25 September 2023

The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) announced the appointment of Professor Joshua Mok Ka-ho, an internationally renowned comparative policy research scholar, as the Provost and Vice-President (Academic and Research) (PV/VPAR) with effect from 1 August 2024, to succeed Professor Hui Yer-van, who will retire at the end of July 2024. Professor Mok plans to assume duty in early June 2024 as PV/VPAR-Designate for a smooth transition.

As the Provost and Vice-President (Academic and Research), Professor Joshua Mok will lead HSUHK’s academic development, including the academic curriculum structure, programme development, and quality assurance, in-line with the University’s overall strategic direction and community needs. He will also develop policies and strategies for academic research, academic staff recruitment, student admissions, and knowledge exchange.

Professor Mok’s research accomplishments and administrative expertise are widely acknowledged. He is currently the Vice President and Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Comparative Policy at Lingnan University. Prior to that, Professor Mok has held leadership positions at various universities, including Vice President (Research and Development) and Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at The Education University of Hong Kong; Associate Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at The University of Hong Kong; and Chair Professor in East Asian Studies at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom.

Professor Mok has an extensive background in sociology, political science, social policy and social development. He has made significant contributions to the fields of comparative education policy, comparative development and policy studies, as well as social development in China and the East Asia region, with numerous publications. He is also the founding Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Asian Public Policy and Asian Education and Development Studies. 

Professor Mok has received a number of distinguished recognitions for his research expertise. He has been recognised as the “Top Leader in Social Sciences and Humanities” by the international academic research portal, Research.com; the “Top Leader of Comparative and International Education Research” by the World Council of Comparative Education Societies; and one of the “Top 2% Scientists” by Stanford University. He was named by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China as Changjiang Chair Professor to recognise his achievements in comparative education and Asian studies research. Professor Mok has also served as an international consultant for UNESCO and the British Council, conducting research projects related to the impact of COVID-19 on higher education.

In welcoming Professor Mok to the University, Professor Simon S M Ho, President of HSUHK, said “Professor Mok is a highly accomplished academic with excellent achievements in teaching, research and academic leadership. I have full confidence that Professor Mok will uphold the University’s ‘Liberal + Professional’ educational model, enhance teaching and research quality, and drive sustainable development at the University to nurture outstanding talent for the benefit of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.” President Ho expects HSUHK and Lingnan University will foster strategic collaborations with the new role of Professor Mok.