New leadership
Prof. Liwen Jiang (left) and Prof. Alan Cheung (right).
CUHK is delighted to announce the appointments of Prof. Liwen Jiang as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (External Affairs) and Prof. Alan Cheung as Dean of Education, whose exceptional leadership and expertise will advance the University’s academic and research excellence.
Prof. Liwen Jiang as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (External Affairs)
Prof. Liwen Jiang has been appointed as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (External Affairs) to oversee international and Chinese Mainland affairs for a two-year term starting 1 November 2025. Prof. Jiang is concurrently Choh-ming Li Professor of Life Sciences and Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Science. Since joining the University in 2000 Prof. Jiang has progressed through the professorial track to become full Professor in 2007. He has held several roles within the Faculty of Science, demonstrating outstanding leadership in advancing academic development and fostering external collaborations.
Prof. Jiang obtained his PhD from Simon Fraser University in 1996 and conducted post-doctoral research at Washington State University. He has achieved remarkable success in scientific research, specialising in plant cell biology. Over the years, he has received numerous local and national research awards and led large research projects, actively collaborating with partners across the Chinese Mainland and internationally. Widely connected in the academic community, Prof. Jiang has been invited to speak at conferences and institutions. He also serves on the editorial boards of prominent international science journals.
Prof. Alan Cheung as Dean of Education
Prof. Alan Cheung has been appointed as Dean of Education for a term of five years, with effect from 6 January 2026. Prof. Cheung joined CUHK in 2012 and has since held several positions within the University. He is currently Professor and Chair in the Department of Educational Administration and Policy at CUHK. He also serves as Director of The Centre for University and School Partnership. He was the Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies) of the Faculty of Education, demonstrating extensive experience in both academic and leadership roles.
Prof. Cheung obtained his PhD from Brigham Young University in 2002 and served as Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University in 2008. He has a prolific academic research record and has received numerous awards. His primary research areas include school improvement, international education, educational technology and research synthesis. He has also been consistently recognised as one of the ‘World’s Top 2% Scientists’. Additionally, Prof. Cheung has deep insights into Hong Kong’s education sector and was President of the Hong Kong Educational Research Association and the Asia-Pacific Educational Research Association. He also maintains strong collaborations with institutions in the Chinese Mainland and overseas, actively promoting exchanges between the Faculty of Education and educational institutions in countries and regions along the Belt and Road.
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