The Government today noted the resignation of Prof Wei Shyy as President of the University of Science & Technology (UST) and thanked him for his contributions to both the university and Hong Kong's higher education sector over the years.

Prof Shyy has tendered his resignation to the UST Council, which will take effect from October 19 next year.

In its response to media enquiries, the Education Bureau said Prof Shyy's contributions in areas such as enhancing the UST's capacity in scientific research and spearheading the development of its Guangzhou campus has helped forge a solid foundation for the school to go from strength to strength.

The bureau also noted that the university will initiate its process of a global search for the next president.

It pointed out that such recruitment is part of the university's institutional autonomy and is taken care of by the UST Council under the authority conferred to it by the relevant ordinance.

The Government said it has full confidence in the council in selecting the most suitable candidate for the post based on the university's long-term interests and development needs.