To support accelerated and sustainable growth as well as build a more resilient, dynamic, and well-rounded management structure, the University has announced the reappointment of Professor Wing-tak Wong as Deputy President and Provost, the appointment of Professor Christopher Chao as Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), and the appointment of Professor Cao Jiannong as Vice President (Education). These world-renowned scholars bring outstanding leadership capabilities and extensive management experience, further strengthening PolyU’s position in the global higher education and innovation sector.

Professor Wong reappointed as Deputy President and Provost

Effective 1 December 2025, Professor Wing-tak Wong will continue as Deputy President and Provost, a position he has held since 2020. Professor Wong has played a pivotal role in strategic planning, organisational restructuring, talent recruitment, campus digital transformation, and teaching innovation. His tenure has seen the establishment of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, expansion of global partnerships, enhancement of curriculum design, and elevation of student learning experiences. He has also driven the launch of interdisciplinary centres and the transfer of research outcomes. Professor Wong is Chair Professor of Chemical Technology at PolyU and Chairman of the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification. He has published extensively in internationally renowned journals and received multiple academic honours for his contributions to nanoscience, inorganic chemistry, and various interdisciplinary research fields.

Professor Wong said, “Looking ahead, we shall continue advancing the sustainable development of the University and nurturing professionals with innovation and a global perspective. My focus will remain on elevating academic standards, innovating teaching practices, and cultivating holistic student development, thereby solidifying the foundation for PolyU’s ongoing success.”

Professor Chao appointed as Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation)

Professor Christopher Chao, an internationally recognised scholar in thermal and environmental engineering, commenced his term as the Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) on 1 October 2025. Previously serving as Vice President (Research and Innovation) at PolyU, Professor Chao has driven impressive research advancements, fostered interdisciplinary research collaborations, and promoted knowledge transfer and innovation, leveraging his deep understanding of both local and Mainland educational landscapes. He has authored over 220 journal papers, holds more than 20 patents, received numerous prestigious international awards, and is a fellow of various professional organisations. Professor Chao also holds the positions of Director of Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology and Chair Professor of Thermal and Environmental Engineering.

Professor Chao commented, “I am deeply honoured by the University’s trust in appointing me to this pivotal role. I shall strive to foster interdisciplinary research collaborations, deepen knowledge transfer, and cultivate strategic partnerships with diverse sectors to further elevate PolyU’s international standing and societal impact.”

Professor Cao appointed as Vice President (Education)

A globally renowned scholar in computing and data science, Professor Cao Jiannong assumed office on 1 September 2025 as Vice President (Education). Professor Cao specialises in parallel and distributed computing, wireless sensing and networking, big data and artificial intelligence, and mobile cloud and edge computing. He has published six co-authored and nine co-edited books, over 800 papers in major international journals and conference proceedings, holds 34 patents, and has received numerous awards for his research achievements. Professor Cao currently serves as Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing in the Department of Computing, and Director of the Institute for Higher Education Research and Development (IHERD).

As Vice President (Education), Professor Cao oversees the planning and development of learning and teaching across the University. He will lead the enhancement of academic programmes, curriculum and pedagogy; drive digital transformation and the adoption of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence; and implement institutional policies to ensure academic quality assurance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Click here to learn more about the University’s new Education 4.0 initiative led by Professor Cao.

A visionary leadership team

PolyU welcomes these appointments and is delighted to have a world-class management team committed to serving the University. Their unity and dedication will guide PolyU towards greater achievements and inject new momentum into consolidating PolyU’s position as an innovative world-class university. For more information on the biographies of the professors, please visit PolyU’s website.