President and Vice-Chancellor

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) invites nominations and applications for the position of President and Vice-Chancellor to assume office in August 2027. Energised by its 10-year Institutional Strategic Plan 2018-2028 (ISP), HKBU is poised to elevate its international standing and advance as a world-class, research-led institution distinguished by transdisciplinary excellence, cutting-edge innovation, and profound societal impact. To guide the University through this critical next chapter, HKBU is seeking an inspiring, visionary, and dynamic leader.

The University
Founded in 1956, HKBU aspires to be a leading research-led University in Asia for the world, delivering academic and research excellence in a caring, creative, and global culture. Guided by its mission of whole-person education and the advancement of knowledge for societal impact, the University aligns its strategic vision with key national development priorities, including the 15th Five-Year Plan and the goal of establishing a leading nation in education by 2035. In tandem with these national objectives, HKBU plays a pivotal role in supporting Hong Kong’s own evolution into an international hub for high-calibre professionals, actively driving the integrated development of education, technology, and talent. 

To realise these ambitions, HKBU relies on its robust and diverse community. Today, HKBU is home to approximately 1,000 academic and teaching staff, a total workforce of around 3,200, and over 18,000 students. The University offers a comprehensive suite of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various Faculties and Schools: Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Chinese Medicine, Communication, Creative Arts, Science, and Continuing Education.
 
Beyond its Hong Kong campuses, HKBU’s footprint extends into the Chinese Mainland, where, in partnership with Beijing Normal University, it proudly pioneered the establishment of a modern liberal arts institution, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University in Zhuhai. To further deepen cross-boundary collaboration, the  University has launched strategic hubs such as the Institute of Research and Continuing Education in Shenzhen and the HKBU Qianhai Institute for Technology,Innovation and Entrepreneurship. These initiatives cement HKBU’s expanding role within the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area and the broader national innovation ecosystems.

For more information about the University, please visit http://www.hkbu.edu.hk.

The Role
Reporting directly to the Council, the President and Vice-Chancellor serves as the chief executive and academic leader of HKBU. Supported by a senior management team including the Provost, three Vice-Presidents, and the Chief Innovation Officer, the appointee holds accountability for the University’s strategic direction, academic vitality, and institutional sustainability. At its core, this leadership mandate requires driving transdisciplinary advancement and championing research translation, ensuring HKBU’s scholarly breakthroughs address complex global challenges and deliver tangible societal impact.

The President and Vice-Chancellor will also steer the University’s trajectory in close alignment with national development goals, while simultaneously expanding HKBU’s international footprint. The appointee will leverage these regional and global networks to forge strategic partnerships and secure vital resources for long-term growth. Success in these ambitious endeavours requires a unifying leader who can engage diverse stakeholders and cultivate a forward-looking campus culture that honours the University’s heritage.

The Person
The successful candidate will be evaluated against the following core criteria:

• Academic Excellence and Credibility: The ideal candidate will be a well-known expert and established scholar with an international reputation of eminence in their academic discipline. This leader must possess a distinguished track record of teaching, learning, research, and service. Furthermore, the successful appointee will demonstrate a proven capacity to advance scholarly excellence, foster interdisciplinary research, drive innovation, and champion knowledge transfer to deliver tangible societal and economic impact.
• Strategic Leadership and Vision: The appointee must be capable of aligning the University’s mission with the myriad challenges and opportunities facinghigher education locally, regionally, and globally. By championing the University’s goals with progressive and innovative thinking, this leader will play a critical role in HKBU’s future development. Crucially, the candidate should demonstrate a deep understanding of, and ability to align with, the Nation’s education and development priorities while simultaneously enhancing the University’s international standing and global connections.
• Institutional Management and Governance: Bringing proven university leadership and management abilities, the candidate should have extensive experience leading complex institutions through periods of transformation, growth, and change. This requires strong capabilities in strategic planning, vision realisation,and effective resource management. The incoming President and Vice-Chancellor must also exhibit strong crisis management skills, the ability to attract, retain, and motivate top-tier academic and administrative talent, and the foresight to provide clear direction and guidance to the senior management team on issue management. The leader will leverage excellent organisational skills to uphold good corporate governance practices and ensure institutional sustainability.
• External Relations and Advocacy: Serving as an articulate and effective communicator, the successful candidate will represent and promote the University’s interests. This requires a strong track record in liaison work with the Government, external organisations, professional bodies, higher education institutions,research and development bodies, and innovation and technology platforms. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential to drive successful fundraising initiatives, secure resources, and build strategic partnerships and collaborations at local, regional, national, and international levels.
• Personal Attributes and Values: The University seeks a dedicated leader characterised by passion, enthusiasm, and high ethical values, who respects the Christian heritage of HKBU and supports academic freedom and institutional autonomy. The appointee must be committed to building close relationships with students, staff, and alumni, and have extensive experience working collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs.

Period of Appointment
The initial appointment will normally be made on a five-year contract, renewable subject to mutual agreement.

Application and Nomination Procedures:
Asianet Consultants (H.K.) Limited has been appointed to support this search exercise. Interested parties are invited to send their applications (which should include a cover letter and a detailed resume) or nominations to Mr. Peter Liu at Unit 05, 29/F, Infinitus Plaza, 199 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, or via Apply Now. For enquiries, please call (852) 2530 0130. 

Review of applications and nominations will begin in July 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The University reserves the right not to fill the position or to fill it by invitation. All information provided will be used solely for the purposes of this search and kept strictly confidential. All personal data provided will be destroyed in due course.

Hong Kong Baptist University is committed to creating a diverse environment and is an equal opportunity employer.