CUHK Professor Apologizes for Remarks on Women, Gender Equality
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago4 MIN
Summary
CUHK Associate Professor of Economics Chong Tai-leung (莊太量) publicly apologized on September 29 for remarks he made during a New Asia College biweekly assembly on September 22, suggesting that women with high academic achievements were "useless" and should prioritize finding wealthy husbands over pursuing doctorate degrees. Chong, who also serves as Vice President of New Asia College, stated he deeply respects women and affirms that both genders hold equally important positions and capabilities in society .
Key Points
- Chong Tai-leung is Associate Professor of Economics at CUHK and Vice President of New Asia College
- The controversial speech occurred during a New Asia College biweekly assembly on the evening of September 22
- Specific remarks included "women with high GPA are useless, they just end up needing to catch a rich husband" and "women should not pursue PhDs as their youth is precious"
- CUHK had already communicated concerns to Chong about his language and the need to consider feelings of different audiences
- In his September 29 social media post, Chong acknowledged failing to carefully consider his choice of words and venue
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about gender equality discourse in Hong Kong's higher education sector, where a senior academic's remarks sparked public backlash over perceived objectification of women . Chong's apology and acknowledgment that "one learns from experience" suggests potential implications for how universities handle similar incidents involving faculty members' public statements .
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about gender equality discourse in Hong Kong's higher education sector, where a senior academic's remarks sparked public backlash over perceived objectification of women . Chong's apology and acknowledgment that "one learns from experience" suggests potential implications for how universities handle similar incidents involving faculty members' public statements .