We are thrilled to announce that Professor Rocky Tuan has been appointed as the newest APRU Ambassador as of January 8, 2025! In this role, Prof. Tuan will represent APRU’s mission and values at international forums and other key events. His exceptional leadership and remarkable contributions to higher education and research make him an excellent addition to the roster of prestigious APRU Ambassadors.

The APRU Ambassador is a distinguished role of APRU and is typically held by a highly respected academic or leader who has made significant contributions to higher education and research. The ambassador’s primary responsibilities include:

• Serving as a representative of APRU at various international forums and events, promoting the organization’s mission and values.
• Advocating for the importance of higher education and research collaboration across the Pacific Rim, and fostering partnerships between member universities.
• Providing strategic guidance and insights to APRU’s initiatives, helping to shape the organization’s direction and impact.
• Engaging with stakeholders, including university leaders, policymakers, and researchers, to enhance collaboration and address global challenges.

Prof. Tuan has served on the APRU Steering Committee since 2019, as vice-chair during November 2021-August 2023,  and as the APRU Chair since August 2023. We thank Prof. Tuan for his deep commitment to higher education and to APRU as he steps down as President and Vice-Chancellor of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), a role he has held since 2018. His tenure at CUHK has been marked by significant achievements, including the university’s rise in international rankings and the establishment of a medical school at CUHK-Shenzhen.

APRU Interim Chair, Professor Dawn Freshwater, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Auckland, praised Prof. Tuan’s impact, upon presenting the ambassador appointment and applauded his expertise and vision for the importance of higher education and research collaboration across the Pacific Rim.

Prof. Tuan’s strategic guidance and insights will help shape APRU’s initiatives, enhance collaboration, and address global challenges. His dedication to advancing higher education and research is truly inspiring.

As we congratulate Prof. Tuan on his retirement, we also celebrate his profound impact on higher education in the Asia-Pacific region. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us.

Join us in welcoming Prof. Rocky Tuan as APRU’s newest Ambassador and in thanking him for his outstanding service and leadership!