CUHK president says student union can be revived if it complies with registration law
Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, stated that the institution's main student union could be re-established if it registers with authorities as required by law. He also refuted claims that the university relies too heavily on mainland Chinese students, highlighting ongoing diversification efforts. The interview with the South China Morning Post clarified the pathway for the union's revival.
The university leader pointed to the successful registration of two residential colleges as evidence that legal compliance is achievable. He indicated that university staff are currently assisting students with the necessary paperwork under the Societies or Companies Ordinance.
The central union's previous cabinet stepped down in early 2021 following warnings about national security law risks, which also led to the loss of administrative and financial support. Separately, Lo defended the institution's recruitment practices, asserting that ongoing efforts are being made to broaden the student body's diversity beyond mainland sources.
The revival of the student union could reshape campus activism and student representation in Hong Kong, provided the group accepts statutory registration. This may encourage other institutions to adopt similar compliance frameworks, potentially normalizing a more regulated student governance model. For mainland and local students alike, the outcome could influence the balance of campus discourse, though the university's diversification claims suggest a broader demographic shift is already underway.