According to a statement by the university on Monday, Chen will take up the role of vice-president specialising in administration and be responsible for overseeing infrastructure development at the university.
“Working closely with the senior management as well as various stakeholders and relevant sections of the university, Mr Chen will lead the formulation and implementation of strategies that aim to elevate the university’s international reputation, promote sustainable development and achieve institutional excellence,” it said.
The statement also quoted Chen as saying he was “delighted” to be able to contribute to higher education in Hong Kong after having served in government for years.
“I have gained a deep appreciation of the importance of good institutional governance and effective management teamwork from my previous roles,” Chen said.
“I am confident that these experiences will guide me as I work closely with members of the university in the common goal of furthering the development of this renowned educational institution.”
A source said Chen did not win unanimous approval from all members of the university’s governing council, but stopped short of saying whether outgoing president Rocky Tuan Sung-chi supported the appointment.
Tuan submitted his resignation in January and will step down the same month next year.
“Chen was the only candidate who was put to a vote at the meeting, but I know there were other shortlisted candidates,” the source said.
Chen was hand-picked to take up a similar post at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), but the appointment fell through after the embattled school head failed to secure approval for a proposed annual pay package of more than HK$5 million (US$641,245), as it exceeded the designated maximum point of the relevant salary range, the Post learned earlier.
When news of Chen’s latest appointment spread, the proposed offer by HKU also raised eyebrows on the Chinese University campus, with some wondering whether he would be given a similar package.
According to a reply by the Legislative Council to its Finance Committee in 2020, Chen’s annual salary and cash allowance stood at HK$3.6 million when he served as the secretary general.
A spokeswoman for Chinese University said on Monday it would not respond to questions on Chen’s salary out of personal privacy concerns.
“The salary levels of senior personnel at the university have always been formulated with reference to the pay level of civil servants at comparable ranks,” she said.
Chen’s prestigious academic record includes a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Princeton University, a master’s in applied mathematics from Harvard University and another in business administration from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
The bill was later scrapped after it triggered months-long anti-government demonstrations.
Chen said at the time his actions were guided by the legislature’s rule book and conventions.
