HONG KONG: Setting a target rank for the Chinese University of Hong Kong in the global league table is deemed unnecessary, says its next vice-chancellor Joseph Sung Jao-yiu.

The 46-year-old university recently ranked 46th in the world according to the Times Higher Education - QS World University Rankings, surpassing Tsinghua University and Peking University in Beijing.

"Some of the standards used in the ranking are quite subjective. Its accuracy is arguable. My goal is to make our university excel in both teaching and research," said Sung, who was named the next vice-chancellor yesterday.

Being hailed as an "Asian hero" for saving lives during the unprecedented SARS outbreak in 2003, the medical professor said high expectations from the university community and the public will not daunt him.

The current associate dean of the medicine faculty said he believes the university will not lag behind its counterparts if the required effort is forthcoming.

The 50-year-old was unanimously approved by the university's council yesterday to succeed 64-year-old Lawrence Lau Juen-yee next July, on a five-year term.

"I notice that many hold high expectations of me. The hopes of the teaching staff, students and alumni may vary; (but) I will be devoted to my job and communicate with (all of) them. I may not be able to fulfill all their expectations, but I hope my decisions will please most stakeholders," he said.

Asked if he fears the possibility of being called to step down some time after taking the helm, Sung said he will just try to get on with his job and do it well.

"I won't think about it," he said resolutely. There will be a lot to worry about if he frets about it, he added.

Humorous throughout the press briefing, Sung did not directly say whether he feels nervous about taking the top post.

"I work under huge pressure in the hospital too," he said.

He expects to spend less time at the Prince of Wales Hospital, the university's teaching hospital, and on his research into gastroenterology.

He also promised that the intake of mainland and overseas students will not result in any cuts in the resources local students are enjoying.

Sung said he has not decided whether the university should open any mainland branch.

He also anticipates that the institution will not turn private in the next few years.

In 2003, Sung earned the title of "Asian hero" from Time magazine for his work against SARS when his team of doctors at the Prince of Wales Hospital won wide respect for devoting themselves to treating SARS patients, despite the risks of contracting the deadly disease.

(HK Edition 11/11/2009 page1)