NTHU President Gao Wei-yuan apologizes for U.S. job search

Gao Wei-yuan, the president of National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), has issued a formal apology following controversy regarding his decision to seek a presidency at a foreign institution shortly after securing a second term at NTHU.

Gao's second term officially began on May 1, 2024. However, just three days after the start of his term, he traveled to the United States to participate in the presidential selection process at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. While NTHU previously stated that his participation was a "personal decision" that did not affect university operations, the move drew criticism from faculty members who expressed feelings of disappointment.

In an electronic letter, Gao apologized for the "distress and anxiety" caused by the incident. He explained that he was motivated by curiosity, noting that "it is a rare phenomenon for a foreign university to recruit a sitting university president from Taiwan." He admitted to a lack of understanding regarding the cultural differences between Eastern and Western workplace norms.

The incident has prompted calls for legislative reform. Members of Taiwan's Legislative Yuan have suggested reviewing university president selection and reappointment mechanisms, including requirements for integrity pledges and the disclosure of external job applications. Taiwan's Minister of Education, Cheng Ying-yao, acknowledged deficiencies in current regulations and stated the Ministry would review governance, integrity, and transparency measures.