HONG KONG: When Paul Chu Ching-wu took the realm of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology eight years ago, he was determined to be a cheerleader instead of a solemn heavyweight administrator.

"A university president is just like any other normal person who also needs to eat and walk," said Chu, who will step down as the university's president next month and who has been repeatedly ranked in polls as the most popular of Hong Kong's university presidents.

"I am just an older person walking ahead of students, and able to share my experience with them," he said.

Chu said being a university president does not mean he is necessarily superior to others. Instead, he believes an easy-going personality will help enhance the understanding of science in the community.

In a TV program produced by RTHK last year to popularize science, Chu made an appearance that took many in the audience aback, prompting them to ask whether that person was really Chu, after he exchanged his formal suit for a white robe, a metallic-looking mask and white wig.

Before that RTHK program, Chu played a cowboy role in a 3D-museum film in the US.

"Community understanding and support is important," he said.

Eight years ago, Chu's friends did not believe he would come to Hong Kong, because he had an established track record in the US. But Chu surprised his friends by spending three years in the SAR.

Later, he decided to stay for two more years because Hong Kong was in the grip of an economic recession at that time, and lack of good management would have adversely affected the university's development. He eventually decided to stay longer, while the university developed a 15-year blueprint.

During his term, Chu made decisions that left some gaping. Among them was the decision to admit Chan Yik-hei, a student who entered the university without studying matriculation and only obtained 12 points in the secondary five Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination.

The decision to admit Chan, who has an asteroid named after him after winning science competitions, drew criticism as some resentful students complained that they were not admitted, even though they had better exam results.

But Chu is convinced that Chan is gifted and committed to scientific innovation, and has the talent to become the second Thomas Edison.

"If there is another Chan Yik-hei, I would make the same decision. I have no regrets," Chu said.

In Chu's president office, there is a four-word Chinese calligraphy that says "It's better to pretend to be bewildered" hanging on the wall.

The calligraphy reminds Chu that sometimes it is better not to spend time arguing.

"As a leader, you cannot be swayed by feeling and act rashly," he said.

Rash or not, Chu will return to the US next month, a move that has surprised close friends who, as it turns out, mistakenly thought the delightfully unpredictable Chu would remain at the university longer.

(HK Edition 08/27/2009 page1)