Following a lengthy three-tier process commenced in 2021, The Council of the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) today approved the appointment of Professor Freddy Boey as the next President, succeeding Professor Way Kuo who will retire from the presidency at the end of his third term in May 2023 after 15 years of distinguished service at CityU.

Professor Boey, an accomplished leader in higher education and an outstanding scholar, is currently Deputy President (Innovation and Enterprise) at the National University of Singapore.

His key research contributions have been in the use of functional biomaterials for medical devices. An accomplished inventor, Professor Boey has founded several spin-off companies to commercialize his cardiovascular, ocular and surgical implants. His customizable hernia mesh received USA FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval while his recent COVID Swab design received the CE Mark approval. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the science and engineering field, Professor Boey received Singapore’s highest scientific award for his lifetime achievement, the President’s Science & Technology Medal, in 2013. 

Professor Boey has a strong focus on world-class education, research and innovation, and has substantial experience in higher education management at a senior level. He has a proven track record in the transformation of both research and innovation culture, and recruitment of talented faculty. He has significant experience on the Mainland having spearheaded NUS’ recent substantial collaborative agreements with several municipal governments, enabling NUS to have one of the largest footprints of any university outside of China in the Mainland. 

Professor Boey received his Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Engineering) from Monash University, Australia, and a doctoral degree from National University of Singapore. He is an Academician of the Asia Pacific Academy of Materials; Founding Fellow of the prestigious Singapore Academy of Engineers. He was also awarded the prestigious Imperial College Faculty of Medicine Fellow Award and an Honorary Doctorate from Loughborough University.

Professor Boey (梅) also described his Mainland roots because his father, like many Hong Kong citizens, was born in the Sze Yao (四邑) area West of Guangdong, but migrated to Singapore to escape extreme poverty at the time.

Since the autumn of 2021, the Search and Nomination Committees have worked vigorously on an extensive global and local search following a stringent procedure before concluding the recommendation to the Council which is the final approving authority for appointment in accordance with the CityU Ordinance.

Professor Boey has met with a broad range of key constituents of the University community and had fruitful exchanges with these participants across a broad range of topics. Feedback from these groups has been overwhelmingly positive.

President Kuo warmly endorses and welcomes his successor, acknowledging that Professor Boey’s strong academic and management credentials provide the right foundation upon which to build the next chapter of CityU’s progress. Announcing the appointment, Mr Lester Huang, Chairman of the Council and the Nomination Committee, is very pleased to have Professor Boey as the successor to Professor Way Kuo: “Few people are like Professor Boey, who can demonstrate an excellent blend of global vision and thought leadership. I am confident that he can build on the solid foundation laid by Professor Way Kuo and lead CityU to new heights in academic excellence.”

Mr Huang added: “We have secured a worthy successor to Professor Kuo who continues to have my full support as he exercises the full range of his duties until the very last day of his term as President.”

Professor Richard Allen, Chair Professor and Acting Dean of the School of Creative Media, and a member of the Search Committee, welcomes the appointment of Professor Boey:

“Professor Freddy Boey is a distinguished scholar and transformative academic leader who knows the region like the back of his hand. Freddy has the vision and energy to take CityU to the next level. A worthy successor to Professor Way Kuo!”

The details of the appointment, including the date when Professor Boey will take up his appointment, will be decided upon by the Executive Committee of the Council in consultation with Professor Boey.

Media enquiries: Helen Mok (Tel: 3442 6827 or 9859 3321), Communications and Public Relations Office