history of 30 years, HKUST has established a substantial presence in the global higher education scene and garnered considerable international recognition.  HKUST ranks #2 in the World’s Top 50 Young Universities Under 50 in the 2021 QS World University Rankings, 34th worldwide (#2 in Hong Kong) in the 2022 QS World University Rankings, and 23rd worldwide (#2 in Greater China and #1 in Hong Kong) in the 2021 Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking. Its EMBA Program has topped the highly regarded Financial Times Global EMBA Rankings 10 times (in 2007, 2009-2013, 2016-2018 and 2020), and it also ranked #3 in the QS Global Joint EMBA Rankings in 2021.

At the heart of the University’s pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and societal impact lies uncompromising efforts to recruit and retain the best talents globally and locally.  HKUST comprises around 700 internationally respected and diverse faculty members, with about 10,000 undergraduate and 5,900 postgraduate students.  The University seeks to diversify its critical mass of world-class academics, researchers, staff and students in order to drive cutting-edge education and research initiatives and deliver academic and administrative excellence.  It promotes interdisciplinary studies and a strong entrepreneurial spirit in a diverse learning environment that enhance students’ development of creativity, innovative thinking and a global outlook.  Proactive faculty recruitment is undertaken from around the world in all its disciplines. HKUST upholds the values of diversity and an inclusive and collaborative community.  English is the language used in teaching, research and administration.

As HKUST celebrates its 30th anniversary, the University strives to think forward and transform education for the future that defies the boundaries of traditional fields and opens up new frontiers of knowledge and research to address unfolding needs of the wider society.  Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), which is scheduled to open in September 2022, creates an exceptional opportunity to systematically develop cross-disciplinary programs in concert with the disciplinary-oriented efforts at the Clear Water Bay campus.  Following a Unified HKUST - Complementary Campuses strategy, the two HKUST campuses will be fully synergistic without overlapping degree programs, forming a new and creative academic structure at HKUST.  Although the two HKUST campuses are separate legal entities with different financial frameworks, faculty are encouraged and supported to collaborate and co-supervise students, and students will have opportunities to pursue degrees offered by both campuses.  Accordingly, members of both campuses will achieve maximum synergy in education and research that is responsive and adaptive to ever-changing global trends.

The Role

The President is the chief executive and academic leader of HKUST (Clear Water Bay), working in close alignment with the President of HKUST(Guangzhou).  The President serves as a member of the University Council and the Court as well as Chairman of the Senate and is supported by the Provost and three Vice-Presidents.

The Candidate

The University seeks a visionary and internationally recognised academic leader with a commitment to academic and educational excellence, a global outlook, and a strong understanding of the Higher Education sector both locally and internationally.  The successful candidate is expected to be an inspirational, energetic, creative and collaborative leader who demonstrates ethics, integrity and a commitment to upholding and protecting the founding principles and core values of HKUST and to safeguarding the interests of the University.  The ideal candidate for this position should have a leadership style that encourages trust, inclusiveness and collaboration, drawing upon the talents and experience of a wide range of HKUST community members, including members of the Council, senior administration, faculty, staff, students and alumni.

Terms & Applications/Nominations

The post of President is a full-time appointment, normally for an initial term of 5 years, and renewable subject to mutual agreement.  Competitive remuneration and generous fringe benefits, including housing, will be provided.

HKUST is being represented by Perrett Laver in this search.  Applications/nominations, together with a full curriculum vitae and the names and addresses of three referees, should be sent to Ms. Katharine Poundstone of Perrett Laver by email to hkust-president@perrettlaver.com. All applications and nominations will be treated in strict confidence.  Review of candidates will begin shortly and continue until the position is filled.

Additional information about HKUST is available on the website https://hkust.edu.hk/

(Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes.)

HKUST is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to our core values of inclusiveness, diversity, and respect.