The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) announced today (30 June) the appointment of Professor May Cheng May-hung as Vice President (Academic) for a term of three years with effect from 1 September 2023. Professor Cheng concurrently serves as the University’s Associate Vice President (Academic Affairs) cum Registrar. She is also a Chair Professor of Teacher Education at EdUHK.

Professor Cheng’s appointment followed a global search of over half a year by a Search Committee set up by the EdUHK Council last October, with the support of an executive search firm. She will succeed the incumbent Vice President (Academic) and Provost, Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, who will become the University’s President this September.

Describing Professor Cheng as the best person for the post, EdUHK Council Chairman Dr David Wong Yau-kar said, "Professor Cheng has a proven track record of distinguished academic achievements in the field of teacher education. Going forward, I am convinced that she will help further advance the academic standards of the University, in line with its core mission and strategic direction".

President (Designate) Professor Lee said, “I have every confidence in Professor Cheng, who has a thorough understanding of the University. She will work closely with the team to continue enhancing the University’s learning, teaching and curriculum design, and the professional development of teachers to nurture outstanding educators and professionals for society.”

Professor Cheng said, “The appointment is a great honour, and I wish to thank the Council for the trust placed in me. One of my top priorities is to widen the scope of our programme offerings and make necessary curricular changes, in tandem with the talent development strategy of the wider community for the betterment of Hong Kong and the country.”

Professor Cheng started her teacher education career at the Sir Robert Black College of Education in 1990. As a long-serving member of EdUHK and the former Hong Kong Institute of Education, she has taken up academic leadership positions at different stages, such as Acting Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Associate Dean (Programmes), Head of Department and Programme Director. From 2010 to 2011, Professor Cheng was appointed as a Reader in Professional Education in the Department of Education at the University of Oxford and a fellow of the Governing Body at Kellogg College.

In her capacity as Associate Vice President (Academic Affairs) cum Registrar, Professor Cheng has, since 2012, led the Registry at EdUHK to ensure the smooth implementation of the new 334 academic structure, as well as executing the University’s academic strategies, including broadening the programme offerings, reviewing and enhancing the curriculum frameworks, and devising admission strategies.

Professor Cheng’s main areas of research are teacher education and science education. She is a prolific writer, and is on the editorial board of various international journals. She has successfully obtained various research grants and project grants from the General Research Fund, the Quality Education Fund and the Education Bureau. Professor Cheng has also served as the President of the East Asian Association for Science Education and made contributions to the international science education arena.

Attached: Biographical Notes of Professor May Cheng May-hung

- Ends -