The Council of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) appointed on 22 April Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin as Provost for a five-year term starting 23 April. Professor Poon, currently Acting Provost, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), and Wei Lun Professor of Statistics, succeeds Professor Alan Chan Kam-leung, who completed his term in December last year.

As Provost, Professor Poon will assist the Vice-Chancellor and President in overseeing academic affairs, proposing future plans for the University, leading their implementation and evaluation, and advancing academic and research developments. She will also help develop strategies for faculty recruitment and formulate resource allocation plans for academic enterprises in order to foster an ideal environment for faculty and students.

The Council of CUHK set up a Search Committee on 29 October 2024, with a view to identifying a suitable candidate to succeed Professor Alan Chan. It engaged a professional recruitment consultancy to assist in the search process. The Search Committee advertised the position in December 2024, consulted key stakeholders on the expected qualities and roles of the Provost, and invited nominations. The Committee agreed to recommend, via the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Poon as the only candidate for appointment by the Council. The Vice-Chancellor and President supports the recommendation of the Committee.

Council Chairman Professor John Chai Yat-chiu, remarked: “Professor Poon has served CUHK for many years, demonstrating profound insight into the University’s development and educational innovation. Her exceptional achievements in academic innovation and higher education management make her an ideal candidate for the role of Provost,

“I am confident that her extensive experience will support the Vice-Chancellor and President in leading CUHK to new heights and a brighter future.”

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming said: “Professor Poon has dedicated 37 years to CUHK, always holding the University close to her heart. During her tenure as Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science, Associate Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, she championed innovative, student-centric teaching strategies, benefiting generations of learners.

“During her time as Acting Provost, we worked together closely to launch the five-year strategic planning process. I am certain that her broad institutional leadership experience and visionary foresight will steer further breakthroughs at CUHK.”

Professor Poon expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her by the Council and the Vice-Chancellor. “My connection with CUHK runs deep – it is not only where my academic journey began but also the alma mater that nurtured me,” she said. “To contribute my expertise in service of this institution is both a privilege and a responsibility. I pledge to dedicate my utmost efforts, working in close collaboration with the Council, the Vice-Chancellor and President, the senior management team and all colleagues, to drive CUHK’s future advancement.”

From CUHK, Professor Poon obtained her BSc in Mathematics in 1983 and MPhil in Statistics in 1985. After completing her PhD from University of California, Los Angeles, she joined CUHK’s Department of Statistics as a lecturer in 1987 and became a professor in 2001. She has held several key leadership roles at the University, including Associate Dean of Science (Education), Director of the Centre for Promoting Science Education, and Director of the Centre for Learning Enhancement and Research. She was appointed as Associate Vice-President in 2014 and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) the next year. She has served as Acting Provost since January 2025.

Her distinguished teaching has been recognised with the University Grants Committee’s inaugural UGC Award for Teaching Excellence in 2011. She has led major inter-institutional, interdisciplinary and intersectoral teaching development projects, founded the Hong Kong Teaching Excellence Alliance, served a number of key educational committees, and launched innovative programmes such as the 2+2 collaborative initiatives of CUHK and CUHK-Shenzhen, demonstrating her strong commitment to educational advancement.